Would you like to see the Northern Lights with your own eyes? In Russia this is possible. After all, our country most of its territory lies in the northern latitudes. And you are probably interested in the question: where can you see the northern lights in Russia? To help everyone interested - a kind of guide, our small article. We will help you choose a route and give some simple tips on organizing your trip. So, how and where to see the northern lights in Russia?
Aurora - what is it?
Encyclopedias give a rather dry explanation of the aurora phenomenon. Its occurrence is explained by the glow of the rarefied upper layers of the atmosphere, which occurs due to the interaction of molecules and atoms with larger charged particles entering the atmosphere from space.
Simply put, this means the penetration into the upper atmosphere of our planet of millions of tons of tiny particles thrown into space by the Sun. By interacting with oxygen and nitrogen, they cause this mysterious natural phenomenon.
About magnetic poles
Of course, it’s not only in Russia that the northern lights illuminate the sky. It is possible to observe such glows in the regions of the magnetic poles of our planet. As you know, they do not coincide with geographical ones. That is why the places where this natural phenomenon can be observed are located further south - at a latitude of about 67-70⁰. Sometimes in Russia the northern lights can be found in more southern territories - sometimes even in Tver and Moscow.
Since our planet has two poles, then, accordingly, there are two auroras: southern and northern. Admiring the southern lights is a big challenge. Why? For the simple reason that it is not so easy to find a suitable habitable place at the desired latitude in the southern hemisphere.
And we have?
In contrast, the northern hemisphere has many corners in which the aurora can be observed. There are places in Russia where seeing the northern lights is not a problem. Those who want to admire this miracle of nature do not even need to travel outside the country.
Unfortunately, it is not enough to simply go to the places where it can be observed. This magical spectacle will take place only if many circumstances coincide successfully. Sometimes a trip to the north undertaken for this purpose may turn out to be fruitless, for which you should be mentally prepared.
But the chances of success increase if you follow a number of simple tips.
When can you see the northern lights in Russia?
Auroras can be observed during a certain season, which stretches from the autumn to the spring equinox (from September to March). This does not mean that it is possible to see the sky illuminated by it only in these months. Sometimes the probability of its appearance exists, for example, in August.
But still, most likely, you will be able to admire the miracle of nature best in the winter months. Plan your trip between November and February. In high latitudes, where the northern lights occur in Russia, the duration of the night in these months is 18-20 hours. This increases the chance of seeing even a faint glow. According to experienced observers, the best time to “hunt” for the lights is at night - from 10 pm to 3 am.
How to increase your chances of catching the aurora?
Track solar flares
The emission of microscopic particles by the sun is the main condition without which the aurora is impossible. When it happens, within 2-5 days the particles reach the earth's atmosphere. It is at this time that it makes sense to take a trip to the desired latitudes.
The probability of the aurora appearing is directly related to the power of the emission. The higher it is, the higher your chances. Weather observations in space are carried out by many observatories scattered around the world. There are them in Russia (we are talking about the Institute of Terrestrial Magnetism of the Russian Academy of Sciences), and in the USA (observations are carried out by the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska), and in Finland (they have their own Meteorological Institute), as well as in the UK (at the University of Lancaster) and etc. You can find the latest news about space weather on these agencies' websites.
Each of the sites publishes the values of the magnetic activity index, where one denotes the calmest level, and nine the most stormy, fraught with damage to electronics. The phenomenon that interests us is possible when this index reaches a value of 4-5 or higher. Having discovered increased magnetic activity, you can pack your backpack and go to one of the northern regions. There are also a number of smartphone applications that provide auroral forecasts.
Try to get away from the city
In urban environments, the abundance of electric lighting leads to so-called light pollution. At the same time, the night sky looks less contrasty and the aurora is either not visible at all or is very difficult to see. The level of light noise in a city depends on its size. The larger it is, the farther from its border you should move away.
For a metropolis, this distance is 50-70 km. If we are talking about a small village, 5-10 km is enough.
"Catch" clear weather
The fact is that the altitude of the aurora glow is more than 100 km. The clouds are always located lower, that is, they can block all the beauty of the spectacle from you. A better view can be achieved in a clear sky, which in winter conditions happens in frosty weather and when it starts to get cold.
Stay north
The closer you are to the Arctic Circle, the more places you can see the northern lights in Russia, and the greater your chances of observing them. They increase further if you go further north. But the main factor is the already mentioned magnetic activity index. If it reaches 8-9 points, you will be able to see the northern lights from your own window, even if you are a resident of the southern region.
How to organize a trip
A car (your own or rented) will be very useful for northern lights hunters. There are two reasons to travel exclusively by car - you can quickly leave the urban area of light pollution and stop at any site convenient for viewing. But, more importantly, you can stay warm in the car.
Before your trip, fill your tank full and take a couple of spare cans of gasoline as well. To keep the car warm, do not turn off the engine. This means constantly heating, which requires serious fuel consumption.
Other Important Points
Be sure to take a thermos with hot tea. Don't rely on alcohol to warm you up. It is only suitable for short distances. It is best to drink alcohol no earlier than you return to urban conditions.
Warm clothes are not even discussed; they are assumed by default. But many people forget that shoes should also be warm and of very high quality. After all, you have to stand motionless on frozen ground or snow for a long time.
If taking high-quality photos is a fundamental issue for you, be sure to stock up on a tripod.
About technology in northern conditions
All equipment (camera, phone, flashlight, etc.) can discharge very quickly in the cold. Be sure to provide spare batteries and accumulators. They should be kept warm - in the car or in the deep inner pockets of your clothes.
Your camera must be of high quality. Photos taken with a point-and-shoot camera will most likely come out blurry. They can be more or less legible only when the light is very bright. Therefore, if you want to capture a high-quality spectacle, try to at least temporarily acquire a “DSLR” (borrow from friends) and understand its structure. You will need some experience with long exposure photography. You may even need to take a few lessons in photography techniques.
Where exactly to go for the spectacle
Where in Russia can you see the northern lights? Theoretically, our country has almost unlimited opportunities to observe this rare natural phenomenon. After all, half the country is crossed by the Arctic Circle. The much-desired celestial show can be observed everywhere - from Karelia to Chukotka.
But in practice, in the Russian winter, getting to most places is a great problem. Temperatures in some areas can be -45 degrees or even lower. We are no longer talking about how much a flight to one of the remote corners of our Motherland will cost.
That is why, if you live in St. Petersburg or Moscow, you should go hunting for the polar lights in one of two regions - Murmansk or Arkhangelsk. This is much more convenient and will cost you an order of magnitude cheaper than a trip to Siberia or the Far East. In addition, winter in these areas is not as severe as, for example, in Taimyr.
