The absolute height of the Khibiny mountains. Khibiny, the beautiful mountains of the Kola Peninsula

The Khibiny mountain range is the largest on the Kola Peninsula. The highest point of the massif is Mount Yudychvumchorr, 1200 meters high. In the center of formation there are two plateaus Chasnachorr and Kukisvumchorr.

Tourists from all over Russia fell in love with this pearl of the Kola North. The Khibiny peaks are located almost in the center of the peninsula and offer very beautiful views from here. They visit local ski resorts throughout the year, and recently the popularity of this place has only been growing. A variety of trails have already been built here, suitable for any level of training of skiers and snowboarders.

The shape of this mountain range resembles two horseshoes, which are located one inside the other. The local valleys here are rich in lakes, and they have become a favorite place for picnics. For lovers of hiking and outdoor activities, several dozen tourist routes have been developed. The beauty of the Khibiny attracts travelers throughout the year and the flow of tourists is stable here. Every year tourism in the Khibiny develops more and more, and we advise everyone to visit these amazing places.

Weather

Winter in the Khibiny region is relatively warm, the average temperature is about -11 °C. But in the mountains themselves, and especially on the peaks, it can be 10-15 degrees colder. Frosts below -35 °C are rare.

In summer, this area is not particularly hot, the average temperature is around +12 °C. On the shores of the White and Barents Seas, it is several degrees cooler. There are thunderstorms and heat here, when the thermometer can exceed + 30-35 ° C.

How to get to Khibiny

It is always more convenient to get to the Kola Peninsula by train, along the Oktyabrskaya railway. By train you will get to Apatit or Khibiny station. During the trip, you will already be able to enjoy the beauty of Karelia and its diversity. It should be noted that the northern and southern nature of the region is quite different.

For those who like to travel by car, you can get to Khibiny quite quickly on modern roads. Do not forget that this is a northern region, so you need to be prepared for any vagaries of the weather, not only in winter, but also in summer. In winter, you should “shod” the car in studded tires, because ice is a frequent occurrence here. There are severe frosts at night, so it is not recommended to travel by car at this time of the day. In summer, too, the climate can be very changeable. A warm summer day can quickly turn into a cold late autumn. Don't forget to bring warm clothes with you, even in summer.

Traveling through the Khibiny Mountains is an exciting adventure for all lovers of wildlife and a new feeling for those who rarely leave their apartments and offices.

Khibiny - the name of this mountain range caresses the ears of travelers. Stunning snowy peaks, tundras with dwarf birches, powerful waterfalls and quiet clear lakes appear before your eyes. The combination of mountains and swampy massifs of the Khibiny looks unusual: it is worth seeing it at least once in a lifetime. Experienced tourists say that the Kola Peninsula does not let go just like that: its mysterious beauty attracts from year to year, and the inaccessibility of sharp rocks makes you come back again and again.

Where are the khibiny

Khibiny can be reached by car, train and plane. If you prefer the first option, go towards Murmansk along the P21 highway. Then exit onto E105. Continue driving until 1230 kilometers - there you will see a crossroads to the city of Apatity. There will be 28 kilometers to it: at the entrance there will be a sign to Kirovsk - turn left and drive another 17 kilometers.

You can get to Apatity on any Murmansk. They depart from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vologda, Minsk. In summer, resort routes from Novorossiysk, Adler, Astrakhan are added. The cost of a reserved seat depends on the station at which you stepped into the car. If this is Moscow, you will have to pay 3,000 rubles. The train follows the route within 30-32 hours.

You can fly to Khibiny by plane from Moscow, St. Petersburg or Cherepovets. The aircraft arrives at the Khibiny airport - it is common for Apatity and Kirovsk. There is another option - a flight to Murmansk, and from there to Apatity. We have to overcome another 200 kilometers along the highway.

If you are in Apatity, a minibus or buses No. 131 and 8 will take you to Kirovsk. Both modes of transport run infrequently. The best option is to get to Kirovsk by taxi and get off at the Pirozhkovaya stop. So you will spend 100 rubles against 600 for delivery to the city center. Many Kirov minibuses depart from Pirozhkovskaya.

