In the northern part of the East European Platform lies the vast land of the Khibiny-Lovozero tundras, against this background it immediately catches your eye mountainous terrain small but fabulous beautiful country - Khibiny. Located one hundred and fifty kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and occupies the central part of the Murmansk region.

The nature of the Khibiny massif is famous for its picturesque views. Here you will find mountain ranges of extraordinary beauty, a tundra zone in the mountains where small dwarf birch trees grow. Water element It is fully represented by clean lakes, fast rivers and roaring waterfalls. The Khibiny Mountains, located in the very center of the peninsula, are considered the highest mountains in the Murmansk region.

The most high mountain Khibin Yudychvumchorr reaches 1200 meters. The tundra vegetation in the Khibiny Mountains is diverse; more than 300 species of different plants grow here. Many representatives of flora and fauna are rare; they are listed in the Red Book of the region. The information on our website will help you learn more interesting and exciting things about northern nature and its features.

The Khibiny mountains are more than mysterious and unusual. Unlike other mountain ranges that stretch in a long line along the horizon, these beautifully frame the lake. Writers and poets sang the beauty of the Khibiny. Their uniqueness and dissimilarity from other mountains was noted by Ivan Kataev in his “Ice Hellas”. These are the remains from ancient plateau, which was destroyed and fragmented into many dozens of ridges, gorges, isolated peaks, passes and many plateaus. Nature itself has worked on this, in the person of the rivers Kuniyok, Tulyooka, Malaya Belaya, lakes Vudyavr - Bolshoye and Maloye and valleys. This contributed to the creation of a polar mini-Altai. The difference between the Khibiny and other mountain ranges is due to the rare combination of mountains with swamps and lakes of the Kola Peninsula, which looks quite unusual and bewitchingly beautiful.

The modern name of the mountains is associated with the dialect local population. "Khiben" means plateau. But the mountains did not always have this name. The Sami traditionally call them "Umptek". The Khibiny Mountains are also unique in that, firstly, they are the oldest mountains in Russia, the age of which is estimated at 350 million. At first glance, the mountains seem inaccessible and harsh, because the mountains are rocky and there is no vegetation on them. They are located beyond the Arctic Circle, north of the 67th parallel.


On the Kola Peninsula this mountain range- the most sublime. On average, the mountain peaks rise above sea level by 800-900 meters. And the highest point, Mount Yudychvumchorr, reaches 1200 meters. In addition, being young mountains, the Khibiny are constantly growing and add several millimeters every year. In summer, in clear weather, views of the Khibiny can be admired from afar.

The Khibiny mountains are harsh and often unfriendly. The Sami came here only in the summer, and in the winter they were afraid of mountain avalanches, the origin of which was associated with the behavior of the gods. Deposits of more than 800 types of minerals have been discovered in the Khibiny Mountains. This fact influenced the fact that the previously sparsely populated region was filled with industrial cities and towns at the foot of the mountains.

The names of such industrial cities speak for themselves: Titan, Apatity and others. Scientists often call the Khibiny Mountains a museum of mineralogy under open air thanks to the variety of minerals. The famous mineralogist and geologist Alexander Fersman made a great contribution to the development of this mountain system; here he discovered minerals unlike any others and called them khibinites.

An interesting view of mountains from space. They resemble a stone flower, and if you get closer, they resemble an impregnable fortress in the middle of a forest. According to the legends of local residents, it is in the Khibiny Mountains that the treasured Eden, or Paradise, is located, which many strive to achieve. Harsh places constantly attract new guests with their natural beauty.

Khibiny - the name of this mountain range pleases the ears of travelers. Stunning snowy peaks, tundras with dwarf birches, powerful waterfalls and quiet clean lakes. The combination of mountains and swamps of the Khibiny looks unusual: you should see it at least once in your life. Experienced tourists say that Kola Peninsula doesn’t let you go just like that: its mysterious beauty attracts you year after year, and the inaccessibility of its 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, head towards Murmansk along the P21 highway. Next, take the E105. Continue driving until kilometer 1230 - there you will see an intersection to the city of Apatity. There will be 28 kilometers left before it: at the entrance there will be a sign for Kirovsk - turn left and drive another 17 kilometers.

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

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

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

What are the Khibiny mountains?

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

The name of the mountain was given 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 local residents changed it to Khibiny.

Sights of Khibiny

We recommend that visitors to the Khibiny explore numerous hiking routes and walk to the Gorge Blue Lakes and Pyrrhotite Gorge. On the way you will come across a 1950 adit. An interesting hike awaits you if you chose the Molybdenum Mine as your attraction. To get there you need to take the road built in 1930. In turn, a river ford leads to it. From the mine there is an excellent view of Maly Vudyavr and Mount Poachvumchorr.

