The Solovetsky Islands are a group of islands in the White Sea in Arkhangelsk. It is a true pearl of Russian north. Several sites on the islands are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Mystical home of monasteries and chapels, priests and holy fools, Solovetsky symbolises Russia's spiritual past. Memories of Stalin's infamous GULAG camps speak of darker times.
- Solovetsky Monastery, +7 8183590 298. A large monastery and one the principal spiritual homes of the Russian Orthodox church. In use since the early 15th centenary. During the crackdown on organized religion in the early Soviet Union it was closed down and became a detention centre for prisoners. Includes the Holy Gates, Transfiguration Cathedral, Assumption Church, Nikolskaya Church, Annunciation Church and the Refectory Complex. Free to enter, currently under reconstruction.
Beluga-watching: The belugas arrive in late June. The visitors' centre organizes excursions by bus, followed by a 4 km walk. Hire a bike, but the roads are extremely poor. Many places offer hire, prices start at RUB100 for an hour. Beware of midges & mosquitoes in the summer!
Sloboda hotel is the only place to access semi-reliable wifi on the island - RUB100 for 24hours access.