What are Khibiny

The Khibiny are considered the oldest mountains in Russia. Their age is 350 million years. The mountains are located beyond the Arctic Circle at the 67th parallel. This greatly affects their nature: there is no vegetation on the slopes, here and there you can see bald patches of snow, regardless of the time of year. The height of the mountains is 800-900 meters, the highest point is Mount Yudychvumchorr - 1200 meters.

Khibiny from space is a fascinating sight. They look like a stone flower, opening its petals towards the northern sun. In clear weather, the mountains are especially clearly visible - the sharp peaks of the rocks cut the blue sky and inspire fear in travelers. Local residents are afraid to approach the Khibiny in winter - they understand how much danger the icy slopes pose.

The name of the mountain was due to the peculiarities of the local dialect. Previously, the Sami called them Umptek, and later they began to call them Hiben, which means plateau. Over time, the name stuck and remained, and the locals changed it to the Khibiny.

Attractions Khibiny

Visitors to the Khibiny are advised to explore the numerous hiking trails and walk to the Gorge of the Blue Lakes and the Pyrrhotite Gorge. On the way you will come across a 1950 adit. An interesting hike is ahead if you have chosen the Molybdenum Mine as the Khibiny attraction. To get there you need to go out on the road laid in 1930. In turn, the ford of the river leads to it. The mine offers an excellent view of Maly Vudyavr and Mount Poachvumchorr.

Takhtarvumchorr plateau - landscapes for lovers of surrealism. The pictures that open to travelers are similar to Martian ones. Unusual minerals are scattered on the ground. Along the way, you can find abandoned miners' tools.

Aku-Aku Gorge is considered a romantic place. According to Sami legends, there was a fierce struggle between the Sami and the invaders. Where Lappish blood fell, eudialyte, a reddish mineral, grew. Not far from the gorge there is a waterfall and a clean, bright lake.

The Kukisvumchorr plateau is another attraction of the Khibiny, famous for its Academic Lake. It is sky-emerald in color, the water is clear and very cold. A delightful route goes along the banks of the seething river Risjok, through the South Rischorr pass. On the way there is a grouchy waterfall and slopes of incredible beauty.

The sights of Apatit are interesting for both adults and children. There is a research center for experiments, the Museum of Mineralogy. The exposition is represented by hundreds of unique minerals. Some of them are not found anywhere in the world.

There are many other museums in Apatity: the museum-archive of the history of the study and development of the European North, the Museum of the International Cultural Center and the art gallery "M". Tickets to these places cost several hundred rubles and are available to everyone. For young parents with children, it will be interesting to visit the children's art gallery "Ark".

If you are lucky enough to visit Apatity in February, visit the annual Stone Flower exhibition. Hundreds of craftsmen offer to purchase stone products: jewelry, household items and kitchen utensils. It is impossible to imagine this magnificence: you just need to see it.

In the summer in Apatity, Akademgorodok and the square near the Polyarny cinema are noteworthy. Roses, wild roses, lilacs and other beautiful flowers grow in the square. Everything is fragrant. Nearby is a monument to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War.

Tourism in Khibiny starts from Kirovsk. It is located next to the Bolshoy Vudyavr lake. The Temple of the Savior of the Image of Jesus Christ is considered a significant attraction. The sanctuary is decorated with nine bronze bells. Especially for Kirovsk they were made by the Ural masters. The decoration of the temple is rich: many icons, some of which are myrrh-streaming.

Visit local history and mining and geological museums. Go to the Museum of Literature. It is designed in the thoughtful and philosophical spirit of the writer Erofeev. Admirers of his work will feel in their native element.

Obligatory attraction of Kirovsk is the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden-Institute. ON THE. Avrorin. This is a protected area with hundreds of plants. Many are unique. The administration of the garden offers excursions to the nursery and the greenhouse. It definitely won't be boring.

In winter, not far from the botanical garden, there is an area called the "Snow Village". As soon as the first snow falls, dozens of ice and snow figures are erected on its territory. They are life-sized characters and look magical. A visit to the village will be a real treat for children and adults.

