Husky farm, Lapland, Finland

Europe in the Arctic circle in pictures: Norway, Finland, Russia

Most populated areas above the Arctic Circle are in Russia, Norway, and Finland. Among tourists, it is known for its wild and beautiful nature, aurora borealis and midnight sun. Because of the harsh climate, areas above the Arctic Circle are low-populated, with the majority of people living along ice-free coastal areas.

In this photo story, I will show the key places and highlight the differences between the countries, among which, Russia is truly unique.

At the beginning of the 20th century, mining started in the far north. In many northern countries, the production was organized as fly-in fly-out, separated from everyday life. But in the Soviet Union, it initiated the foundation of massive cities in the Arctic Circle. Now Russia has the most populated area in the north and it looks completely different from other countries.

Norway and Finland in the Arctic circle

Finland in the Arctic circle is mostly about tourism. Rovaniemi is the only large city and capital of Finnish Lapland. Norway is different, besides tourism, it has a long coastline and rich marine culture.

Tromsø is the third biggest city in the Arctic circle and biggest in Norwegian North, it plays an important role in Saami culture.

Tromsø, View from Storsteinen mountain.

The cities and countryside in the Arctic circle, especially in Norway, have a lot of traditional, wooden architecture. Tromsø has the highest concentration of old wooden houses in the North.

Tromsø has untouched during the way, which saved a lot of traditional houses
I think that usually traditional architecture is done to attract tourists. Inari Finland.
The traditional dog and reindeer sledding are often offered to tourists in Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The photo was taken in Hetta, Finland.
Norwegians like decorating their windows. There are many symbols related to the maritime industry. Kinkiness, Norway.
Sunrise in Northern Norway, shot made from a cruise ship.
Finnmarken, a passenger ship, functioning between 1956-1994. Now reorganized into the museum.
Bodø, city center.
Crossing the Arctic Circle is a popular tourist activity
At sunset, the endless white desert becomes very colorful.
Seeing the Northern lights is another popular tourist activity. Kiilopaa, Inari.
Murmansk – the biggest city in the Arctic Circle, seen from the hill, next to Alyosha monument.seen from the hill, next to Alyosha monument.en from the hill.
The brand-new chairlift has a large contrast with old Soviet apartment blocks. The city is still drowned in the snow in late March, unlike ones on the shoreline.
Most of cities still hold the Soviet authenticity
Power plant next to Apatity, – The fifth biggest city in the Arctic circle.
Old russian model “Lada” on a street of Murmansk, Russia.
A bridge to fishery port in Murmansk, Russia
Many industrial objects are abandoned
An apartment block in Kirovsk, Russia
Most of the cities in Russia have monuments related to WWII. This is “Alyosha” monument, dedicated to protectors of northern Russia. Murmansk.
Written on the rock: “Remember the war”.
UAZ (soviet car model). The signs tell “We remember” (up) and “To Berlin” (bottom). Titovka, Murmansk area.
A senior citizen giving honor to the fallen soldiers. Murmansk
Military training in Northern Russia.

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