Zapolyarny District: Tundra, cultural heritage and nature

In Zapolyarny District, the Pustozersk Museum Reserve combines tundra and forest-tundra landscapes with archaeological cultural heritage and a seasonal museum excursion. It covers more than 620 hectares on the site of the former settlement of Pustozersk. The landscape, historic sites and outdoor artworks offer visitors a range of ways to explore the area.

Lakes, wetlands and distinctive woodland

The reserve includes Lake Gorodetskoye, along with nearby lakes, rivers and waterways. As well as forest-tundra and tundra vegetation, there are spruce and birch forests, floodplain and dry meadows, windblown sands and wetlands. Willow and dwarf birch thickets add to the landscape.

The Maly Bor area is home to a relict island spruce forest. Twelve plant and animal species found in this protected natural area are listed in the Red Data Books of Russia and the Nenets Autonomous Okrug.

Archaeological heritage in the museum reserve

Pustozerskoye Gorodishche is an archaeological cultural heritage site of federal significance, located within the museum reserve. By the Gnilka River are a settlement site dating from the 6th to the 10th century and a sanctuary dating from the 6th to the 13th century. The periods differ: the settlement site is dated to a shorter period, while the sanctuary spans a longer one.

The Bolshaya Pustozerskaya Trail

The approximately 10 km-long Bolshaya Pustozerskaya Trail starts near Pustozerskoye Gorodishche and ends there. It runs from Pustozersk through Maly Bor, Malaya Gryaz and Bolshoy Bor, passes the Gnilka and Nikolskaya rivers, and returns to Pustozersk. Along the route, visitors can learn about the flora and fauna of the northern regions and see sculptures by contemporary artists in the land art style. Nature interpretation and outdoor art thus complement the archaeological landmark at the start and end of the tour.

The “Bolshaya Pustozerskaya Trail” museum excursion is scheduled to run from mid-June to September. Staff of the museum reserve lead excursions as well as educational and cultural events at the Pustozerskoye Gorodishche archaeological site and in the surrounding area.

Historic route and travel planning

The historic route of the old unpaved Pustozersk–Pylemets road is more than 21 km long. It leads from Pustozersk through Maly Bor and Bolshoy Bor to the Staraya Pechora and onwards to Pylemets. The road is used year-round, especially intensively in summer. The shorter museum excursion combines nature interpretation and land art; the historic road route passes through several named places and is longer.

When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your trip. If you want to include the museum excursion, take note of the stated period from mid-June to September and check current arrangements with the museum before your trip. Archaeological sites and the reserve’s landscape provide further specific points to consider when deciding whether Zapolyarny District fits your holiday plans.

Discover more destinations

Primorsky District, Novodvinsk, Velsky District, Mezensky District, Nyandomsky District, Severodvinsk, Konoshsky District, Plesetsky District

For the broader travel overview: Arkhangelsk Oblast.