For tourism in the Khibiny, we recommend paying attention to the Amethyst Hotel. It is located on Lenin Street, 3 in an eight-story building. It is in the center of the city, so you can easily get to the main sights and train stations. Nearby there is a restaurant where you can have a tasty and inexpensive dinner. The rooms are comfortable and new furniture, private bathrooms.

On Victory Street, 29a there is a hotel Izovella, which in Sami means "Light breath of wind." The peculiarity of the hotel is its location - half a kilometer from the city, among the thicket. In the evening you will be provided with wonderful walks and fresh air. Another representation of the hotel is the recreation center Apatit "Rus". From its windows a beautiful view of the lake Imandra opens. There is a hall, billiards, a gym. There is a banquet hall for celebrations.

The Sheri Hotel on Gladysheva Street, 6a is popular. It has only five rooms, but each is furnished in a homely and tasteful way. There is a TV, a wardrobe and a seating area. Linen is provided free of charge. Catches WI-FI.

In Guba Kislaya there is a secluded recreation center Apatit - Berloga. Beautiful log cabins, Sami milestones and a birch-wood sauna - what else does a weary traveler need after a long journey to the Khibiny? The houses are spacious, suitable for a company of 3-5 people. The recreation center rents out snowmobiles and turntables.

Hotels in Kirovsk

There are expensive hotels in Kirovsk. This is due to the availability of routes along the Khibiny beauties. If the price does not bother you, go to the city center to the Severnaya Hotel. It is in it that Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin likes to relax. At the same time, prices are not too high: a tourist with a modest budget can stay here, paying 1,500 rubles for a room. Expensive room costs 7000. Aikuayvenchorr ski slopes are nearby.

Hotel Ekkos has earned positive reviews from travelers. The fund is represented by 13 bright rooms with a total capacity of 40 people. Each room has a refrigerator, bath or shower, air conditioning. There is free internet. Families with children are offered rooms with a kitchen.

You can comfortably spend your holidays in the Khibiny at the Parkovaya Hotel. It is located on the street of the same name and combines maximum comfort and a pleasant price. The rooms are freshly furnished and have free WI-FI.

The Khibiny mountains have a unique climate. It is formed by arctic and Atlantic winds, changeable even in warm weather. There is a polar night, which has a significant impact on the formation of weather conditions. Very humid: it rains often, but the evaporation is weak. Coupled with sharp gusts of wind, ordinary rains turn into mountain thunderstorms.

There is no concept of "season" on the Kola Peninsula. All the seasons are intermingled and last longer than expected. For example, winter is the longest - 7-8 months. All this time frosts keep, the slopes are covered with snow. In the gorges, it does not melt all year round.

The ice melts at the end of spring, so from May 12 to July 19, the polar day begins, which is also summer. The weather is unstable, not warm. In September, frosts begin again, and winter sets in.

Summer holidays in the Khibiny will appeal primarily to climbers. However, if you are not an active tourist, do not worry. The mountains offer many easy hiking trails to enjoy the stunning nature of the north. Visit Lake Maly Vudyavr: it is located between dense forest and mountains. A great place for a picnic and outdoor games.

Another unusual place worth visiting on a summer vacation is the Ganeshina Circus. It offers a gorgeous view of the granite rocks and Lake Maly Vudyavr. If you went on a hike for more than one day, choose the circus as a place to sleep - there are no mosquitoes and it is relatively warm.

Be sure to reach Mount Kukisvumchorr. A fast river Yuksporryok flows there - it will lead to the Schel pass. Overcome it to reach an untouched corner of the planet - you will be amazed at how clean and majestic the mountains and lakes look. Look to the south - there you will see apatite ore quarries and the Tulyok River.

Not far from the Umbozersky pass there is a beautiful waterfall. It fully justifies its name and is considered one of the most wonderful places in Russia. Summer holidays in the Khibiny will be remembered for a long time, and photographs will cause aching boredom in the heart for many years to come.

