Khibiny Mountains, Mountain range in Kola Peninsula, Russia
Khibiny is an oval massif between lakes Imandra and Umbozero on the Kola Peninsula, with its highest point reaching 1,201 meters. The range spreads over wide areas with steep flanks, deep valleys and high plateaus covered with snow most of the year.
These mountains formed around 390 million years ago through volcanic activity and tectonic movements in the northern Fennoscandian Shield. Mining of rare minerals began intensively in the 20th century, leading to the establishment of the mining towns Apatity and Kirovsk.
The mountain names come from the Sami language and show the close bond between indigenous people and this Arctic landscape over many generations. Today visitors walk on trails once used by reindeer herders.
The towns of Apatity and Kirovsk at the foot of the range serve as main access points for hiking and ski tours. Winter brings extreme cold conditions, while the summer months offer short windows for mountain trips without snow.
The region holds 477 documented minerals, with 108 first discovered here. A polar botanical garden within the Arctic Circle maintains over 1,000 plant species despite harsh subarctic conditions.
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