If saving is not important to you and the quality of roads and decent infrastructure come to the fore, you can go abroad in search of the aurora. In the northern countries - Sweden, Iceland, Norway, Finland - you can admire this fantastic natural spectacle right from your hotel window, staying warm and comfortable.
In which Russian cities are the northern lights best visible?
If you choose the Murmansk region, pay attention to the towns of Vidyaevo, Teriberka, Polyarny, Pecheneg, or choose another small settlement where light pollution is negligible. The most important thing is to make sure in advance that in winter the road to your favorite place by car will be accessible. A flight to Murmansk by plane will cost you from 4 to 8 thousand rubles.
Places where you can see the northern lights in Russia are also on the Kola Peninsula in the Khibiny Mountains. Geographically, they lie further south than Murmansk, but in elevated conditions it is much easier to see a clear sky, and the phenomenon of light pollution is completely absent there. Unfortunately, this area cannot boast of a developed infrastructure. Hotels are difficult to access and most may close during the winter.
Other routes
Those choosing places where you can see the northern lights in Russia can be recommended to go to the Arkhangelsk region. Theoretically, you can see the aurora while in Arkhangelsk itself, but in terms of latitude in this regard, it is inferior to Murmansk. That is why it is better to prefer the north of the region. You will most likely have to get there and back by plane, which will require an amount from 4,600 to 7,300 rubles.
This natural phenomenon is not uncommon in the Komi Republic. Sometimes you can see it in August while in Syktyvkar. The chances increase when traveling in a northern direction - to Vorkuta. On snow-covered winter roads, motorists should be especially careful. At night and at dusk, the road completely merges with the snow-covered sides. If you leave the road, you risk getting stuck up to your roof in deep snow.
The flight itself to Vorkuta may require lower costs if you split it into two separate flights with a transfer in Syktyvkar.
For those who are not afraid of cold weather
For extreme sports enthusiasts and other adventure lovers, we can recommend a small settlement called Khatanga, located in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. It is located in the very heart of Taimyr and is famous for its average annual temperature of minus 13 degrees Celsius.
Khatanga is one of the most northerly settlements in Russia. There it is possible to observe the highest quality aurora compared to Murmansk and even Iceland. Direct flights to Khatanga are available from Norilsk and Krasnoyarsk.
One of the most “tested” places in this regard in the Krasnoyarsk Territory is the Taimyr Nature Reserve, the nature of which has hardly been altered by human activity. However, oddly enough, these places are very popular among tourists.
It should only be recalled that the path to Khatanga, which serves as the administrative center for the reserve, is quite long and not at all cheap.
Northern lights abroad
The “capital” of Spitsbergen, in Norway, is Longyearbyen. It lies at a northern latitude of 78⁰. Anyone who wants to get even closer to the North Pole can only be advised to take part in an Arctic expedition.
It is technically easy to fly to Spitsbergen, but each flight from Russia involves a couple of transfers and will cost you from 26,000 rubles. You can save a lot of money (up to 10,000 rubles) if you make up your own flight from two separate ones - for example, from Moscow to Oslo (this will cost you 4-10 thousand rubles) and then from Oslo to Longyearbyen (from 4 to 13 thousand . rub.)
There are places where you can see the northern lights abroad in Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Finland, but the topic of this article is still our country.
Let's return to our homeland
Russian patriotic tourists, indifferent to the amenities of European hotels and not afraid of the extreme Siberian cold, can be recommended to go to Yakutia. Watching the northern lights there is an activity for the most frost-resistant. Everyone knows that this is where Oymyakon is located - the pole of cold of our country. In winter, frost here can reach 50 degrees or more.
As compensation, you will receive clear skies with minimal air pollution. This is due to the fact that the majority of the republic’s territory (over 90%) has not been industrially developed. This is one of the places where in Russia the northern lights are observed in all their glory from October to April.
The article tells about those corners of the planet where you can observe the Northern Lights - the most beautiful light show organized by nature itself.
Each person is unique, so travelers with their desires and dreams are also different. Some people prefer to relax on the sea coast, while others prefer the mountains. Some people like to snowboard, while others like diving and the underwater world. There are people who travel to another country just to look at its sights or architecture, others - to enjoy the beauty of its landscapes. And there are those who travel around the world to look at the most beautiful natural phenomena. And one of them is the beautiful and amazing Northern Lights.
If you are wondering where in the world you can see the most beautiful Northern Lights, then this article is especially for you.
What are the Northern Lights?
There is a saying: “Whoever has seen the Northern Lights will have good luck all his life!”
To begin with, it’s worth talking about what this natural phenomenon is and why it occurs at all. The Northern Lights owe their name to the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora. This phenomenon occurs when highly charged electrons from the solar wind collide with various elements contained in the atmosphere above the North Pole. The sun periodically ejects huge streams of electrically charged particles into outer space. When they reach our planet, they burn up as they pass through the earth's atmosphere, resulting in light shows of incredible beauty.
Interesting fact: The Northern Lights are called that only in Russian; in most others the phenomenon is called “Aurora Borealis”. In Finnish it will be “revontulet” (in our language “fire foxes”).
When can you see the Northern Lights?
It is very difficult to accurately predict the time of occurrence of the Northern Lights, but we can tell you about those parts of the planet in which they occur most often. The text also provides useful tips in case you fail to see the light show.
Best Places to See Aurora Borealis
There are several countries and locations where you can see the Northern Lights. True, even at these venues, a light show is not a guaranteed phenomenon.
- Norway, Spitsbergen.
This is an island located in such a part of the world as the Arctic, and is part of. It is located between the 74th and 81st parallels. The higher this setting, the higher the likelihood that you will be able to experience beautiful light shows. The best time to see the Northern Lights on Svalbard is between November and February. In addition to this natural phenomenon, tourists have the opportunity to observe the polar night. It is at this time of year that you cannot see sunlight in the Arctic, so the sun does not appear in the sky. But you can watch the light blue twilight, which is the best time of the day when you have a chance to see the Northern Lights. If you go to Svalbard in any other month, the only thing you will be able to see are polar bears, walruses and reindeer, as well as endless Arctic landscapes. Another opportunity to see the Northern Lights in Norway is.
- Finland, Kakslauttanen.
This is the name of a Finnish resort located in, also in the Arctic. Excellent conditions have been created for tourists here, given that the resort is located in relative proximity to the North Pole. You can stay in Kakslauttanen in cozy glass igloos or in one of the traditional wooden cottages with a fireplace and Finnish sauna. In addition to watching the Northern Lights, here you can arrange a reindeer safari, snowmobiling and skiing. Located not far from the resort Urho National Park, which is an interesting place for excursions.