Takhtarvumchorr plateau - landscapes for lovers of surrealism. The pictures that appear to travelers are similar to those on Mars. Unusual minerals are scattered across the ground. Along the way you can come across abandoned miners' tools.

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

The Kukisvumchorr plateau is another attraction of the Khibiny, famous for Lake Akademicheskoye. It is a heavenly emerald color, the water is clear and very cold. A delightful route goes along the banks of the raging Risjok River, through the South Rischorr pass. Along the road there is a grumpy waterfall and incredibly beautiful slopes.

The sights of Apatit are interesting for both adults and children. There is a research center for conducting experiments, and the Museum of Mineralogy. The exhibition features hundreds of unique minerals. Some of them are not found in any corner of the planet.

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 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, a visit to the children's art gallery “Kovcheg” will be interesting.

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

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

Tourism in the Khibiny Mountains begins from Kirovsk. It is located next to Lake Bolshoi Vudyavr. The Temple of the Savior of the Image of Jesus Christ Not Made by Hands is considered a significant attraction. The sanctuary is decorated with nine bronze bells. They were made especially for Kirovsk by Ural craftsmen. The decoration of the temple is rich: many icons, some streaming myrrh.

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

A must-see attraction in Kirovsk is the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden-Institute named after. ON THE. Avrorina. This is a protected area containing hundreds of plants. Many are unique. The garden administration offers excursions to the nursery and 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. They are made life-size of the character and look magical. A visit to the village will be a real holiday for children and adults.

For tourism in the Khibiny Mountains, we recommend paying attention to the Amethyst Hotel. It is located on Lenina Street, 3 in an eight-story building. This is the city center, so you can easily reach the main attractions and train stations. There is a restaurant nearby where you can have a tasty and inexpensive dinner. The rooms have comfortable and new furniture, private bathrooms.

On Pobeda Street, 29a there is a hotel Isovella, which translated from Sami means “A light breath of wind”. A special feature of the hotel is its location - half a kilometer from the city, among the forest. In the evening you will be provided with wonderful walks and fresh air. Another representative office of the hotel is the Apatit “Rus” recreation center. From its windows there is a beautiful view of Lake Imandra. There is a hall, billiards, and a gym. Available banqueting hall for celebrations.

The Sheri Hotel on Gladysheva Street, 6a is popular. There are only five rooms, but each is furnished in a homely and tasteful way. There is a TV, a wardrobe and a soft corner. Linen is provided free of charge. Picks up WI-FI.

In Guba Kislaya there is a secluded recreation center Apatit-Berloga. Beautiful log houses, Sami milestones and a bathhouse with birch wood - what else does a tired 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 explained by the availability of routes through the Khibiny beauties. If the price doesn't bother you, go to the city center to the Severnaya Hotel. This is where Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin likes to relax. At the same time, the prices are not inflated: a tourist with a modest budget can stay here, paying 1,500 rubles for a room. An expensive room costs 7000. Nearby ski slopes Aykuayvenchorr.

The Ekkos Hotel 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, a bath or shower, and air conditioning. Eat free Internet. Couples with children are offered rooms with a kitchen.

You can comfortably spend your holiday in the Khibiny Mountains at the Parkovaya Hotel. It is located on the street of the same name and combines maximum comfort and a reasonable price. The rooms are furnished with fresh furniture and have free WI-FI.

The Khibiny Mountains have a unique climate. It is formed by Arctic and Atlantic winds and is changeable even in warm weather. There is a polar night, which has a significant influence on the formation of weather conditions. Very humid: rains frequently, but 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 seasons are mixed up and last longer than expected. For example, winter is the longest - 7-8 months. All this time frosts persist, the slopes are covered with snow. It does not melt in the gorges all year round.

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

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

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

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

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

Winter holidays presented in Khibiny ski resorts and exciting excursions on snowmobiles. Famous trails run along the slopes of the Aykuavenchorr and Kukisvumchorr mountains. At the top of Aykuavenchorr there are three complexes - “Aykuay”, “Kolasportland” and “Big Woodyavr”. The length of the tracks is more than 30 kilometers. Here you can find something to suit every taste - skiing, snowboarding or sliding down a hill on a colored bun.

Staying in Apatity? Then you go to Sparrow Mountain. 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, stirring up the most intimate memories. It’s easy to fall in love here or, conversely, forget yourself. The Khibiny region is also no stranger to unbridled joy - hiking in a large company will become a vivid life experience.

