Verkhnetulomsky lies on the banks of the Tuloma, surrounded by hills, lakes and northern forests. The river and landscape shape the local setting, while its cultural life offers another perspective on the place. Nearby, the “U istoka Tulomy” circular trail links natural and technical attractions.
Cultural life in Verkhnetulomsky
Following its renovation in 2024, the Druzhba House of Culture has become a local meeting place. Children and adults pursue creative activities, meet and perform there. The traditions of the Sámi, the Indigenous people of the Kola region, are also preserved and developed in Verkhnetulomsky. In September 2024, the “Sopki. Sport” youth space, with more than 20 exercise machines, also opened at the cultural centre.
Circular trail near the village
The “U istoka Tulomy” circular trail passes natural and technical attractions near Verkhnetulomsky: the bypass channel of the Verkhnetulomskaya hydroelectric power station, the mouth of the Tuloma, the Pecha River, an artificial fish pass, a waterfall on the Pecha River, a quarry and a water outlet. The circular route is rated easy and marked with red arrows in both directions. It is designated as a hiking trail and can also be used by bicycle. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.
More places to explore in Murmansk Oblast
The wider destination of Murmansk Oblast includes distinct cultural and natural attractions, such as those in Umba and Teriberka Nature Park. In Umba, the guided “Starinnaya pomorskaya derevnya Umba” trail is 5.5 kilometres long. It follows a river to the sea and offers insights into northern wooden architecture and Pomor life; the guided route must be booked at least two days in advance. Seven information boards along the trail cover the settlement’s history, as well as the Pomors, their livelihoods and daily life. The guided route must be booked at least two days in advance; confirm the current arrangements beforehand.
The Museum of the History, Culture and Everyday Life of the Tersky Pomors covers livelihoods from the 18th to the early 20th century: fishing, hunting marine mammals, shipbuilding and pearl fishing. The exhibition also focuses on crafts from the same period, including carpentry and joinery, woodworking, shoemaking, women’s crafts and needlework. The Amethyst Museum in Umba explores the deposit at Cape Korabl, natural and synthetic varieties of quartz, and amethysts from deposits across Russia and the world. The Tersky Intermunicipal Library also houses a literary museum dedicated to Dmitry Balashov. Check current visiting arrangements before your visit. Tonia “Tetrina” is an open-air history and ethnography complex documented since the 15th century.
A water route on the Umba leads through Kanozero to the Kanozero petroglyph complex. The “Petroglyphs of Kanozero” museum-reserve offers a trip to Kanozero; its islands are home to a complex of rock art that is a cultural heritage site of federal significance. Check the current dates and conditions for the trip in advance.
Teriberka Nature Park protects nesting sites for rare birds and two bird colonies with black-legged kittiwakes and rare cormorants. Protected features also include plants listed in the Red Data Book and natural monuments such as the cliffs of Teriberka. The Batereysky Waterfall is also described in this context: water from Lake Maloye Batareyskoye plunges over steep rocks and flows into the Barents Sea.
Discover more destinations: Murmansk, Pirenga, Kandalaksha, Apatity, Zapolyarny, Polyarnye Zori, Kirovsk, Lovozero
See the overview of the wider destination: Murmansk Oblast.