Observation deck for watching the light show
- Sweden, Jukkasjärvi.
It was in this Swedish village that Sweden's first hotels made entirely of ice were built. The Northern Lights are one of the main attractions of this place. So that the lights of Yukkasjärvi do not interfere with enjoying this wonderful spectacle, night flights are organized for tourists to places where the Northern Lights appear in all their glory. In addition, here is located Esrange Space Center, in which everyone can see the starry sky. As with any Arctic resort, there are all sorts of winter activities available, such as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
They also organize a good show in Sweden
- Iceland, Reykjavik.
For residents, the Icelandic capital is perhaps the most accessible place to observe the Northern Lights, if you do not take into account places in our country. In addition, it is a country with stunning nature that will not leave anyone indifferent. This is a simple paradise for introverts and lovers of fabulous landscapes.
Iceland - one of the best viewing points of the Aurora Borealis
- North of Canada.
And this, on the contrary, is the most expensive option to see the Northern Lights. In northern Canada, this natural phenomenon can be observed almost everywhere. Even if you don't get to witness nature's light show, Canada is full of both natural and man-made attractions. To see the Northern Lights in Canada is worth a visit and National.
Where in Russia can you see the Northern Lights?
On the territory of our country, this phenomenon is observed in almost the entire north, starting from Chukotka and ending with Karelia. However, most of these places are very difficult to get to, and temperatures there drop to extremely low values. Therefore, it is better to go to the Northern Lights in Russia or the Murmansk region.
Photo of the Northern Lights from the ISS
For your convenience, we have made navigation through the article so that you can quickly find the information you need.
Northern (or polar) lights, celestial carnival, fox dances, Aurora borealis - this natural phenomenon has many names, each has the right to exist, and in this article we will tell you everything that is known about this miracle of nature.
In recent decades, the eyes of all inhabitants of our planet have been turned to space. Scientists are actively studying various galaxies and dreaming of flying to Mars. For these purposes, unique devices and techniques are being created that will allow us in the future to learn a little more about all the planets of the Solar System. However, our native Earth still surprises with a considerable number of unusual phenomena, the nature of which scientists cannot yet fully reveal. The northern lights can easily be classified as such mystical mysteries. The heart of every observer skips a beat with delight at the sight of the colorful dancing lights in the night sky, which change their shape every second, transforming into fancy ribbons, magic curtains that cover the entire horizon, and rare flashes. Many legends and scientific works are devoted to the description of the northern lights. However, you can fully experience all the magic of the heavenly carnival only by observing this splendor with your own eyes.
In which countries can you see the northern lights?
Scientists believe that the celestial glow appears much more often at the South Pole than at the North Pole. However, getting here is extremely difficult, and there are practically no human settlements where travelers could stay in this place. Therefore, it is worth considering other routes for hunting for a mysterious phenomenon.
So where is the easiest place to see the northern lights? This can be done abroad and in our country. If you are ready to go to the very ends of the world for a good shot and unique video shooting, then consider the following countries as a travel destination:
- North of Russia;
- Finland;
- North of Norway;
- Sweden;
- Canada;
- Alaka;
- Greenland Island (Denmark);
- Iceland.
The northern lights are clearly visible in Alaska, and during the period of the highest activity of the luminary, “fox lights” also appear in the sky over Scotland.
In many countries, special sites, villages and hotels are equipped for hunters of mysterious natural phenomena. In certain seasons, they are all packed to capacity with people wanting to capture colorful splashes with their equipment. If you're planning to capture the northern lights in Finland, then head to Kilpisjärvi. Local residents claim that for every four nights there are three, during which you can enjoy the heavenly carnival. And in Sodankylä a similar phenomenon is observed every second night. “Astropolis” was built here at the beginning of the twentieth century; this town is intended for studying and observing the northern lights. In Finland, special halls are equipped for those who cannot go in pursuit of the “spirit dances”, but want to see them. In them, the glow is reproduced artificially, but at a very high level. Therefore, a complete illusion of a real heavenly carnival is created.
Travelers going to Norway to see the northern lights usually go to the small provincial town of Alta. Not far from it, on Mount Khalde, there is the world's oldest observatory, where you can see celestial flashes. It was built at the end of the 19th century and is now closed. But for all adventurers who are willing to spend four hours climbing, the observation deck of the observatory is always available, from where a simply incomparable spectacle of the iridescent multi-colored night sky opens up. For those who travel to Norway to see the northern lights, a special hotel with igloo houses was even built near Alta. This gives the trip a real local flavor.
In Sweden, Bjorkliden and Abisko are the best places to watch the “fox lights,” and in Iceland they even built a special hotel with panoramic windows, where you can see the northern lights in warmth and comfort.
Where in Russia can you see the northern lights?
Our country has almost vast territories, so to see the northern lights in Russia, you can choose different places. It is necessary to take into account that you will have to travel away from noisy cities that are a source of light pollution. If you are wondering where to see the northern lights in Russia, then consider one of the routes we offer:
Good shots of colorful flashes can be taken in Taimyr and the Krasnoyarsk Territory.
Northern Lights Observation
The Northern Lights in Russia and other parts of the globe depend on solar activity and clear skies. This mysterious phenomenon is quite difficult to predict or predict, but there are still seasons and periods when the chances of capturing colorful flashes in the sky on camera are significantly increased.
So when can you see the northern lights? Heavenly dances occur from autumn to spring. Scientists specify that this period begins on the day of the autumn equinox and ends on the date of the spring equinox. However, there are regions where you can observe “fox lights” in August and even in April.
The best time of day for photography is the time interval from nine o'clock in the evening to half past twelve o'clock at night. The northern lights during this period are the brightest and most pronounced; later the magnetic poles align, so the glow becomes barely visible and disappears altogether. In some northern regions of Russia, local residents watch heavenly dances from six in the evening to one in the morning. Sometimes the colorful phenomenon does not leave the sky for several days in a row.
The nature of the northern lights and its scientific research
Image of the interaction of solar energy with the Earth's magnetic poles
Today, the nature of this most beautiful phenomenon can be explained to you by almost any physicist, because it has long been no secret that the Sun is “to blame” for the occurrence of the celestial carnival.
Our star is a huge and hot ball of gas. Its basis is helium and hydrogen. Their atoms constantly interact with each other, and especially hot ones form the solar corona, enveloping the ball itself in a dense cloud. It regularly throws particles and atoms of gas into space, which fly away in all directions at great speed. Scientists call them the “solar wind,” which reaches our planet. Usually, after the next gas release, this takes about five days, because particles fly in a vacuum at a speed close to one thousand kilometers per second.