Winter holidays in the Khibiny are represented by ski resorts and exciting excursions on snowmobiles. Famous trails run along the slopes of the mountains Aikuavenchorr and Kukisvumchorr. There are three complexes on the top of Aikuavenchorr - Aikuay, Colasportland and Big Woodyavr. The length of the trails is more than 30 kilometers. Here you can find something for every taste - go skiing, snowboarding or go down the hill on a colored bun.

Stopped in Apatity? Then go to Sparrow Hill. It is perfect if you are a beginner or teaching children. In addition, the slope is protected from the wind, so skiing here is comfortable and warm.

Khibiny is a magical land where phones and tablets are not needed. Nature penetrates the soul, disturbing the most intimate memories. It is easy to fall in love or, conversely, to forget. Unbridled joy is not alien to the Khibiny - hiking in a big company will become a vivid life impression.

Khibiny is a mountain range in the central part of the Kola Peninsula, which is mainly a plateau with sloping steep slopes. In some places on the slopes of the mountain range there are so-called snowfields - accumulations of snow, protected from direct sunlight and winds. Large lakes Imandra and Umbozero approach the mountains from the west and east, in addition to these reservoirs, the area is rich in smaller lakes and small rivers.
The formation of the modern appearance of the Khibiny, composed mainly of alkaline rocks and granitoids of the Precambrian age, one of the oldest in Russia - about 2 billion years old, took place mainly in the most recent past under the influence of glaciers. During the ice age, the entire surrounding space was covered with an ice shell, in some places rocks towered above it. As the glacier advanced, leaving furrows in the rock, and melted, carrying debris, and then returned again, a peculiar glacial landscape was formed, which is characteristic of the entire Kola Peninsula. The maximum size of the glaciers in the Khibiny reached about 20 thousand years ago.
The uplift of the mountain range began at the end of the glaciation: the ice finally began to melt here about 10 thousand years ago, freeing the surface from a colossal burden. The Khibiny continue to grow, and since the descent of the main mass of glaciers, their height has increased by about 20 m. In general, the process of formation of the ridge is characterized by unevenness, which affects the structure of the mountains: their structure is concentric, this is manifested in the arcuate arrangement of various rock layers. In addition, there is a decrease in the age of rocks from the edges to the center. Layering is due to the fact that magma got into the crevices.
One of the pioneers of the Khibiny was the Russian and Finnish geologist Wilhelm Ramsay, who studied both this mountain range and the entire Kola Peninsula as a whole.
The result of the scientist's painstaking work, in particular, was the map of the Khibiny.
The first Soviet expedition to the Khibiny started on August 25, 1920. It included the mineralogist Alexander Fersman, the president of the Academy of Sciences Alexander Karpinsky and the geologist of the Geological Committee Alexander Gerasimov. The main task facing the specialists was the search for apatites, which are also used in ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy. This expedition marked the beginning of the study of the Khibiny for the needs of industry.
In 1929, the Apatit mining and processing plant was opened in Khibiny. During the Great Patriotic War, it produced mines, grenades and other types of explosives, but already in 1944 the enterprise returned to normal operation.
By 1960, the extraction of apatite and nepheline ore was put on stream in the Khibiny region, as a result, new cities began to appear for workers to live. Back in 1931, the city of Kirovsk was rebuilt here, in 1966 a New City grew up next to it, which was later renamed Apatity. Subsequently, other settlements also appeared nearby, which were named after the innumerable values ​​​​of the Khibiny, including Titan, Nepheline Sands.

