Recommended tourist spots in Arkhangelsk, the Russian Port Town overlooking the White Sea

Arkhangelsk, a beautiful port town in northwestern Russia overlooking the White Sea, was named after the Archangel Michael Monastery (Arkhangeli) built in the 12th century, giving it the meaning “Town of the Archangel.” With such a long history, the city is full of sightseeing spots! Here we introduce recommended places where you can fully enjoy Arkhangelsk.

1. Muzei Malye Korely

The open-air museum Muzei Malye Korely is one of Arkhangelsk’s representative attractions. It was created to research and preserve precious wooden architecture scattered across the Arkhangelsk region. Churches, old houses, and windmills with the unique characteristics of northern Russia have been relocated to its vast grounds. The site is divided into four sections by region, making it interesting to compare architectural differences across areas. Be sure to stop by when visiting Arkhangelsk.

2. Arkhangelsk Regional Fine Arts Museum

The Arkhangelsk Regional Fine Arts Museum is the best spot to learn about Arkhangelsk’s history and art. Founded in 1837, this long-established museum continues to serve as a center for science and arts education. It houses an enormous collection of over 265,000 items across various fields. Despite its long history, it also features modern and stimulating aspects, such as advanced multimedia exhibition techniques. Since it actively hosts fascinating exhibitions, it is worth checking out and visiting.

3. Poteshny Dvor

Poteshny Dvor is Arkhangelsk’s only amusement park. It began in 1972 as a small children’s park, gradually adding playgrounds and attractions until it grew into a full amusement park. Between 2006 and 2015, it underwent large-scale renovations and new construction, transforming into a modern and exciting destination. Once considered outdated and deteriorated, Poteshny Dvor made a remarkable comeback as a popular play spot for both children and adults. Enjoy the Russian-European atmosphere of this amusement park.

4. National Museum of Aircraft of the North

This small aviation museum, located in Arkhangelsk Airport, is also a great spot to spend time after check-in. It features rare exhibits such as Russian aircraft from before World War II, Soviet-era planes, and North Korean aircraft—items not often seen elsewhere. With flight simulators available, it offers fun for both children and adults, making it a recommended sightseeing stop right at the airport.

◎ Summary

We introduced recommended sightseeing spots in Arkhangelsk. From vast open-air museums to art museums, amusement parks, and an aviation museum, there are plenty of varied attractions unique to Arkhangelsk. As you enjoy the cityscape steeped in history, be sure to visit these different sites and make the most of your trip to Arkhangelsk.