X-ray image of the Sun with solar energy emissions
It is at the moment of this stream’s meeting with the Earth that magic is born, for which people at all times have come up with the most poetic names. Some of the active particles are reflected by our atmosphere and returned to space, but most of the flow is attracted by the planet's magnetic field. The fact is that the Earth in some way resembles a huge magnet, the lines of force of which converge at the poles. Attracted particles of the solar wind pass along all lines and enter the atmosphere just within the South and North Poles.
Since our atmosphere consists of nitrogen and oxygen, arriving helium and hydrogen atoms inevitably collide with them. As a result, the particles begin to emit light of different spectrums. If a nitrogen molecule loses atoms during a collision, it will emit blue and violet colors. In cases where it remains in its original state, the color will shimmer in all shades of red. Oxygen molecules almost never lose atoms, and therefore usually emit a green or reddish glow. It is this light in the night sky that is the northern lights. A video of this phenomenon always allows scientists to understand which molecules emit light, and therefore in which layers of the atmosphere the collision with the solar wind occurred.
After our explanation, it seems that there is nothing mystical or unusual in the heavenly lights, but scientists often still cannot reveal all the mysteries of this phenomenon. For example, the connection between the northern lights and weather has not been studied. Although almost all the peoples of the Far North are aware that this colorful natural phenomenon often appears on clear, windless and frosty nights. In addition, not so long ago, scientists found out that the name given to the heavenly lights by the Sami, the people living on the Kola Peninsula and in the north of the Scandinavian countries, is not so ridiculous. In their language, there are several terms denoting the strange heavenly dance, but the most common is “guovssakhas”. If you try to translate it into Russian, you will get something similar to “the light that is heard.” For a long time, experts in the field of studying the northern lights believed that this was just a poetic name that did not carry much meaning. However, to the surprise of many, it turned out that fairy lights in the night sky are the source of low frequency electromagnetic waves. They are almost identical to the natural waves emitted by the human brain. In addition, during the moments of luminescence, many people are exposed to infrasound, the effect of which on our body has not yet been fully studied. The ancients called this phenomenon the “call of the ancestors” and said that those who heard it during the northern lights could speak to the spirits, follow them into white silence and never return to their homes.
Ancient beliefs about the northern lights
The magnetic poles are slowly shifting, so at different times the celestial carnival could be seen in different parts of the world. Therefore, our ancestors could observe the northern lights in many regions of Russia, China, Scandinavia and North America. Many legends are associated with this mysterious phenomenon among the Norwegians and Indians who lived in Canada. Moreover, each nation came up with its own explanation for the strange glow in the sky; often there were several similar stories.
Beautifully called the Northern Lights Finns. According to their beliefs, it is the result of the swing of the tail of a huge celestial fox. It raises clouds of star dust, which glow and shimmer in different colors in the dark for a long time. That’s why the Finns say, when they see flashes in the sky, that “fox lights” have lit up.
There are many legends about the northern lights among the Norwegians. According to one of them, the glow shows the location of the Bifrost bridge, which separates the worlds of people and gods. If desired, at the moment of contact of these worlds, the gods can go down the bridge and spend some time next to a person. According to another version of the Norwegians, the reflections of the lights are something other than the light from the armor of the Valkyries. These divine maidens always fly over the battlefield and take with them the souls of the bravest warriors to give them eternal life in Valhalla. In addition, the Norwegian tribes believed that after the heavenly dance, good weather would definitely be replaced by winds and blizzards. The Northern Lights served as a warning to them that was worth heeding.
Northern Lights Photography
There was a special attitude towards the mysterious phenomenon among the Eskimos. They considered the colorful flashes in the night sky to be something completely natural, but requiring great respect. Legends say that the fires appear when the gods play something like football. The skull of a black walrus serves as their ball, which they throw to each other. If the northern lights become too bright, you can clap your hands and they will immediately disappear. And to return the lights back, you need to whistle loudly. However, the Eskimos believed that the gods could end their games at any moment and turn their gaze to people. Therefore, during the moments of the heavenly carnival, you should not leave the house without weapons, because in battle not every person has the opportunity to defeat the heavenly deities.
In legends North American and Canadian Indians, as well as Alaska Natives, the northern lights were associated with the souls of the dead. In some beliefs, the lights appeared when spirits opened the windows of their houses in search of new neighbors. Other myths may tell that spirits descend to earth only with special lanterns. They roam in scattered groups and take with them the souls of dead hunters who got lost along the way, illuminating their path.
Most ancient legends are full of romance and their description of the northern lights is surprisingly poetic. Perhaps this is why people strive to see this mysterious phenomenon with their own eyes at least once in their lives.
What affects the brightness and colors of the northern lights?
Northern lights over the tundra of the Kola Peninsula
The northern lights can be seen in regions close to the South and North Poles, and scientists say that in different parts of the globe they differ in the intensity and color of the glow. When are the northern lights brightest? And what can affect its color? Let's try to understand these interesting questions.
Modern scientists know quite a lot about celestial flashes, but continue to study them. After all, this phenomenon is closely related to processes occurring not only on Earth, but also in space. It is now known that the frequency of occurrence of the northern lights depends on solar activity. During the peak activity period of the eleven-year cycle, the emission of solar particles increases noticeably, which means that people will observe “fox lights” much more often.
Typically, the northern lights appear in the atmosphere at an altitude of 90 to 130 km above the earth's surface. In this case, the color of the glow will directly depend on how high the solar wind collided with particles of the earth’s atmosphere. If the celestial flashes are cast in all shades of blue and violet, it means that helium and hydrogen molecules collided with nitrogen in the upper layers of the atmosphere. Yellow, green and red glow colors provide oxygen. And it is found in large quantities in the lower layers of the atmosphere.
Interestingly, the northern lights appear before the eyes of observers in different forms. Glow hunters identify several of the most common types of glows:
- Glimpses;
- spots;
- Flashes;
- Arcs;
- Crowns and so on.
Typically, the northern lights begin with an arc that has an uneven glow intensity. If pulsation occurs, the form of the natural phenomenon changes.
Arc-shaped glow of the northern lights
Today, experts already know that the heavenly carnival can last from two or three seconds to several hours. The duration of the northern lights also depends on the activity of our star.
Scientists usually determine the intensity of the glow visually; for these purposes, a special scale has been developed, which is used by the entire international community. Measurements on it are carried out using a four-point system:
- A glow comparable to the Milky Way is rated at I point.
- If the light of the northern lights resembles moonlight through light cirrus clouds, then it is given a score of II.