Ski resort among minerals

Khibiny are located in the central part of the Kola Peninsula. It is predominantly a plateau, separated by gorges, with numerous passes and cliffs. The central region of the ridge is occupied by the Kukisvumchorr and Chasnachorr plateaus. At the foot of the Khibiny are the cities of Apatity and Kirovsk.
Currently, many deposits are being developed in the Khibiny Mountains, and about five hundred minerals have been explored here.
The Khibiny Mountains to this day retain a huge potential for the development of the mining industry. There are many not only underground, but also open deposits. In particular, deposits of vermiculite and phlogopite mica have been explored in the Khibiny region, deposits of precious stones (including blue sapphire) and ceramic pegmatites are being developed. In general, about 500 different minerals were found in the Khibiny Mountains, 110 of which are found nowhere else.
In addition to minerals, the Khibiny Mountains also store priceless underground water reserves, and thermal springs were also discovered at a depth of more than 1.5 km.
The large scale of mining in the Khibiny region inevitably affects the environment. Problems are associated with the large amount of associated rock extracted from the ground, and with the need to cut down forests to start work on new deposits. That is why ecologists are currently defending the idea of ​​creating a national park in the Khibiny Mountains.
Work on the study and conservation of local nature began in the first half of the 20th century. In particular, the Polar Alpine Botanical Garden was created on Mount Vudyavrchorr. It gradually presents the vegetation characteristic of the local tundra, spruce-birch and alpine tundra, as well as the Arctic desert. In general, more than 400 species of plants grow on the territory of the botanical garden.
The fauna of the Khibiny Mountains is represented mainly by birds; there are less than 30 species of mammals here. However, a small number of species of the latter are characteristic of the entire Kola Peninsula.
After the end of the Ice Age, the ice did not retreat from the Khibiny Mountains for a long time. However, now there are practically no traces of glacial formations, except for the characteristic relief. At the moment, there are only four glaciers in the Khibiny, which occupy an area of ​​\u200b\u200babout 0.1 km 2.
Seismic activity continues in the Khibiny area. The first recorded earthquake occurred in 1758, and the last was recorded in 1988, with an epicenter near the city of Kirovsk.
About a quarter of the territory of this ridge is at risk of avalanches. In addition, very difficult weather conditions are observed in the Khibiny region: sharp drops in atmospheric pressure and strong winds are characteristic. In particular, at the tops the wind speed can reach 50 m/s. In addition, the angle of ascent gradually increases, and the path is blocked by numerous boulders. The situation is also complicated by extremely changeable weather: conditions can change several times during the day.
However, the Khibiny always remain popular among climbers. Over the years of development of this mountain range, well-trodden routes have appeared, among which there are options not only for highly experienced athletes, but also for beginners. In addition, there are ski slopes here, which are concentrated mainly in the Kirovsk region.

general information

Location: Kola Peninsula.
Administrative affiliation: .
Largest cities: Apatity - 57 398 people. (2015), Kirovsk - 27,250 people. (2015).
Nearest airport: Apatity airport.

Numbers

Area: 1300 km2.
highest point: Mount Yudychvumchorr (1200.6 m).
Main Peaks: Chasnachorr (1188 m), Putelichorr (1111 m).

Climate and weather

Characterized by long and snowy winters, cold and short summers.
However, the proximity of the Gulf Stream causes a warmer climate compared to other polar regions of Russia.
The polar night lasts 42 days.
January average temperature: -5°C.
July average temperature: +14°С.
Average annual rainfall: from 600-700 mm in valleys to 1600 mm on mountain plateaus.

Economy

Industry: mining (apatite, nepheline, sphene, aegirine, feldspar, titanomagnetite).
Scientific research.
Service sector: tourism.

Attractions

■ Natural: Lyavinskaya and Poutelle hills, Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden-Institute.
■ Kirovsk: Museum and Exhibition Center JSC "Apatit", Museum of Local History, Literary Museum of V. Erofeev.
■ Apatity: Museum-archive of the history of the study and development of the European North of Russia, Museum of Geology and Mineralogy of the Geological Institute of the KSC RAS, open-air geological park, Academician A.V. Sidorenko.

Curious facts

■ The Polar Alpine Botanical Garden is the northernmost botanical garden in Russia and one of the three botanical gardens in the world located above the Arctic Circle.
■ The Khibiny tundra used to be often called the “Skull of the Earth”. Thus, scientists have marked areas where ancient rocks come to the surface, the formation of which is associated with geological processes of many billions of years ago. These formations are part of the Baltic Crystalline Shield.
■ The writer Mikhail Prishvin, during his long journey through the European and Russian North, also visited the Khibiny Mountains in 1907. One of the stories, “The Khibiny Mountains,” is dedicated to them.
■ Most of the Khibiny peaks have Sami names. There are few speakers of the Sami language - the Sami, or Lapps - who live mainly in the north of the Scandinavian Peninsula and on the Kola Peninsula.

