RoadAtlas
Arctic Highway — Russia — Adventure
Europe

Arctic Highway

Russia

In short: Arctic Highway is a 1,400 km adventure road trip in Russia, typically driven over 5–8 days, best in Jun–Aug / Dec–Feb. Highlights: Saint Petersburg, Petrozavodsk, Kizhi Island.

Distance
1,400 km
Duration
5–8 days
Best Season
Jun–Aug / Dec–Feb
IconicModerateAdventure

From St. Petersburg north through the Karelian lakes and birch forests to Murmansk, the world's largest city above the Arctic Circle, and an ice-free naval port that never closes. In summer the sun never sets; in winter the Northern Lights arc overhead without interruption.

~2 refuels
~4 charges
Practical notes
Winter travel on this Arctic corridor brings extreme cold, ice roads, and polar darkness; snow tyres or chains are essential from October through April. Services and fuel stations become sparse north of Petrozavodsk so plan fuel stops carefully. A reliable, cold-weather-prepared vehicle is strongly advised.
Explore on the interactive map →

Plan this trip

Self-guided audio toursExplore local stories near city stops Hotels for this tripCompare stays before you go Flights for this tripCompare flight options before you go Car rental for this tripCompare rental options before you drive

Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.

Stops along the route

Saint Petersburg — Departure — Arctic Highway — Russia
Departure
Saint Petersburg
The Hermitage, Peterhof's fountains, and White Nights in June. The grand departure point before the long road north.
Hotels
Petrozavodsk — City — Arctic Highway — Russia
City
Petrozavodsk
Karelia's capital on Lake Onega, Europe's second-largest lake. Ferries leave from here to the UNESCO wooden churches of Kizhi Island.
Hotels
Murmansk — Arrival — Arctic Highway — Russia
Arrival
Murmansk
The world's largest city above the Arctic Circle. The Lenin, the world's first nuclear-powered surface ship, is preserved in the harbour.
Hotels

Things to Do

Kizhi Island — Landmark — Arctic Highway — Russia
Landmark
Kizhi Island
UNESCO wooden churches built without a single nail. The 22-domed Church of the Transfiguration (1714) is among the world's finest timber structures.
Kem & Solovetsky Islands — Landmark — Arctic Highway — Russia
Landmark
Kem & Solovetsky Islands
Gateway to the Solovetsky Islands, where Orthodox monks lived from the 15th century and Russia's first gulag opened in 1923.
Kandalaksha Fjord — Nature — Arctic Highway — Russia
Nature
Kandalaksha Fjord
The Kola Peninsula begins here. Beluga whales are regularly spotted in the White Sea fjord from the coastal road in summer.
Kizhi Pogost — Historic Site — Arctic Highway — Russia
Historic Site
Kizhi Pogost
Explore the UNESCO-listed wooden churches, including the 22-domed Transfiguration Church, built without nails.
Solovetsky Monastery — Historic Site — Arctic Highway — Russia
Historic Site
Solovetsky Monastery
Visit the medieval monastery complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history.
Kandalaksha Nature Reserve — Nature Reserve — Arctic Highway — Russia
Nature Reserve
Kandalaksha Nature Reserve
Discover diverse Arctic flora and fauna in this protected area along the Kandalaksha Fjord.
Alyosha Monument — Monument — Arctic Highway — Russia
Monument
Alyosha Monument
Admire the towering statue of a Soviet soldier overlooking Murmansk, commemorating WWII heroes.
Lenin Nuclear Icebreaker — Museum Ship — Arctic Highway — Russia
Museum Ship
Lenin Nuclear Icebreaker
Tour the world's first nuclear-powered icebreaker, now a museum docked in Murmansk.

Where to Eat

Karelian Gornitsa — Karelian — Arctic Highway — Russia
Karelian
Karelian Gornitsa
Traditional Karelian dishes served in a rustic setting, offering a taste of local flavors.
Cafe Kizhi — Russian — Arctic Highway — Russia
Russian
Cafe Kizhi
Cozy café near Kizhi Pogost, perfect for a warm meal after exploring the island's wooden architecture.
Solovetsky Monastery Refectory — Monastic — Arctic Highway — Russia
Monastic
Solovetsky Monastery Refectory
Experience simple, hearty meals prepared by monks within the historic Solovetsky Monastery.
Arktika Hotel Restaurant — European — Arctic Highway — Russia
European
Arktika Hotel Restaurant
Elegant dining with panoramic views of Murmansk, offering a mix of European and Russian cuisine.
Tundra Restaurant — Northern Russian — Arctic Highway — Russia
Northern Russian
Tundra Restaurant
Specializes in northern delicacies like venison and fish, reflecting the region's culinary heritage.

Explore related routes

Russia road trips Iconic Adventure & Overland Routes Europe routes

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Arctic Highway drive?

The Arctic Highway covers 1,400 km from start to finish.

How long does the Arctic Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 5–8 days on the Arctic Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Arctic Highway?

The recommended season for the Arctic Highway is Jun–Aug / Dec–Feb.

Where does the Arctic Highway start and end?

The Arctic Highway runs from Saint Petersburg to Murmansk.

What are the main stops on the Arctic Highway?

The Arctic Highway passes through Saint Petersburg, Petrozavodsk, Kizhi Island.

Can I drive the Arctic Highway in a regular car?

Yes — the Arctic Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Arctic Highway?

Plan around 2 refuels (or about 4 EV charges) along the Arctic Highway, based on its 1,400 km length.

Is the Arctic Highway safe to drive?

Winter travel on this Arctic corridor brings extreme cold, ice roads, and polar darkness; snow tyres or chains are essential from October through April. Services and fuel stations become sparse north of Petrozavodsk so plan fuel stops carefully. A reliable, cold-weather-prepared vehicle is strongly advised.

What scenic tier is the Arctic Highway?

The Arctic Highway is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.