Umba: Pomor History and Museums

• The exhibition hall of the Kanozero Petroglyphs Museum opened in September 2012; its exhibition covers the discovery and study of the rock art.
• The Dmitry Balashov Literary Museum displays, among other things, historical photographs and objects from the everyday lives of Tersky Pomor women.
• The Amethyst Museum explores types of quartz, amethysts from various deposits, and objects made from minerals and rocks.

The Museum of the History, Culture and Everyday Life of the Tersky Pomors focuses on their livelihoods from the 18th century to the beginning of the 20th century. Exhibition topics include fishing, hunting marine mammals, boatbuilding and pearl fishing. The focus here is therefore on a broad historical and economic context.

The Dmitry Balashov Literary Museum offers a different perspective. It displays a reconstructed example of traditional women’s clothing worn by Tersky Pomor women, as well as historical photographs. A spindle, laundry beater, spinning wheel and tub offer concrete glimpses into women’s everyday lives. Visitors who want to compare the topics will find a collection focused more on clothing, photographs and everyday objects alongside the Pomor Museum’s coverage of livelihoods.

The exhibition hall of the Kanozero Petroglyphs Museum explores the discovery and study of the rock art. A bookable guided tour and a film shot on the islands of Kanozero are available to visitors. Check current arrangements with the venue in advance.

The Amethyst Museum has a different focus: it explores the deposit at Cape Korabl and natural and synthetic types of quartz. It also displays amethysts from various deposits in Russia and around the world, as well as objects made from amethyst and other minerals and rocks found on the Tersky coast. The displays showcase both the variety of minerals and the objects made from them.

The 5.5-kilometre guided walking trail “Starinnaya Pomorskaya Derevnya Umba” runs through Umba in Murmansk Oblast. Seven information boards along the trail cover the settlement’s history, the Pomors, their livelihoods and their everyday lives. The trail also offers insights into northern wooden architecture. It follows a river and leads to the sea. The guided tour must be booked at least two days in advance; check current arrangements before planning your visit.

Another opportunity to compare Umba with a different destination is Vostochnoye Munozero.

When does the Pomor rowing regatta take place?

The regatta takes place every year in mid-June in Umba. Traditional Pomor boats compete, including karbasy and podyezdki. Check the dates for your travel year in advance.

What can you see in the Kanozero Petroglyphs exhibition hall?

The offerings include a bookable guided tour and a film shot on the islands of Kanozero. Check current arrangements with the venue before your visit.

Which excursions go to Kanozero?

A water route along the Umba River passes through Kanozero to the Kanozero Petroglyphs complex. The Kanozero Petroglyphs Museum-Reserve also offers a trip to Kanozero. An island site there contains a rock art complex classified as an object of cultural heritage of federal significance.

For the broader travel overview: Tersky District.