Norilsk
Discover Norilsk
Norilsk (Russian: Нори́льск nah-REEL'SK) is a large city in Taymyria. Because of its strategic importance for nickel ore processing, Norilsk is a closed city and special permission (except for Russian nationals) is needed for travel, which is generally only granted for guided tours. Norilsk is the northern-most of such size in the world, and the second largest city above the Arctic Circle; Murmansk is the largest. With a permanent population of 175,000, it is also the northernmost city with a population over 100,000 inhabitants. The barren landscape void of vegetation, abundance of Soviet era concrete tenements, and high pollution often earn Norilsk the questionable reputation of most depressing city on the planet.
Taste of Norilsk...
Since the completion of a fiber data link along the Yenisei River towards Krasnoyarsk in 2017, high speed internet is widely available throughout the city via landlines. But mobile internet still has many restrictions and average speed is around 128kbps. The major dangers in the city are the pollution and the cold.
Climate
Unsurprisingly for a city above the Arctic Circle, temperatures in Norilsk are sub zero from October to May, with drops below -40° common at night during winter months. Travellers should be preparing for the coldest weather conditions when travelling to Norilsk or face severe risk of hypothermia. The high temperature differences between day and night, make it easy to fall ill. Temperatures may vary as much as 70° between winter and summer! Norilsk's climate is relatively dry, but any snow falling in winter is likely to be around until spring, usually resulting in huge amounts accumulating over the winter months. Streets are usually cleared, but suitable footwear is nonetheless essential. There have been people who have driven by river to Norilsk from the rest of Russia in winter, but there are no roads, so when the river is not frozen, the only way to get in is by plane, or by boat in the summer.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThere have been people who have driven by river to Norilsk from the rest of Russia in winter, but there are no roads, so when the river is not frozen, the only way to get in is by plane, or by boat in the summer. Foreigners cannot visit Norilsk without a special permit, which is generally not granted to independent travelers. However, it is possible to visit on a guided tour with an approved company, which will handle most of the necessary paperwork for you. Buses operate from the nearby port-city of Dudinka. From Dudinka, boats offer service to/from Krasnoyarsk in the summer months, but the journey takes 3½ days northbound and 5½ days southbound. Buses are plentiful and go everywhere as a result of the harsh winter climate. Taxis are reasonably priced. Norilsk has several grand buildings in the center; however, it mostly consists of common, unremarkable apartment houses....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Buses are plentiful and go everywhere as a result of the harsh winter climate. Taxis are reasonably priced. Norilsk has several grand buildings in the center; however, it mostly consists of common, unremarkable apartment houses. Surrounding the city are vast areas of decaying industrial sites which are both depressing and fascinating at the same time. Since the completion of a fiber data link along the Yenisei River towards Krasnoyarsk in 2017, high speed internet is widely available throughout the city via landlines. But mobile internet still has many restrictions and average speed is around 128kbps. The major dangers in the city are the pollution and the cold.
Where to Stay
Since the completion of a fiber data link along the Yenisei River towards Krasnoyarsk in 2017, high speed internet is widely available throughout the city via landlines. But mobile internet still has many restrictions and average speed is around 128kbps. The major dangers in the city are the pollution and the cold.
Money & Budget
Since the completion of a fiber data link along the Yenisei River towards Krasnoyarsk in 2017, high speed internet is widely available throughout the city via landlines. But mobile internet still has many restrictions and average speed is around 128kbps. The major dangers in the city are the pollution and the cold.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
The major dangers in the city are the pollution and the cold.
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Norilsk
the sun is setting over a snowy road
a snow covered mountain with trees on the side
the sun is setting over a snowy field
a snow covered mountain with a clear blue sky
a hill covered in snow next to a forest
the sun is setting over a snowy road
a snow covered mountain with trees on the side
the sun is setting over a snowy field
a snow covered mountain with a clear blue sky
a hill covered in snow next to a forest
the sun is setting over a snowy road
a snow covered mountain with trees on the side
the sun is setting over a snowy field