- III points receives a glow identical to that of the moon penetrating through cumulus clouds.
- The celestial carnival, shining like the full moon on a clear night, is assigned an intensity of IV points.
After long observations and studies of the natural phenomenon, scientists found that with a glow of I, II and III points, “fox lights” appear to be one color. But with IV points, the captured video of the northern lights will delight you with different tints and transitions from one shade to another.
The Northern Lights Photography Process
Many novice photographers and travelers often complain that even with professional equipment, the pictures are not always of high quality and clear. Sometimes beginners do not have time to find the right point for shooting and, in their search, they miss all the beauty of the glow. That's why we've put together a few tips that will make your photos of the northern lights in Russia absolutely stunning:
- Before nightfall, be sure to go to the place from where you plan to observe the mysterious celestial phenomenon. This way you can mark several of the most advantageous points for shooting.
- Good photos cannot be taken without using a tripod. At the same time, it should be equipped with rubber pads, which will allow you to carry equipment without feeling the cold through gloves.
- If you have to film the northern lights from frozen water, first trodden a few paths, but do not go far from the shore. This can be very dangerous, especially at night.
- Different photographic equipment has its own parameters, so the shutter speed varies: somewhere 2-3 seconds is enough, somewhere from 15 or more. Test to find out.
- Stars often look a little blurry in photos. To avoid this, do not make the shutter speed longer than 24 seconds. However, if the light intensity is weak, the shutter speed will have to be increased, otherwise the shot will not work.
- Do not forget that the northern lights are not static. It constantly changes its shape and intensity. Therefore, with long exposures, beginners often find shapeless spots in the picture instead of a unique multicolor.
For a successful photo shoot, it is important to be able to track good clear weather and the northern lights forecast.
Tourist against the backdrop of the northern lights
For a successful meeting with the Aurora, it is important to determine when you can see the northern lights. However, even with all the components of success, hunters for “fox lights” cannot always boast of an interesting journey. Often on a trip they have to face a number of problems that can be avoided if they prepare for it responsibly.
- Before purchasing tickets to certain cities, be sure to study the northern lights forecast. It is based on solar activity and is posted by various observatories around the world on specialized websites. If you are traveling to, then experienced guides will advise you on this issue.
- Keep in mind that after a significant release of solar energy into space, you will have no more than five days left. During this period, the solar wind will reach the earth's atmosphere.
- The observation point for the heavenly carnival can be an open field, a frozen lake or a small hill. It is better to look for several places in advance for a beautiful landscape.
- Remember that the “spirit dance” can only be seen in clear weather. Because of the thin clouds, you can also observe the radiance, but it is unlikely that this will give you great aesthetic pleasure.
- You should not go to the shoot without a car. In northern night conditions, it will help you keep warm, keep your equipment intact, and, if necessary, change the shooting point by moving to another place. You can rent a car upon arrival in any city in our country.
- When going hunting for “fox lights,” fill up your tank full; you may have to cover hundreds of kilometers overnight.
- Take care of your equipment. If you don't move, you can quickly freeze. Therefore, be sure to choose warm and comfortable clothes: thermal underwear, shoes and a face mask. In case of windy weather, it will give you the opportunity to calmly observe bright flashes in the sky.
- Before leaving, fill the thermos with hot tea (life hack: before pouring tea into the thermos, pour boiling water over it so that it warms up from the inside first, then pour the tea; this will keep it from cooling down longer), make a few sandwiches and grab a chocolate bar for the trip. Sometimes the wait for the heavenly carnival can be very tiring and lasts all night, and hunger can take you by surprise. Therefore, a light snack will come in handy.
- Also, do not forget to take with you several spare batteries for the equipment. In the cold they discharge very quickly, and your hunt may end earlier than expected. Also charge your phone to 100% or take a mini USB to charge in the car.
Northern Lights Tours
You already know how and where to see the northern lights in Russia. If you are separated from the dream of seeing the heavenly carnival with your own eyes by the uncertainty of a successful search, then you can simply purchase and entrust your trip to professionals.
Since most often residents of central Russia go to Murmansk in pursuit of the northern lights, it is not surprising that here tourists will be greeted by developed infrastructure and trained guides. Aurora intensity and weather conditions are monitored before aurora trips, so your chance of seeing the aurora is greatly increased.
Tourists against the backdrop of the Northern Lights from the travel agency “North for You”
What is the advantage of a tour over traveling on your own? When do the northern lights appear on Kola? Murmansk guides are ready to take you towards the heavenly flashes from August to April. It is during this time interval that the chances of seeing a fascinating natural phenomenon are highest. The excursion can be either group or individual. It all depends on the preferences of tourists and their financial capabilities. The price of the tour includes not only transfer to the observation point, but also the accompaniment of a guide who is also a professional photographer, as well as snacks and a photo session against the backdrop of a sky colored with lights.
Tourists against the backdrop of the Northern Lights from the travel agency “North for You”
If necessary, specialists can choose any direction in the Murmansk region, depending on cloud cover. It is noteworthy that the guides working in this area are not only photographers, but also real pros in the field of observing solar activity. They constantly analyze data from various observatories and therefore select the most suitable day for the excursion.
The staff organizing your tour will definitely advise you to arrive in Murmansk 2-3 days before your intended trip. This increases your chances of seeing the northern lights.
By purchasing a tour on the website, you receive professional support for radiance, new positive experiences and emotions for many years. It is noteworthy that such an excursion can also be a New Year’s excursion. A holiday held in this way will be remembered by tourists for a long time and, perhaps, will become a good tradition for your family.
Northern Lights Forecast
In conclusion of the article, I would like to talk about the forecasts that are made for the northern lights. We have already mentioned that they are posted on special sites. However, the popularity of hunting for unique flares has prompted specialists to create all sorts of applications that notify about the days when it is most likely to see the celestial carnival.
It often happens that we judge a particular city only by its main attractions. However, any city, like any person, the more you get to know it, the more it opens up with new, unexpected facets. Below are 10 must-see places in Moscow. They are very interesting for understanding the multifaceted image of the capital.
Planetarium
The restored planetarium is of great interest to both adults and children. Anyone will find something to do here. There is a stereo cinema, as well as a small star hall with dynamic seating. The planetarium boasts the largest screen dome in Europe, which displays pictures of the starry sky. There are 2 halls
Lunarium, where you can learn in a playful way about the refraction of light, gravity, the creation of black holes, craters, etc. Everything can be turned, twisted, rocked, touched. At the Astro Site they will tell you a lot of interesting things about the moon, the starry sky, and time zones.
The planetarium is located on the street. Sadovaya-Kudrinskaya in building 5, building 1. Walking distance from Krasnopresnenskaya or Barrikadnaya metro stations. Opening hours: 9–21 (on weekends until 22).