The Khibiny Mountains are a mountain range in the central part of the Kola Peninsula, which is predominantly 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. From the west and east they approach the mountains large lakes Imandra and Umbozero, in addition to these reservoirs, the area is rich in smaller lakes and small rivers.
Formation modern look The Khibiny, composed mainly of alkaline rocks and granitoids of Precambrian age, one of the oldest in Russia - about 2 billion years old, occurred mainly in the very recent past under the influence of glaciers. During the Ice Age, the entire surrounding area was covered with an ice shell, and in some places rocks towered above it. As the glacier advanced, leaving grooves in the rock, and melted, carrying away debris, and then returned again, a unique glacial landscape was formed, which is characteristic of the entire Kola Peninsula. The glaciers on the Khibiny reached their maximum size approximately 20 thousand years ago.
The rise of the mountain range began after the end of glaciation: the ice began to finally disappear here about 10 thousand years ago, freeing the surface from a colossal burden. The Khibiny mountains continue to grow, and since the disappearance of the bulk of the 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 arc-shaped arrangement of various rock layers. In addition, there is a decrease in the age of the rocks from the edges to the center. The layering is due to the fact that magma entered 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 Khibiny map.
The first Soviet expedition to the Khibiny Mountains started on August 25, 1920. It included mineralogist Alexander Fersman, President of the Academy of Sciences Alexander Karpinsky and 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 industrial needs.
In 1929, the Apatit mining and processing plant was opened in Khibiny. During the Great Patriotic War, mines, grenades and other types of explosives were produced there, but already in 1944 the enterprise returned to normal operation.
By 1960, the mining 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, and in 1966 it grew up next to it. New town, which was later renamed Apatity. Subsequently, other villages also appeared nearby, which were named in honor of the countless values ​​of the Khibiny, including Titan and Nepheline Sands.

Ski resort among minerals

Khibiny is located in the central part of the Kola Peninsula. These are mainly plateaus, 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 enormous potential for the development of the mining industry. There are many not only underground, but also open deposits. In particular, in the Khibiny region deposits of vermiculite and phlogopite mica have been explored and deposits are being developed precious stones(including blue sapphire) and ceramic pegmatites. In total, about 500 different minerals were identified in the Khibiny Mountains, 110 of which are found nowhere else.
In addition to minerals, the Khibiny Mountains also store invaluable underground reserves of water, 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. The problems are associated with the large volume of associated rock extracted from the ground, and with the need to cut down forests to start work on new deposits. This is why environmentalists are currently advocating the idea of ​​creating national park in the Khibiny Mountains region.
Work on studying and preserving 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 vegetation characteristic of the local tundra, spruce-birch and alpine tundras, 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. 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 left of the glacial formations, except for the characteristic relief. On this moment There are only four glaciers on the Khibiny Mountains, which occupy an area of ​​about 0.1 km 2.
Seismic activity continues in the Khibiny region. The first recorded earthquake occurred back in 1758, and the last was recorded in 1988, with the epicenter near the city of Kirovsk.
Approximately a quarter of the territory of this ridge is at risk of avalanches. In addition, in the Khibiny region there are very difficult weather: characterized by sharp changes in atmospheric pressure and strong winds. In particular, at the peaks the wind speed can reach 50 m/s. In addition, the angle of climb gradually increases, and the path is blocked by numerous boulders. The situation is also complicated by the extremely changeable weather: conditions can change several times during the day.
However, the Khibiny Mountains invariably remain popular among climbers. Over the years of exploration of this mountain range, well-trodden routes have appeared, including options not only for experienced athletes, but also for beginners. In addition, there is also ski slopes, 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 and 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.
Average January temperature: -5°C.
Average temperature in July: +14°C.
Average annual precipitation: 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 of JSC "Apatit", local history museum, V. Erofeev Literary Museum.
■ 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, museum-apartment of academician A.V. Sidorenko.

Curious facts

■ Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden is the northernmost botanical garden in Russia and one of the three botanical gardens in the world located beyond the Arctic Circle.
■ The Khibiny tundra was often called the “Skull of the Earth” in the past. Thus, scientists have noted areas where ancient rocks come to the surface, the formation of which is associated with geological processes multibillion years ago. These formations are part of the Baltic crystalline shield.
■ Writer Mikhail Prishvin during his great trip traveled around the European and Russian North and 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 - left; they live mainly in the north of the Scandinavian Peninsula and on the Kola Peninsula.

They are beautiful, mysterious and dangerous. All this is about the Khibiny Mountains or simply Khibiny - the largest massif on the Kola Peninsula. He saw this region as it was many centuries ago, because the age of the mountains is estimated to be over 390 million years.

