Arkhangelsk, Port city in Northern Russia
Arkhangelsk is a port city in northern Russia that lies along both banks of the Northern Dvina River, near its mouth at the White Sea. The city spreads over about forty kilometers, linking industrial zones with residential neighborhoods and a waterfront promenade.
The settlement began in 1584 when Ivan IV ordered its creation as New Kholmogory and it grew into Russia's main seaport. Its role as the chief gateway to the sea ended after Saint Petersburg was founded.
Theaters and museums present northern Russian life through performances and exhibits that run year-round. Visitors notice the habits of a working port, where fishermen and timber workers shape the rhythm of daily life along the waterfront.
The rail link to Moscow makes arrival straightforward, while the deep-water port shapes much of the city layout. Visitors find the waterfront promenade and central streets easy to walk, though the sprawling industrial zones are less suited for exploration.
The city serves as the western terminal of the Northern Sea Route, opening direct maritime access to the Arctic. During summer, daylight lasts for extended hours, while winter brings only brief appearances of the sun above the horizon.
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