Would you travel to a place where the sun doesn’t rise, temperatures plunge to –18°C, and the sky dances in bright neon colours? It sounds extreme, until you realise it’s just a direct flight away from Dubai. Murmansk, Russia, is quietly rewriting everything we think we know about chasing the Northern Lights. Tucked away within the Arctic Circle and bordering Finland, this remote Northern city offers cinematic winter experiences at nearly half the cost of a typical European winter trip. If you’re planning your 2026 travel bucket list, this destination is one of the most underrated cold-weather escapes you don’t want to skip out on.
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The City Where The Sun Never Rises
Visiting Murmansk in winter means you’ll be stepping into a world where the sun rarely rises. At first, the idea felt a little intimidating, but it quickly became one of the most surreal parts of the trip. The constant darkness created perfect conditions to see the Northern Lights, and Murmansk did not disappoint. Watching the sky light up in glowing shades of green with tinges of purple felt unreal, enough to make you forget how cold you are and where you are in the world.
Unreal Arctic Experiences – Straight Out Of A Movie
While the highlight of the trip was definitely the Northern Lights, this trip wasn’t just about watching the sky. It was about fully immersing myself in the Arctic. During my stay, I was able to wander through snow-covered forests and marble canyons that seemed to glow at night. Though the temperatures were frigid making it almost unbearable to walk around, the winter steam train made the journey worthwhile. Travelling back in time in the train felt slow, quiet, and beautifully nostalgic. I even tried ice floating, drifting calmly in freezing Arctic waters while surrounded by snow and silence.
As a pet lover, one of the most unforgettable moments was being around the huskies! While I didn’t go husky sledding, just petting the most energetic winter pups made my entire trip memorable! I also got to meet a reindeer up close and take road trips through endless white scenery that looked like scenes from a movie.
Here’s How To Get There (Without Breaking The Bank)
We all enjoy a good holiday. More than that, we all love a vacation that doesn’t break the bank! One of the biggest surprises of this trip was how easy it was to get to Murmansk from Dubai. I flew directly from Dubai via Maktoum Airport, and the flight cost just AED 1,300. The Russian e-visa process was simple. I applied online through the official government website and received my visa in just four days. When I added up flights, accommodation, and activities, the entire trip came to almost half the cost of a typical winter trip to Europe (and believe me, European trips are PRICEY!).
Everything You Need To Keep In Mind Before Travelling
While Murmansk is stunning, it’s also remote, and I learned quickly that preparation is key. There were no ATMs, so carrying enough cash was essential. Social media bees are going to hate this one – Internet access was limited, which meant downloading a VPN beforehand was a lifesaver. (Either that or you’re in for a digital detox). With temperatures dropping to –18°C, proper winter gear and layering weren’t optional, they were survival essentials. Once you have these basics covered, everything else will feel stress-free.
Why The Capital Of The Arctic Should Be On Your Bucket List
My entire trip to Murmansk was 10 days, which gave me enough time to slow down and really take everything in. Murmansk wasn’t polished or touristy, and that’s precisely why it stayed with me. The city is quiet (might be a bit eerie at times) and deeply immersive, reminding me why I fell in love with travel in the first place. If you’re looking for a short-haul flight, a budget-friendly winter escape, and an unforgettable Northern Lights sighting, Murmansk is the go-to destination that might just surprise you!
For more travel information on Murmansk, visit the official Visit Russia website.
