Things To Do
in Apatity

A clear, warming fish soup often made with fresh or smoked local fish from nearby lakes — found in local cafés and family restaurants.

Must-Try!

Siberian-style meat dumplings served with butter, sour cream or vinegar; a ubiquitous, inexpensive comfort food available in many eateries.

Locally smoked whitefish or salmon from regional lakes; sold at markets and served in restaurants as starters or snacks.

Wild-picked mushrooms and berries (in season) are common in preserves, soups, and as condiments — look for jars at markets or homemade offerings at cafés.

Use formal greetings ("Здравствуйте") with strangers and use surnames and patronymics in formal situations. A firm handshake and direct eye contact are common.

Remove shoes when entering someone’s home if the host requests it; hosts may offer slippers. It’s polite to bring a small gift (sweets or flowers).

Public displays of affection are moderate; Russians may seem reserved with strangers and less prone to smiling at people they don’t know. Respect local war memorials and historical sites.

Avoid sensitive political debates with strangers. Discussing nature, outdoor pursuits, food and local life is usually safe and appreciated.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory — in restaurants leave about 5–10% for table service if service was good. Round up taxi fares, tip guides modestly, and don’t expect tips at small kiosks.

Russian rubles are the currency. Cards (Visa/Mastercard and increasingly contactless payments) are accepted at hotels, larger shops and restaurants; small shops, markets and remote operators often prefer cash. ATMs are available in town but bring cash for rural excursions.

Short but bright — long daylight hours (midnight sun influence in the far north) make it ideal for hiking, photography and berry-picking. Mosquitoes and midges can be a nuisance in wetlands; bring repellant.

Crisp, colorful tundra and birch foliage; unpredictable weather with quick drops in temperature. Good time for mushroom foraging and early northern lights as nights lengthen.

Long, cold winters with deep snow and limited daylight (polar twilight) — excellent for skiing, snowmobiling and aurora viewing but dress in layers and prepare for icy conditions and short days.

Snow melts can make trails muddy; a transitional season with increasing daylight and an early flowering of tundra plants. Some roads and trails may still be inaccessible early in the season.

Multi-route trails across high plateaus and tundra with lakes and ridges; offers panoramic vistas and alpine flora in summer.

A popular area for day hikes with rocky ridgelines and dramatic viewing points close to Kirovsk.

One of the notable peaks in the Khibiny range; a rewarding climb for experienced hikers with great summit views.

Gentler walks along the lake shoreline suitable for easy day hikes, birdwatching and photography.

The small regional airport serving Apatity and Kirovsk (seasonal and domestic flights). It’s the most convenient for direct access to the area, but flight schedules can be limited.

The main regional airport for Murmansk Oblast, offering more frequent domestic connections; roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive from Apatity depending on conditions — ground transfer by car or bus is common.