Yagry belongs to Severodvinsk and lies on the White Sea. The natural landscape here is shaped by sandy beaches, pine forest and dunes; in the city, you’ll also find places such as the White Sea Museum visitor centre and the drama theatre. On your trip, you can choose between the coast, forest trails and cultural history.
Yagry: sandy beach and protected pine forest
Yagry is an island in the Letny Bereg area on the White Sea, at the mouth of the Northern Dvina. Its sandy beach stretches for more than four kilometres alongside a pine forest, with dunes formed along the way. The Yagry Pine Forest is a specially protected natural area. It was established to preserve the pine forest and the dune landscape of Severodvinsk’s coastal dune.
The beach, forest and dunes are not just different settings for a stay; they are also part of a connected landscape that is protected. Those wishing to explore the coastal area will find an ecological trail through the forest on Yagry, as well as the beach.
Trails through the forest to the coast
The family-friendly “Bolshaya Yagrinskaya tropa” ecological trail runs through the Yagry Pine Forest. Visitors can walk through the forest and reach the coast along the trail. A wooden stele, information boards and signposts are located along the route. The trail is maintained; as conditions may change, check its condition before your visit.
In 2025, the inclusive “Yegorkina tropa” trail was created as a branch of the main route. Its features include a ramp for visitors with reduced mobility, turning areas, a viewing platform and a pedestrian staircase. The ramp and turning areas are specific features, but they do not automatically describe all conditions along the trail. If these are important for your visit, check the current conditions in advance.
Coastal activities in summer and winter
Activities on the coast, which can be reached via the “Bolshaya Yagrinskaya tropa”, are described differently by season: in summer, sailing, kayaking and SUP surfing; in winter, snowkiting and skiing. This seasonal distinction can help with planning: water sports are part of the summer offering, while snowkiting and skiing are mentioned for winter. Check which activities are available locally before your trip.
In summer, visitors can rent sun loungers, wooden tables and chairs, parasols, SUP boards and other sports equipment at the Letny Bereg mini-park. As this rental service is seasonal, it is advisable to check availability in advance.
Another option on Yagry is the Grinpis riding club. It offers riding lessons for adults and children, as well as stable tours for those interested; visits are by request. The club can also arrange rides through the pine forest and along the White Sea coast by prior arrangement. Lessons, stable visits and rides are separate offerings, each subject to the stated request requirements.
Museum and city history
The White Sea Museum visitor centre on Yagry is a natural history museum about the White Sea and the nature of Arkhangelsk Oblast. The exhibition features marine invertebrates and algae; there is also a room for workshops and lectures. Visiting hours are listed as 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for organised groups by prior arrangement and 3 to 5 p.m. for individual visitors. Check whether these time slots are still current before your visit.
The city’s history is also associated with a specific date: Severodvinsk’s drama theatre was founded in 1937, before the city itself was founded, and is considered one of the main cultural centres for local residents. On Yagry, the Richard Chancellor monument commemorates the English captain’s landing on the island on 24 August 1553. The museum, theatre and monument each highlight a different aspect: natural history, city life and a historical memory on the coast.
Discover more destinations: Khozmino, Velsk, Nyandoma, Plesetsk, Tsimola, Karpogory, Konda, Onega
For the full travel overview: Arkhangelsk Oblast.