A ticket costs from 80 to 600 rubles.
Ostankino Tower
It has long been a real symbol of the capital. Now there is a great opportunity to visit not only its open (at an altitude of 340 m) and closed (at an altitude of 337 m) observation decks, but also to be in the museum, and then have lunch in a restaurant right under the clouds.
Sightseeing tours run daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
The viewing radius in good clear weather is 60 km. The TV tower itself, 540 m high, weighs 55 thousand tons. Do you know that the Ostankino TV tower is an image of a ten-petal inverted lily?
People are allowed into the tower only if they have an identification document. The ticket can be purchased before the start of the show after registration.
Address: st. Academician Koroleva, 15, building 2. From VDNKh or Alekseevskaya metro stations by any trolleybus.
Moscow City observation deck
Now it is not at all necessary to go abroad in order to see skyscrapers. Moscow has its own. They became its integral attraction.
The Moscow City project can confidently be called the most ambitious and expensive long-term construction project in Russia. Many are still debating its feasibility and its appearance, which distorts the historical appearance of the capital. However, Moscow is so diverse that high-tech architectural cacophony has become its modern feature.
Moscow can now be seen in all its glory from a bird's eye view. One of the observation decks is located on the 58th floor of the Empire Tower. From here you can clearly see Moscow State University. M.V. Lomonosov, Ostankino TV Tower, White House, Cathedral of Christ the Savior, etc.
From the Delovoy Tsentr or Vystavochnaya metro station you need to go to the Afimall City shopping center, go up to the 2nd floor and walk to the southern entrance of the Empire tower. Tickets are sold at the Reception desk.
Apothecary garden
It is located on Prospekt Mira, building 26, building 1 and is the oldest botanical garden in Russia. We can confidently say about it: it is the very best - informative, well-groomed, conveniently located, photogenic and cozy.
It was founded by Peter I for the cultivation of medicinal plants in 1706, and in 1805 it was purchased by Moscow State University. Of course, he went through different times with his country, but he always fulfilled a noble mission: he talked about the world of plants on Earth.
Summer always reigns in his greenhouses. It is especially pleasant to visit them on frosty winter days. In the Palm Greenhouse you can see a large collection of orchids from all over the world. They grow among huge bananas, ancient palms and tropical vines. 1500 types of succulents will not leave anyone indifferent. Moreover, now you can even touch some plants.
Museum "House on the Embankment"
This is the only museum of its kind in the country and one of the few of its kind in the world. The atmosphere of the 30s is recreated here. XX century based on materials from the history of the house and its inhabitants - photographs, interior items, books, personal belongings and documents.
The decision to build the house was made in 1927 due to the fact that there was no longer enough housing in Moscow for senior party workers. In 1931, the first residents were party leaders, scientists, old Bolsheviks, Heroes
Soviet Union and Socialist Labor, famous writers, heroes of the war in Spain, etc. Among the residents of the house over the years were Alliluyeva, Aroseva, Demyan Bedny, Zhukov, Kosygin, Lepeshinskaya, Rykov, Tukhachevsky, Khrushchev and others.
The house was built in the style of late constructivism according to the design of B. Iofan, who planned it to be red, like the Kremlin. But due to lack of funds, the house was built gray. In total, it has 24 entrances, 12 floors and 505 apartments.
The museum is small in area and occupies one apartment. Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 am to 6.30 pm, Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, on weekends from 11 am to 6 pm.
Get to the stop. "Udarnik Cinema" from metro Polyanka, Library named after. Lenina or Oktyabrskaya on any trolleybus. Address: st. Serafimovicha, house 2, entrance 1.
Museum "Lights of Moscow"
In Armenian Lane, 3–5, building 1, there is another interesting place that is worth visiting - the “Lights of Moscow” museum. It is hidden in a cozy park. Call the intercom and go down to the basement. You will be given a remote control and an interesting program about the museum. The remote control is needed to turn on and off the fancy lanterns-exhibits, thereby creating the atmosphere of bygone times.
Once on the second floor, you will see the recreated life of apartments from different times and lighting fixtures. The museum is small but informative. The inspection fee is a symbolic 30-130 rubles. Open from 11 to 18.
You can get there on foot from metro station Lubyanka, Kuznetsky Most or Kitay-Gorod.
Museum of Musical Culture named after M.I. Glinka
This museum has no analogues in the world and is a true treasury of monuments of musical culture. Here you can find music editions, literary manuscripts, studies on cultural history, and rare books. The museum stores letters, autographs, documents related to the work of Russian and foreign musical figures.
The museum is especially proud of its unique collection of musical instruments of the peoples of the world, including string instruments - masterpieces of Stradivarius, the Amati and Guarneri families.
Located on the street. Fadeeva, 4. From Mayakovskaya and Novoslobodskaya metro stations - on the troll. 3, 47 to the stop. "Museum of Musical Culture", troll. "B" or 10 to the stop. "Vorotnikovsky Lane".
Peredelkino
Peredelkino is such a unique place that you can enjoy nature and landscapes, admire the beauty of Orthodox churches in the Patriarch's residence and plunge into the literary world. You need to get out here for the whole day.
The village is located 5 km from the Moscow Ring Road in the southwest of Moscow. You can get there by train.
The Writers' Town with its museums of Pasternak, Chukovsky, Okudzhava is the embodied history of Soviet literature.
Restaurant “In the Dark?!”
This restaurant is for those who like to visit original places. The dinner will take place in pitch darkness, and blind waiters will serve. The restaurant was founded by an ophthalmologist to help the blind find their place in life.
The sighted and the blind exchange places here. The restaurant has 4 rooms, but the main one is dark. You must first choose one of 5 sets for dinner costing 2 thousand rubles: blue (fish), red (meat), yellow (Japanese), green (vegetarian) or white (assorted).
Then you leave your things in the safe. Dinner in complete darkness will take you 2 hours. They say that people behave the same in the dark - they make acquaintances more readily, speak louder and joke more often. In the dark, hearing, smell, touch, and taste become more acute.
From metro station Novoslobodskaya or Dostoevskaya to st. Oktyabrskaya, 2/4.
Savvinskoye Compound
Few Muscovites know about its existence, because it is hidden from the eyes of passersby, while being located in the very center. While walking along Tverskaya, be sure to look into the arch of house No. 6.
