Travel to the Arctic Circle in Soviet times was not for the fainthearted, with many enemies of the state destined to end their days in the freezing gulags, while better comrades braved the arctic conditions to exploit the region's mineral wealth for increased pay. Away from the death camps and mines, however, there were some lesser known and surprising projects, such as the Polar Alpine Botanical Gardens in Murmansk Oblast.
Tourism in the Arctic: The Polar Alpine Botanical Gardens
The Polar Alpine Botanical Gardens Institute (PABSI) is the most northern botanical garden in Russia, but one of three within the Arctic Circle. It was founded in 1931 after a meeting of the heads of the Kola Expedition, including the academic A. E. Fersman, who decided to found a botanical research centre in the Khibiny Mountains
Seeds and plants were brought from various parts of the country and introduced to the gardens. While many perished, some survived and flourished, with many varieties flourishing in the streets and gardens of the local towns. By introducing plants into such harsh Arctic conditions, scientists were able to conduct useful research on plant acclimatisation.
The Ultimate Botanical Arctic Experience
The gardens cover a total of 1670 hectares and attract thousands of visitors each year from all over the globe. At its core are 1250 hectares of arboretum, in which more than 400 plants grow, ranging from coastal, swamp to bush. In a region where snow can fall on a summer's day, it is a fascinating botanical experience for the enthusiast.
The gardens have a variety of exhibits of interest, including a tropical greenhouse, exhibition on introducing greenery into Arctic cities and 'The Path of Geographers', examining the height zones for the various plants in the Khibiny Mountains. Arctic tourists can also enjoy different themed gardens, including the Snowdrop Garden, the Rock Garden and a herb garden.
Trips to the Arctic for Academic Research
Apart from being a quirky tourist attraction, the serious academic research initiated seventy years ago continues in the present, with PASBI employing 125 staff, including PhD and graduate students and research teams working in the five laboratories. The core research centres around studying plant and soil resources, how different plants adapt to extreme conditions.
Many tourists who have made the journey have been surprised to find plants indigenous to their native countries flourishing in Kirovsk. The gardens, some 7 km out of town, are not exactly on the beaten track, but it is a real treat for plant enthusiasts. Just don't forget your coat!
Feeling cold? Why not warm up at another Soviet extreme, The Door to Hell in Turkmenistan?
Read on for more information about Polar Alpine Botanical Gardens in the Arctic Circle.
Paul Bradbury - Author of Hvar: An Insider's Guide to Croatia's Premier Island, and Lebanese Nuns Don't Ski
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