Loparskaya: Suspension Bridge and Sámi Games 2026

• The pedestrian suspension bridge in Loparskaya was built in 1953.
• The bridge deck is 122 meters long; the walkways are 1.5 meters wide.
• On an excursion at “Oleniy Dvor,” visitors can try a traditional fish soup made with northern cod.
• The XXIX Sámi National Games took place in Loparskaya in 2026.

The pedestrian suspension bridge connects the railway station with the settlement of the same name. This gives you two specific reference points for finding your way around. Its construction date, 1953, also provides a historical time marker for the structure.

The dimensions describe different aspects of the bridge: 122 meters refers to the length of the bridge deck, while 1.5 meters is the width of the walkways. This makes it possible to consider length and width separately rather than reading them as a single measurement.

The current excursion program at “Oleniy Dvor” in Loparskaya includes the opportunity to try a traditional fish soup made with northern cod. The dish is therefore a specific part of this excursion program. A wooden church stands 500 meters from “Oleniy Dvor,” surrounded by polar pines.

The XXIX Sámi National Games in Loparskaya in 2026 featured Sámi football and Sámi women's football, traditional competitions, a market selling local handicrafts, and traditional Arctic cuisine. The competitions included throwing a nyartola (lasso) at a reindeer model and fishing with a “can.” Family competitions included “Run with a Stick” and the “Family Jump.” These details refer to the program of the 2026 edition.

For a broader look at Murmansk Oblast, Umba offers a distinct theme focused on Pomor culture. The guided walking route “Starinnaya pomorskaya derevnya Umba” is 5.5 kilometers long. It follows a river to the sea and offers insights into northern wooden architecture and everyday Pomor life. Seven information boards along the route cover the history of the settlement, as well as the Pomors, their livelihoods, and their daily lives. The guided tour must be booked at least two days in advance; check current arrangements with the tour provider.

The exhibition at the Museum of the History, Culture and Everyday Life of the Tersky Pomors in Umba covers livelihoods from the 18th to the early 20th century, including fishing, marine mammal hunting, shipbuilding, and pearl fishing. Other topics include carpentry and joinery, wood processing, shoemaking, women's crafts, and needlework. This gives culture enthusiasts an independent insight into the region's historic ways of life and work.

Another highlight of Murmansk Oblast is Teriberka Nature Park. It protects nesting sites of rare birds, Red Data Book plants, and natural landmarks such as the cliffs of Teriberka. The water of Lake Maloye Batareyskoye plunges over steep rocks to form the Batereysky Waterfall, which flows into the Barents Sea. Visiting the nature park requires a permit applied for online and an entrance fee; check the current procedure before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Lovozero, Teriberka, Kirovsk, Pushnoy, Shonguy, Zelenoborsky, Kildinstroy, Fedoseyevka.

What are the dimensions of the pedestrian suspension bridge?

The bridge deck is 122 meters long. The walkways are 1.5 meters wide.

What was included in the 2026 Sámi National Games program?

The XXIX edition in Loparskaya included football competitions, traditional competitions, a handicraft market, and Arctic cuisine. Individual events included, among others, throwing a nyartola at a reindeer model and fishing with a “can.”

What should you plan for the guided walk in Umba?

The route is 5.5 kilometers long and must be booked at least two days in advance. Check current arrangements with the tour provider.

For the broader travel guide: Murmansk Oblast.