A beautiful architectural monument will open before you, which was built in 1907 by architect Kuznetsov in a fabulous Russian style with decorative elements of Baroque and Art Nouveau. Compound - apartment building of the Savvinsky Monastery. I wonder what it's up to
1937 was located directly on Tverskaya. In 1938-40. the houses on the even side of the street were to be moved to the north. Many buildings were ruthlessly demolished, but the Savvinsky courtyard was lucky - with the help of special technology developed by the engineer Handel, it was moved deeper into the block onto a new foundation. It’s hard to imagine, but a structure weighing 23 thousand tons was moved on the night of November 4, 1939. And, what is quite surprising, without evicting its residents.
Moscow is multifaceted and grandiose; every time it turns to the traveler with thousands of different sides. Here, the multi-colored domes of Orthodox churches coexist with monumental high-rise buildings in the “Stalinist Empire” style. Rich estates of the aristocratic families of the Russian Empire stand next to fashionable restaurants and clubs, the spiers of glass high-rise business districts sparkle against the backdrop of picturesque Kutuzovsky Prospekt.
Moscow has a huge number of cultural sites - more than 400 museums, about a thousand monuments, 130 theaters and dozens of concert halls. Most of the events in the country's social life, from premieres to international exhibitions, take place in the capital. You need to come to Moscow for a long time to feel the spirit and energy of this dynamic city.
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What to see and where to go in Moscow?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
The most recognizable and visited places in the Russian capital. The red towers of the Kremlin, crowned with stars, are an established brand, a symbol of Moscow. Since the 12th century, the Kremlin served as a defensive structure; over the centuries it was repeatedly burned and rebuilt. Red Square has more than once become the site of important state events. It hosted public meetings, fairs, parades, and various cultural events.
The cathedral was founded by order of Ivan the Terrible as gratitude to the Lord for his help in the capture of Kazan. The building originally had golden domes and red and white walls. After a fire in the 18th century, as a result of restoration, the temple was decorated in bright colors and now it towers over Red Square like a multi-colored gingerbread. The name was given in honor of the holy fool Vasily the Blessed, who collected part of the money for the construction of the temple and gave it to Ivan the Terrible.
Public space in the historical district of the capital of the same name. Construction took place in 2014-2017, after the demolition of the Rossiya Hotel located on this site. The park presents 4 landscape zones of Russia. The total number of trees planted is 752, and shrubs are about 7 thousand. In different parts of Zaryadye there are zones with an artificial microclimate. In 2018, a concert hall opened in the park.
The business district of the capital, consisting of modern skyscrapers of futuristic design. The project is unique both for Russia and for the whole of Eastern Europe. The tallest tower of the Federation complex reaches a height of 235 meters; other buildings also have their own names. Moscow City was nicknamed “Moscow Manhattan”; the quarter was conceived as a Russian analogue of the London and New York business districts.
Moscow Cathedral, where the Patriarch holds services. The temple was built in honor of the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812 according to the design of Konstantin Ton; the work lasted more than forty years. During the Soviet era, the building was blown up, and in its place appeared the Palace of Soviets, and later the Moscow swimming pool. The cathedral was rebuilt in 1994-1997. and now has maximum external resemblance to the original.
The oldest convent in the capital. According to legend, it stands on the spot where, during the rule of the Golden Horde, girls were selected to be sent into slavery. The monastery was founded in 1524 by Vasily III. Subsequently, many royal persons, as well as girls from princely and boyar families, received tonsure at the monastery. Many came here not of their own free will. Architecturally, the monastery is a real fortress with powerful walls.
A 16th-century temple on the banks of the Moscow River on the territory of a park complex in Kolomenskoye. Presumably, the Italian architect Petrok Maly took part in the construction of the building. The church is one of the first examples of stone tented churches on the territory of Rus'. The structure was built in the form of an equal-ended cross with a 62-meter bell tower. The architecture of the temple is considered unique.
The main Catholic cathedral of Moscow, built in the neo-Gothic style at the expense of the Polish community. The main buildings were erected at the beginning of the 20th century according to the design of F. O. Bogdanovich-Dvorzhetsky. The cathedral is a typical example of the architecture of Catholic churches - pointed arches, soaring figured towers, colored stained glass windows. The temple regularly hosts organ music concerts and other cultural events.
The palace and park ensemble, covering an area of more than 100 hectares, is located in the south of the capital. All buildings were created in the 18th century in the “pseudogothic” or “Russian Gothic” architectural style. Previously, the ensemble served as a royal residence. Nowadays, the park houses exhibitions, museums, concert halls, and greenhouses. Thanks to the beautiful landscape, the Tsaritsino ensemble has become a popular place for wedding photo shoots.
Wooden palace in Kolomenskoye Park, which belonged to Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. It opened to visitors in 2010. The building was founded in the 17th century, its appearance was designed to emphasize the power of the Russian state and the greatness of the Tsar. The interior decoration was distinguished by pomp and luxury. Under Catherine II, the palace was dismantled, but detailed drawings of it were first made. Based on these drawings, the complex was completely restored later.
A landmark of the New Age in the spirit of Russian architecture of the 17th century, the stylized residence of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. The ensemble was built according to ancient sketches and drawings. The Kremlin appeared in 2007 near the Partizanskaya metro station. There are handicraft shops, museums, taverns, and a church on the territory. The Kremlin was created according to the project of A.F. Ushakov as an attraction to attract tourists.
An 18th-century mansion that belonged to the count family of Sheremetyev. The magnificent estate, surrounded by a landscaped park, was used for lavish receptions, balls, celebrations and theatrical performances. The museum on site exhibits one of the world's largest collections of ceramics. Exhibitions, concerts, and celebrations in old Russian traditions are constantly held in Kuskovo.
An architectural monument of the 17th century in the Tagansky district of the capital. Since 1991 it has served as a patriarchal courtyard. The Department for Youth Affairs of the Russian Orthodox Church is also located here. The history of the place began in the 13th century. At first there was a monastery here, and then the residence of senior clergy. The Krutitsky courtyard is a place where you can imagine what Moscow looked like in past centuries.
The country's main opera stage and one of the best theaters in the world. The theater was built in 1825, but in 1853 the building burned down. Three years later, the Bolshoi was rebuilt. Large-scale reconstructions were carried out in 1886-1893, in 1958 and in 2005-2011. The monumental theater building is decorated with massive columns; the interior decoration is striking in luxury. The crystal chandelier in the main auditorium deserves special attention.
An art museum with a rich collection, founded by the Tretyakov merchant family. In 1861, in his will, Pavel Tretyakov transferred the family gallery to the city and determined sums of money for its maintenance. In 1893, the museum officially opened to the public. The Tretyakov Gallery is the largest (more than 180 thousand exhibits) collection of Russian paintings, engravings, and icon paintings.
