Old Ha's Real-Life Account: How to Spend 4 Days in Murmansk!
Suggested Itinerary:
Day 1: Moore City → Cabin
Day 2: Old Ha → Aurora Borealis
Day 3: Whale Watching → Jeli Day Trip
Day 4: Ice Floating → Snowmobile
1️⃣ Aurora Watching (pp. 4-6): Highly Recommended ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 💰450 RMB, minibus tour (around 15 people). We chased the aurora in the outskirts of Moore, about a 1.5-hour drive, and the aurora burst lasted 2 hours. The aurora color depends on cloud thickness; thicker clouds result in a grayer color, but the dynamic effect is visible to the naked eye.
📸Photos can be taken with a camera, preferably a DJI. Photos from Android and Apple phones will vary depending on the model.
2️⃣ Old Ha Ha Strange Park (pp. 1-3): Recommended ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 💰1280 RMB.
Note⚠️: 1. Reservations need to be made 1-2 months in advance. The visit lasts 3-4 hours.
2. You don't have to wear the protective suit, but the dogs smell very strong. After petting them, the odor will stain your clothes. Those with a strong aversion to germs should consider this carefully!
3. It's extremely far from the city center. If you're in a hurry, it's best to skip it. It takes 2.5 hours one way.
Content includes: explanation of historical stories and precautions → dog sledding → snowmobile ride → playing with the dogs → Sami cultural experience → reindeer feeding → lunch → souvenir shop (not mandatory, but hand cream and lip balm are recommended).
The staff are all super nice! 👍🏻
3️⃣ Whale watching, 💰400 RMB, highly recommended ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Regardless of whether you catch any whales, just go out to sea first! We didn't go because of bad weather!
4️⃣ Jeli day trip (pp. 8-11), highly recommended ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 💰500 RMB. It takes about 2 hours one way from Moore. Combine it with whale watching in one day; you have enough time.
⚠️1. If you're traveling independently, prioritize your Jeli itinerary if the weather is good! The Arctic Circle weather changes rapidly, and there's only one road from Moor to Jeli. If the road is closed, you won't be able to get there. Generally, it takes at least 1-2 days for the road to reopen, and forcing your way back will cost around 1800 RMB per person in an ATV or helicopter 🚁
2. If you're short on time, skip the Dinosaur Egg Beach area; the snow training is exhausting. The swing area is a good spot for taking photos.
5️⃣ Ice Float (pp. 12-14), highly recommended ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 💰500 RMB, 1.5-2 hours total, 15-20 minutes from the city. Next to the ice floe we visited, there's a mini Jeli photo spot where you wear a lobster costume and float in shallow water near the shore, like a waterbed – very relaxing. If you drift too far, the safety officer will pull you back.
⚠️The crayfish-themed clothing is reusable; those with a germaphobia should avoid it. It also has a strong rubber smell, making you feel unwell, causing fogging, stuffiness, and potential makeup smudging.
6️⃣Snowmobile (pp. 15-16), Recommended ⭐⭐⭐⭐, two people per vehicle, 💰580/vehicle, 1-2 hours, three fixed departure times daily. Several large flat areas for high-speed riding; requires some stamina, but my friend said it wasn't as exciting as riding an electric scooter 😓. The initial experience is so-so, but it gets fun once you get the hang of it.
⚠️1. Snowmobiles are not insured; you'll have to pay for any damage if they flip.
2. Women with less strength should be cautious; the handlebars are quite heavy.
7️⃣Cabins (pp. 17-18), 💰1k+, Recommended ⭐⭐⭐, expensive and inconvenient to get to, but good for taking photos.
8️⃣Ice Fishing, requires at least 2 hours. Ice Floating