Arkhangelsk City beach
Known as Central Beach, this vibrant spot is nestled in the heart of Arkhangelsk and enjoys immense popularity among both locals and visitors. Although the water temperature in the Northern Dvina seldom rises above 16-18 degrees Celsius even at the height of summer, the beach consistently draws a lively crowd. Enthusiasts bask in the sun, engage in sports such as soccer and volleyball, or take leisurely strolls along the scenic promenade.
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Beach description
Arkhangelsk City Beach boasts a lengthy and expansive coastline adorned with fine sand. The river here is shallow and calm, with a silty, marshy bottom. Large logs and driftwood, remnants of the spring ice drift, occasionally dot the landscape. While local authorities strive to keep the beach tidy, the water quality often falls short of expectations. Swimming is officially prohibited, as indicated by the warning signs. It's important to note that no beach within the city meets sanitary and epidemiological standards; thus, even on sweltering days, it's advisable to avoid water activities.
During the summer months, lifeguards are stationed on the beach, and amenities such as changing cabins and sunbed rentals are available. For entertainment, visitors can enjoy a volleyball net, inflatable slides, and trampolines for children. Adjacent to the beach, the neighboring yacht club offers boat, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals.
Adjacent to the beach lies the city's promenade, stretching approximately six kilometers. This area is rich with historical sites and monuments, including the iconic bronze sculpture of the Seal the Savior, a symbol of the city. The promenade is perfect for leisurely strolls, cycling, or roller-skating. Along the way, visitors can relax in cozy cafes and restaurants, whose open verandas provide stunning views of the Northern Dvina River and the vessels sailing by. In winter, the shoreline becomes the venue for skiing competitions, and the frozen river transforms into a vast ice rink.
Conveniently situated in the heart of the city, the beach is easily accessible by public bus or taxi. Alternatively, a pleasant walk along the pedestrian street of Chumbarov-Luchinsky leads to the beach, allowing visitors to explore local attractions and enjoy charming squares en route.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
When considering a beach vacation to the Arctic coast, timing is crucial to ensure the best experience. The optimal period to visit is during the brief Arctic summer, typically from late June to early September. During these months, the region experiences the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun, providing 24 hours of daylight and milder temperatures conducive to outdoor activities.
- Late June to July: This is the peak time for wildlife viewing, as many species are active and more easily observed. The tundra blooms with wildflowers, and the ice has mostly receded, making the beaches accessible.
- August: As the summer progresses, the number of mosquitoes decreases, making beach excursions more pleasant. This is also when the region's bird populations are preparing for migration, offering a unique spectacle.
- Early September: This is a transitional period where you can witness the stunning autumn colors. The chances of seeing the Northern Lights increase, adding a magical element to your beach experience.
It's important to note that even during summer, the Arctic coast remains chilly with temperatures often hovering around 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Appropriate attire is essential for a comfortable stay.
Video: Beach Arkhangelsk City
Infrastructure
There is a three-star hotel right on the embankment, Pur Navolok, one of the best in Arkhangelsk. Due to its convenient location and high-level service, the hotel is popular among both visitors and locals, who enjoy holding weddings, banquets, and various events within its hospitable walls. Visitors are offered spacious rooms with a wide flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a mini-bar, and a personal bathroom equipped with everything necessary.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, along with complimentary parking, an indoor pool, a fitness room, a spa center, and a beauty salon. Dining is a pleasure at the Barolo restaurant, where the menu features a selection of European and traditional Russian cuisine. Guests can listen to music, dance, and unwind in the Sky Bar, situated on the top floor of the complex. The observation deck offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Northern Dvina River, the city, and the port, providing a stunning backdrop for photographs. Guests can book a yacht trip or an engaging tour at the hotel, and ski equipment rental is available in winter.
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- Arkhangelsk was founded in the time of Ivan the Terrible, later Peter the Great turned the city into the cradle of Russian shipbuilding. Many historical monuments and unique architectural structures have survived to nowadays, most of which are mostly in the area of the embankment.
- It’s most logical to start familiarizing with the city from the seaport, which is considered to be the gateway to the northern seas, and until the founding of St. Petersburg, it served as the only “window to Europe” for Russian ships.
- At the beginning of the embankment, in the area of Voskresenskaya Street, stands a monument to Peter the Great, erected by grateful descendants in 1914. The monument is surrounded by a beautiful square, and from the observation deck a significant view of the Northern Dvina opens.
- Perhaps the most iconic place for Arkhangelsk is Cape Pur Novolok, from which the history of the city begins. Here in 1584 a fortress was laid around which Arkhangelsk grew up. In honor of this event, the embankment is decorated with a commemorative stela - a visiting card of the city, depicted on all advertising brochures.
- Right behind the stela there is the magnificent Gostiny Dvor - the oldest building in the city, which now houses the local history museum and concert hall. And at the end of the embankment on a hill a snow-white temple of the Assumption of the Virgin rises - another magnificent observation deck with panoramic views of the Northern Dvina.