First house Norilsk

The First House of Norilsk is a simple wooden building with traditional log cabin construction that adapts to extreme arctic conditions. The structure shows the basic form of early settlements with a rectangular shape and thick wooden walls.

The building was constructed in 1921 during an expedition led by geologist Nikolay Urvantsev and marks the first settlement point of what became Norilsk. It documents the start of urban development that grew from this single log cabin into a larger community.

The building serves as an exhibition space where visitors can examine historical objects and photographs documenting how Norilsk developed over time. The collection shows what life was like in this remote region and how the settlement grew.

Access requires special permits for foreign visitors, as Norilsk maintains entry restrictions for non-Russian citizens throughout the year. Visitors should check current access requirements beforehand and submit necessary applications in advance.

The wooden structure stands far north of the Arctic Circle and has endured extreme winter temperatures below minus 25 degrees Celsius as well as nine months of snowfall yearly. These harsh conditions make the survival and preservation of this historic building remarkable.

Location: Norilsk

GPS coordinates: 69.34591,88.20853

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:49