Kirovsk, Mining city in Murmansk Oblast, Russia
Kirovsk lies at the base of the Khibiny range close to Bolshoy Vudyavr Lake, perched at 380 meters amid mineral-rich terrain. The town stretches along mountain slopes, connecting residential areas with industrial sites and research facilities focused on Arctic geology and botany.
The settlement emerged in 1929 under the name Khibinogorsk following the discovery of large apatite reserves. Two years later it gained city status and was renamed in honor of the recently assassinated politician.
The name honors Soviet politician Sergey Kirov, whose memory persists in street names and local traditions throughout the town. Visitors often see locals skiing or hiking in the mountains that rise directly behind the residential blocks.
The extended winter season runs from November through June, when two large ski areas offer a combined 50 kilometers of runs for winter sports enthusiasts. Because of the northern location, it can remain cool even in summer, so visitors should plan for warm clothing layers.
Despite the extreme northern position, the local botanical garden nurtures a remarkable collection of plants adapted to Arctic conditions. The garden is the northernmost of its kind in Russia and attracts researchers from many countries.
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