As you know, the Khibiny Mountains are the largest mountain range located on the Kola Peninsula. The name "Khibiny" appeared not so long ago, because before that the mountain system was called the Sami word "Umptek". It is believed that the geological age of this rock reaches about 350 million years. The exact origin of the Khibiny is still unknown, although according to the Russian dialect of the Arkhangelsk region and the Kola Peninsula, the term "Khiben" prevails, which means "plateau".

The mountains are composed of igneous rocks or nepheline syenites. The Khibiny massif has plateau-like peaks, rather steep slopes, in some places of which there are glaciers and snowfields. The highest point of the mountain system was Mount Yudychvumchorr, whose height reaches 1200.5 m above sea level and which breaks rather steeply in the form of impregnable sheer cliffs.

The Khibiny mountain massif in its shape is more like a horseshoe, somewhat open towards the east. High flat plateaus, as well as a complex system of especially deep valleys, became a characteristic relief. Most of the valleys end in the form of global glacial cirques, in which there is snow throughout the year. The inherent plateaus are flat surfaces completely covered with bare stone placers. A huge number of minerals are located in the Khibiny, the vast majority of which were discovered at this place for the first time - that is why the Khibiny massif is also called the mineralogical natural museum. The minerals located here are of the greatest importance. In this place there are the world's largest deposits of apatite containing phosphorus, as well as titanium, sphene, molybdenum ores and many other rare elements, which have become a reliable base for the mining industry of the North.

As for the flora of the Khibiny mountains, it changes more and more with increasing altitude. The slopes and foothills of the mountains, reaching a height of 350-400 m, are occupied exclusively by coniferous forests, represented by spruce forests, pine forests, which can most often be seen with an admixture of birch species. A little higher there is a birch crooked forest, rising even more in height by 100 m. In an even more elevated zone there are crooked forest zones - this is the tundra, almost completely covered with small shrubs - blueberries, lingonberries, crowberries, bearberry, as well as various types of lichens. After the first frosts pass, the leaves of all plants quickly acquire a rich bright color, while creating a multi-colored carpet of incredible beauty. As the height increases along the slopes, the vegetation cover becomes more and more sparse, and bare areas of rocky embankments can often be found. All the peaks of the mountains are almost completely without vegetation, and on the rocks and in some places there are yellow, gray and green patterns of lichens prevailing in these places. The flora of the Khibiny mountains is especially valuable, because a considerable number of representatives of local vegetation are listed in the Red Book. As for the local fauna, the terrestrial vertebrates of the mountain range are represented by 27 species of mammals, 2 species of reptiles, one species of amphibians and 123 different species of birds.

To date, the following mines operate on the territory of the Khibiny mountain range: Rasmvumchorrsky (Rasvumchorr plateau and Apatite Circus deposits), Kirovsky (Yukspor and Kukisvumchorr), Central (Rasvumchorr), and Vostochny (Nyurkpakhk and Koashva). Mining is carried out both open-pit and underground. The number of open mountain ranges is decreasing more and more, and after some time the development of deposits will be carried out exclusively by underground methods.

For quite a long period of time, the Khibiny Mountains have been one of the most favorite vacation spots for tourists, because this is the first alpine region in the entire Arctic, in which a proper system of routes has been carried out, ranging from training to the most difficult ones. Even the low height of the mountains can be deceptive, because the climate peculiarities inherent in this area often create extreme conditions for the ascent process.

The Khibiny is a mountain system that has attracted researchers and nature lovers since ancient times. They are not as inaccessible as other areas. You can reach the mountains by car. Or another option is to get to Murmansk by plane or train.

Location and relief

The Khibiny Mountains are located between and Umbozero. They are an array consisting of plateau-like peaks. The highest point is 1201 m. This is Mount Yudychvumchorr, which is part of the Khibiny massif. The height of the mountains is on average 1000 meters.

There are many traces of ancient glacial activity. People like circuses and cars talk about it. And also troughs - valleys plowed by a glacier, similar to troughs.

