Nikel: Pasvik Nature and the Kola Borehole

Nikel combines insights into the nature of the Pasvik Nature Reserve with an unusual look deep inside the Kola Borehole. There is also a waterfall nearby. The themes therefore range from natural history and regional culture to geology and landscape.

Natural History at the Visitor Centre

The visitor centre of the Pasvik Nature Reserve in Nikel has a permanent exhibition on the reserve’s history and nature. In January 2022, the “Museum of Nature” opened there, a multimedia exhibition about Pasvik and its activities. The visitor centre therefore introduces you both to the reserve’s history and nature and to its themes in multimedia form. If you plan to visit the “Museum of Nature,” check current visiting arrangements in advance.

Core Samples from Great Depths

The Museum of History and Local Lore of the Pechengskiy District offers a different perspective. It displays core samples from the Kola Superdeep Borehole, taken from depths of more than twelve kilometres. The samples’ origin brings home the scale of the borehole and complements the view of nature at the surface with a look underground. Anyone interested in geology will find a tangible point of interest here alongside the natural history themes at the visitor centre.

A Waterfall near Nikel

Shuonijoki Waterfall is not in Nikel itself, but about 10 km southwest of the town and near the Russian-Norwegian border. It adds a landscape feature in the surrounding area to the exhibition themes. When planning your trip, you can distinguish between the attractions in Nikel and the waterfall as a nearby nature destination.

More Travel Experiences in Murmansk Oblast

In Murmansk Oblast, Umba offers its own focus on cultural history. Along the “Old Pomor Village of Umba” walking trail, seven information boards cover the history of the settlement and the Pomors, their livelihoods and everyday life. The guided trail is 5.5 kilometres long, following a river to the sea, and offers insights into northern wooden architecture and the daily life of the Pomors. The tour must be booked at least two days in advance; check the current arrangements with the provider.

The Museum of History, Culture and Everyday Life of the Tersky Pomors in Umba also focuses on regional history. Its exhibition covers the livelihoods of the Tersky Pomors from the 18th to the early 20th century, including fishing, hunting marine mammals, shipbuilding and pearl fishing. It also covers crafts such as carpentry and joinery, woodworking, shoemaking, as well as women’s crafts and needlework.

When looking for a holiday apartment, your choice of location is therefore an important first step: Nikel brings together the topics described here relating to Pasvik and the Kola Borehole; Umba offers different insights into Pomor history and everyday life.

For the broader travel overview: Pechengsky District.