Solovetsky Islands

The Solovetsky Islands are a group of islands in the White Sea in Arkhangelsk Oblast. It is a true pearl of Russian north. Several sites on the islands are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. They are part of the Silver Ring of cultural and historical centers of Northwestern Russia.

Get in
There are two main ways to reach the Solovetsky Islands: by air from Arkhangelsk, or by boat from Kem'/Belomorsk.

By plane

 * (Аэропорт Соловки, ) is in close proximity to the monastery and the islands' main settlement. Nordavia Regional Airlines (a subsidiary of Aeroflot) fly the 50-minute journey from Solovki to Arkhangelsk up to twice a week. Prices start at approximately ₽5000 one way.

By boat

 * from Kem': Kem' is easily accessible as a stop on the Petersburg-Murmansk mainline. From there, it is 12 km to the port settlement of Rabocheostrovsk, a journey that can be done either by bus (regularly from 06:00) or by taxi. In the summer season, boats leave three times a day (June-August 2016: 08:00, 12:30, 17:30), take 2 hours, and cost ₽1200 for an adult. Booking the journey out to Solovki is advised, as it regularly books up fully. If, however, you arrive and have not booked, there are boats owned by the monastery that leave at 07:00 (frequency uncertain), and it has been suggested that they are reluctant to leave people stranded in Rabocheostrovsk. The cost is also ₽1200, and definitely an experience!


 * from Belomorsk: Belomorsk is also accessible by rail, boats leave daily to Solovki, taking 4 hours and costing ₽1200.


 * from Arkhangelsk: In the summer months, boats also ply the route between Arkhangelsk and Solovki (up to three times a month) but it is worth consulting a travel agent about this for prices and availability

Get around
There is no paved road.

See
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.


 * Sekirnaya Hill & Church of the Ascension
 * Botanical Gardens & Makaryevskaya Hermitage
 * Sekirnaya Hill & Church of the Ascension
 * Botanical Gardens & Makaryevskaya Hermitage

Do
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 ₽100 for an hour.

Beware of midges & mosquitoes in the summer!

Sleep

 * Hotel Priyut: nice and clean, ₽1900 for a single with common bathroom.
 * Peterburgskaya Obshchezhitie (Petersburg Hostel) has beds for as low as RUB 450, but booking in advance by phone is essential in peak season.

Connect
Sloboda Hotel is the only place to access semi-reliable Wi-Fi on the island. ₽100 for 24 hours access.