Our company "North For You" provides northern lights hunting tours from 1st September until 15th April. During this period you can see the northern lights in the Murmansk region. The chances are equal in September, October, November, December, January, February, March and April. From 15th April until 25th August the nights in Murmansk are not dark, and it is impossible to see the northern lights with your own eyes. If you want winter activities like husky sledding or snowmobile safari tours, we recommend the snowy period from 20th December until 10th April.
We recommend staying in Murmansk for at least 3–4 nights to increase your chances of seeing the northern lights. We have a simple rule: the more time you spend in Murmansk, the more chances you have to catch the best weather conditions. Sometimes the weather in Murmansk is cloudy and the sky is overcast, which is why we ask our tourists to stay in Murmansk for 3 or more nights. 90% of our tourists see the Aurora Borealis if they stay in Murmansk for at least 3 nights. There is one important thing you need to know: nobody can guarantee the appearance of the northern lights, because it is a natural phenomenon.
Here is a short list of the best hotels in Murmansk:
- Azimut Hotel (city centre);
- Park Inn;
- Rooms & Breakfast;
- Boutique Hotel Renaissance (city centre);
- Meridian (city centre).
Check this page with photos: The best hotels in Murmansk. If you need help booking accommodation at a good price, you can contact us by email incoming@north4you.com.
Of course! You can use our transfer service organized by 'North For You' consultants. The cost of a transfer for 1–3 persons is 3500 RUB (to the airport and back). Our guide will meet you at the airport with a 'North For You' nameplate and help you with your luggage. Prices for bigger groups are available on request. You can contact us by email incoming@north4you.com.
You can get to Murmansk from the airport by bus №106. The final stop is the railway station, which is in the centre of Murmansk (5 minutes from the Azimut Hotel). You can also use the Yandex Taxi app; the average fare is 700–800 RUB for a 4-seat car. We recommend ordering a "Comfort" class car for your transfer.
- In autumn (September, October, November): warm trekking boots, thermal underwear, a warm coat and warm pants (jeans are not a good option). You also need to take gloves and a hat, because at night the temperature can drop to -10 °C.
- In winter (December, January, February, March and April): high warm winter boots, thermal underwear, a winter coat and winter pants, gloves, a scarf, a hat and warm socks. Taking a thermos with you is a good idea. In winter the temperature can drop to -30 °C.
There are a few really good restaurants in Murmansk: "Tundra: Grill & Bar" and "Tsarskaya Okhota". You can also ask our consultant to reserve a table at these restaurants. You can read more here: The best restaurants in Murmansk.
There are a lot of winter activities in Murmansk: ski resorts, husky parks, snowmobile safaris. A tour to the Sami village with reindeer is great for children of all ages. If you have special wishes, contact us by email incoming@north4you.com.