They are located in the same building on the territory of the Moscow Kremlin. The Armory Chamber has been functioning as a museum since 1806. It houses art and artifacts, both made in local workshops and donated by embassies of other countries. The Diamond Fund is an impressive exhibition of masterpieces of jewelry art. The best examples of the collection date from the 18th-20th centuries. In addition, the exhibition features precious stones and nuggets with a rich history.
It is located on Red Square and is one of the main capital museums. Collections covering all eras in Russian history from ancient times to the 20th century are exhibited in countless halls. There are also extensive exhibitions on the history of other states. The museum was founded by decree of Alexander II in 1872. In 1990, the building was included in the UNESCO heritage list along with Red Square.
The circus was built in 1880 with the money of the merchant Danilov. From the very opening, the administration tried to invite only the best groups and attract more visitors to the performances. In 1996, in honor of the 75th artist Yu. Nikulin, the circus was given the name “Moscow Nikulin Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard.” The auditorium can accommodate 2,000 people, and modern equipment is used during performances.
The museum gallery was opened in 1913; the collection was based on exhibits from the collection of the Cabinet of Fine Arts and Antiquities of Moscow University. Later, original samples of the culture of Ancient Egypt were acquired. During the 20th century, the museum developed and expanded, and now it contains about 700 exhibits. The halls constantly host various exhibitions of world-famous authors.
Cold War Museum, located 65 meters underground. The bunker was built in the middle of the 20th century; it was conceived as a completely autonomous shelter in case of a sudden nuclear strike. A supply of water and food was stored here for a long time. The entrance to the museum is a one and a half ton door, behind which a long staircase begins. Visitors can explore the bunker's interiors on a guided tour and watch a film about the Cold War.
A park complex with memorials dedicated to the Victory in the Second World War of 1941-1945. Before construction began in 1987, the hill on Poklonnaya Hill was partially razed. The park officially opened in 1995. The central monument is an obelisk topped with a statue of the goddess Nike, 141.8 meters in height. In 2009-2010 The Eternal Flame burned here, moved during the reconstruction period from the Alexander Garden.
Vorobyovy Gory is considered the main observation deck in Moscow, offering views of the Moskva River valley, Luzhniki, Stalinist skyscrapers and Moscow City skyscrapers. The Moscow State University building is located nearby. The Sparrow Hills park area is a great place for walking, cycling, rollerblading, and jogging. Moscow bikers have been gathering near the observation deck for many years.
Opened in the 50s of the last century, it was rebuilt many times. The area exceeds 180 hectares. Hosted some events of the 1980 Olympics. In the 90s it turned into a huge clothing market, which was liquidated by 2003. Now the complex consists of dozens of facilities, including a sports arena with 78 thousand seats, football fields, tennis courts, swimming pools and a golf academy. The final match of the 2018 World Cup was played at Luzhniki.
The largest metro in the former USSR. The first line was launched in 1935, it connected Sokolniki and Park Kultury. Currently, 15 lines with a length of almost 400 km have been laid. Of the 230 active stations, 48 are recognized as Russian cultural heritage sites. The design of some metro halls resembles museums; excursions, including night ones, are held here.
One of the oldest in Europe, it has been welcoming visitors since 1864. Currently, the zoo contains about 6 thousand individuals. They represent more than a thousand species of animals. The territory is divided by topic. There are both open and closed exhibitions and enclosures. Anyone can register for guardianship of an animal they like, finance its maintenance and receive a number of privileges. The living symbol of the zoo is the giraffe Samson.
A large park area in the North-East of the capital with numerous exhibition pavilions, well-groomed alleys, fountains, cafes, and concert venues. VDNKh is one of the most popular places for city residents to relax on weekends. Here you can visit an aquarium, a historical pavilion, innovative exhibitions, farmers' markets, a theater and even a “port” with a swimming pool and beach. There are many cyclists, roller skaters and other athletes at VDNKh.
The television tower is another important symbol of the capital. The tower provides television broadcast throughout Russia; television studios and offices of the main channels are located here. The height of the building reaches 540 meters. The Ostankino Tower was built in the period 1963-1967; at that time it was considered the tallest building in Europe. For visitors there are special excursions to the tower with a visit to the observation deck.
Arched gate on Kutuzovsky Prospekt, erected in honor of the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812. The structure was built according to the design of the architect Bove in 1829-1834, later in 1936 the arch was dismantled. The reconstructed gate reappeared on the avenue only in 1968. The inscription on the top of the old structure glorified the deeds of Alexander I in Russian and Latin, the new inscription immortalized the feat of Russian soldiers in 1812.
Seven high-rise buildings built in the pompous “Stalinist Empire” style in the mid-20th century. These unique structures, as conceived by the leader, were supposed to symbolize the power and greatness of Moscow and the entire USSR. The buildings house the Moscow State University, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hotels, and residential apartments. In Soviet times, housing in these elite houses was allocated only to prominent scientists and government officials.
It is located on Red Square and is one of its main attractions. The history of the building began in the 19th century with the opening of shopping arcades. During the 20th century, GUM gradually became the main and most coveted store in the country - all business travelers strive to get into it to purchase scarce goods. Nowadays, GUM is the territory of expensive boutiques, historical shops and designer showrooms.
The capital's famous promenade, where street performers perform and artists paint portraits, surrounded by charming Moscow mansions from previous centuries. Arbat has a large number of souvenir shops, restaurants and small interesting museums. The street is included in the mandatory visiting program for foreign tourists, so you can see them here in considerable numbers.
A small park in the city center, a popular place for walking among locals. The garden was founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ya. Shchukin at the end of the 19th century. The last serious reconstruction was carried out in the late 90s. XX century. On the territory of the park there are three theaters and an open stage for summer concerts. During the warmer months, festivals and various events are often held here, attracting many visitors.
A large art area located on the Crimean embankment. The art area includes open-air exhibitions, landscaped gardens, fountains, modern art installations and numerous walking paths. The Crimean embankment itself is a picturesque pedestrian area on the banks of the Moscow River, a cozy and romantic place that quickly gained popularity among tourists and Muscovites themselves.
Numerous art workshops, galleries, design studios, exhibition halls occupying the former building of the Red October confectionery factory. This is a kind of bohemian center of the capital, where events constantly take place with the participation of the fashionable public and famous people. The red brick factory building itself is a classic example of industrial architecture of the early 20th century.
The park is located on the embankment of the Moscow River. In recent years, the place has been transformed and has become a point of attraction for the sophisticated public. Events dedicated to environmental protection, vegetarian festivals, skateboarding competitions and other events are constantly organized here. The park often becomes the venue for large-scale city festivals; in winter, an ice skating rink has been operating on the territory for several years.