There are results of permafrost activity - kurums, the so-called stone rivers. And on the plateau there are whole stone seas.

Geological structure

The Khibiny Mountains are a crystalline structure - an intrusion. This is an integral geological body composed of rocks of igneous origin. There are only 8 such intrusions in the world. This massif, shaped like a horseshoe, is mostly composed of rocks - nepheline syenites. In ancient times, there were huge volcanoes that cooled down, and the magma crystallized. Therefore, about 800 different minerals have been found here. Some of them are specific to this area.

The names of modern settlements correspond to the minerals found here: Nepheline Sands, Apatity, Titan. After the descent from these mountains of a heavy glacial shell, this territory experienced tectonic uplift. It occurred unevenly, as evidenced by the nature of geological structures. They look like funnels, the edges of which are composed of older rocks than the center. For about 20 million years, the Khibiny rose 500 meters above the surrounding plains. Then there was a long break of 15 million years. Then again the mountains began to grow, this time their height doubled.

Climate

Climatic conditions, depending on the geographical location, have the Khibiny mountains. On the map of the North-West in the European part of Russia, you can see that most of the peninsula is located beyond the Arctic Circle. Despite this fact, the climate here is much warmer than in others. The severity of the local weather is smoothed out by the close location of the Barents Sea, since the North Cape warm current enters this part of the ocean. Therefore, the climate here is quite mild, and severe frosts are relatively rare.

Due to the location of the Khibiny in the Arctic, twilight reigns here for half a year. In winter daylight is very small and lasts 2-3 hours. The polar night lasts for about four months - the period when the sun does not rise from the horizon. And because of the proximity to the magnetic pole of the planet, you can observe a very impressive phenomenon - the northern lights.

Summer lasts two and a half months. The highest positive temperatures are +20 in July. The average for the month is +13 degrees. The coldest period lasts during January. The average temperature of the month is -11 degrees. And the Khibiny mountains have the most negative mark in winter -35 0 С. Photos of these places show that there are often fogs and high clouds. This indicates the influence of cyclones on the territory. Precipitation falls mostly in the form of snow.

Flora

Vegetation cover consists of several belts. The zone of coniferous and mixed forests is located mainly at the foot of the mountains and in river valleys at low altitudes. This belt ends at a height of 470 meters and occupies a third of the massif. It is dominated by spruce and birch. In the forest you can find mountain ash, aspen and bird cherry.

Above begins the zone of subalpine birch forests. It stretches in a narrow strip between the forest and tundra belts. Here grows a bathing suit, geraniums, and thistle.

Next comes the mountain-tundra zone. It occupies about half of the entire area of ​​the Khibiny Mountains. Below, dwarf shrub vegetation is common. In early August, the berry season continues. Blueberries, blueberries, cloudberries ripen. At the beginning of autumn, it's time for lingonberries. Above is the moss-lichen tundra. Mosses here are dominated by green and sphagnum mosses. Lichens cover large boulders of stone rivers. Many plants included in the Red Book grow here.

Toponymy of names

The indigenous people in the Khibiny region are the Saami. On the map of these mountains there are entirely names in the language of this people. However, their meanings are different. Since there are several dialects in the Kola Peninsula.

One of the versions of the origin of the name of the mountains from the word "Khiben" is a flat hill. The Saami conditionally divided the Khibiny mountains into two parts: Umbozersky and Lavozersky. The first in their language sounded like Umptek, the second - Luyavrurt.

The Saami first came up with the name of the river, and then the valley was named from it. And then the ridges were indicated. The first part of the word is a sign of an object (high, rocky). The second denoted a geographical object (mountain, river, lake). For example, Lake Woodyavr. Wood - a hill covered with shrubs. The root of the javr is a lake. Thus, the Saami gave simple descriptions of objects. Among them, Vudyavr is a lake on a hill with shrubs.

The Khibiny Mountains are a wonderful land that you really want to visit. This is a unique place where mountains, tundra, many lakes with clear water and northern lights are combined. Khibiny is rightly called a treasury of minerals.