City of the northern lights: Kola Nuclear Power Plant, Atomic Regatta and skiing

05.09.2023 // The town of Polyarnye Zori is situated between lakes Imandra and Pinozero, 224 km away from Murmansk. It's one of the northernmost cities where there's no polar night, and the shortest day lasts for 21 minutes. Over 14 thousand people reside in Polyarnye Zori.

In the early 1960s, following the decision to construct a nuclear power plant on the Kola Peninsula, geodesists and topographers started outlining the massive construction site amidst lakes, swamps, towering pines and small birch groves. Soon, a city of power engineers, builders, educators, doctors and talented creative individuals was established on the banks of the Niva River and Lake Pinozero. Initially, the settlement was named 'New Town,' but after a competition held in 1973, it was given its beautiful name, Polyarnye Zori, in honour of the bright summer nights.

The city's appeal is due to factors such as compact territory, the ability to enjoy various recreational activities, proximity to Russian and European cultural and industrial centres, convenient transport links (railway, highway, close to two airports), tourist infrastructure, untouched nature, numerous rivers and lakes, diverse fish and animal species, abundance of mushrooms and berries.

Today's modern buildings, convenient infrastructure, compact urban space, plenty of greenery and numerous sports facilities make life for the residents of Polyarnye Zori and its visitors as comfortable as possible.

The Imandra fish farm is the only establishment in the region where fish are bred throughout the year. About a decade ago, young Lena sturgeon were introduced as an experiment. The warm waters from the nuclear plant's discharge channel have provided it with resort-like living conditions. Sturgeons, bred in cages, spawned for the first time in 2012. This instance is unparalleled in the Arctic conditions. Besides cultivating trout and sturgeon, the farm also produces caviar.

The Kola Nuclear Power Plant, a subsidiary of Rosenergoatom Concern OJSC, is the primary electricity provider for the Murmansk Region and the Republic of Karelia. Annually, it has the capacity to produce up to 13 bn kWh of electricity. Currently, the full capacity of the KNPP is not being used, paving the way for potential industrial development in the region. Kola NPP is acknowledged as one of Russia's top nuclear power plants in terms of safety, stability and production efficiency.

Our Park sprawls across the shoreline of Lake Pinozero. The park is shielded from winds and lake mists by surrounding forests. The park features areas for family and children's leisure, spaces for year-round sports activities (like Nordic walking, rollerblading and cycling), a modern skate park and outdoor exercise equipment. Work has been finalised near the central entrance of Our Park, resulting in a modern public space complete with pedestrian and bike paths. Additionally, an area featuring playgrounds and the notable art installation 'Northern Lights' has been set up.

Visitors to the Salma ski complex, located a few kilometres north of the city, are sure to experience pure joy. The perfect climate and well-maintained slopes allow for the hosting of national competitions and training camps for internationally ranked athletes. Thanks to an artificial snow system, the slopes of Lysaya Gora welcome ski and snowboarding enthusiasts from October through May. A special snow tubing track, also known as 'vatrushki' skiing in Russian, has been created for family fun.

The Atomic Regatta stands out as one of the most vibrant sporting events. For three summer days each year, catamarans and kayaks tirelessly ascend steep rapids, plunging into the bright blue froth, while hundreds of spectators watch the show from the shore. From Friday to Sunday, music fills the air from dawn till dusk. Friendly smoke from bonfires cooking delicious outdoor meals wafts through the air, meat sizzle on grills, sports gear dries out and people of all ages wander through the forest. In 2019, in addition to the traditional kayak and catamaran paddling slalom, SUP board races were introduced for the first time. Plans are underway to incorporate a rescue work stage into the relay race.

Every year on the night of 13–14 January, the Salma ski complex hosts a ski and snowboard tournament for the Kola Nuclear Power Plant Director's prize. The competition is open not only to athletes but also to any interested ski and snowboard enthusiasts. The traditional competitions are complemented by a rich entertainment programme, including a grand opening, live sports broadcasts from the slope, family interactive games, a children's programme with entertainers and winter attractions. You can savour the flavours of northern cuisine on the slope, prepared by the finest chefs of the Kola Polar Region and contributors to the Gastronomic Map of Russia project. Athletes and guests usher in the New Year in traditional style with a vibrant show. Night rides are available for all to partake in after the competition.