If you look at the Khibiny Mountains from above, you can see an oval ring. For the most part, there are plateau-like peaks and river valleys, deep gorges, cirques (amphitheater basins) and karas (bowls on the slopes), and all this is surrounded by the Khibiny tundra.

Even in the rare hot summer there is snow on the peaks, and this is also where the first snowflakes in the region are met before the onset of winter. Snow often falls here at the end of August.
Many animals are found in the tundra, including those with rare and protected status. Reindeer, arctic fox, marten, hazel grouse, capercaillie, Norwegian lemming, freshwater pearl mussel, common viper, viviparous lizard. The rivers are inhabited by brown trout, whitefish, char, grayling and others.

The Khibiny vegetation is the filling of a multi-layer pie. With height, tundra, forest-tundra and taiga replace each other. The forest zone at the foot smoothly transitions into a belt of subalpine birch forests and alpine tundra at the tops of the mountains.

On high altitude An interesting phenomenon can be observed: the strong wind and constant cold make it very difficult for trees to grow here. That’s why birch trees grow to the level of grass or even spread along the ground. But you can find here many types of flowers, cereals, berries and others: sorrel, groundsel, alpine bluegrass, saxifrage, cloudberry, lingonberry, crowberry, blueberry.

The Khibiny Mountains began to be developed and studied only in the 20th century, when people realized that it was not only a nice place, but also rich: previously unknown minerals were discovered here.

The Khibiny Mountains are living mountains in every sense of the word. The formation of their relief continues, although the main artist was the glacier that covered the massif millions of years ago. But even today the Khibiny Mountains rise by about 1-2 centimeters per year. Occasionally, earthquakes occur here, mostly magnitude 3-4, mostly caused by the development of deposits in mines. With each passing decade, the surface of the mountains becomes sharper, this is due to weathering.

This makes the Khibiny even more dangerous, although people here should already be as careful as possible. In winter, there is a high risk of an avalanche. In summer, rockfalls occur and tourists trip on narrow mountain paths. Sometimes, even on a seemingly flat surface, there are dangerous surprises - holes that serve as entrances to underground caves.

That is why it is better to go to the Khibiny Mountains with an experienced guide and as part of an organized group. You must first register with the regional Ministry of Emergency Situations.

The same rules apply to those who want to engage in winter sports in the Khibiny Mountains. This the best place in the Murmansk region for skiing and snowboarding. Several slopes and recreation centers are equipped for athletes, where the tracks are checked by Russian and international specialists.

Also, the following Khibiny attractions will be of interest to tourists: lakes Maly and Bolshoy Vudyavr, Akademicheskoe, Geographers passes, Yuksporlak, Shchel, Ganeshina circus, Beautiful waterfall and others.

Several have been developed especially for lovers of walking and spending the night in the open air. walking routes: Blue Lakes gorge - Pyrrhotite gorge, molybdenum mine - Geographers pass, Geographers pass - Vudyavrchorr mountain, Ramzaya gorge - Malaya Belaya river valley, western and eastern Petrelius passes, North and South Chorrgor aervals, Kuelpor - South Chorrgor pass - Lake Imandra, gorge Aku-Aku, Risyok River - South Rischorr Pass - Marchenko Peak, astrophyllites of Mount Eveslogchorr.

There are many in Russia beautiful mountains. One of them is the Khibiny Mountains. Once here, you will see stunning snowy peaks, clear lakes, noisy waterfalls, mountain tundra and even the northern lights. Let's find out where the Khibiny Mountains are located and why they are interesting.

Geographical position

To get into it unique place, you need to go to Murmansk region. The Khibiny Mountains are located on the Kola Peninsula, in its very center. On both sides they are limited by lakes - Imandra and Umbozero. There is always snow on the steep slopes, because the massif is located beyond the Arctic Circle (67th parallel). Forest-tundra is adjacent.

Initially the mountains were called Umptek. Translated from the language of the local residents, the Sami, this means “a place where reindeer come to die.” However, later another name took root - Khibiny (“plateau”). The shape of the array resembles two horseshoes, one of which is nested inside the other. From space it looks very much like a huge stone flower.

Formation

The Khibiny Mountains are the oldest mountains located in Russia. They are believed to be about 390 million years old. The formation of the massif occurred in several stages. Initially, where the Khibiny Mountains are located now, powerful streams of hot magma flowed. Giant volcanoes gradually cooled, laying down the main forms of the plateau.

The second stage was glaciation. It began 1 million years ago. Glaciers advanced from Scandinavia, and this happened more than once. They smoothed out crystalline protrusions, cut wide valleys and narrow winding cracks, which later became rivers.

The last glaciation (Valdai) occurred about 100 thousand years ago. The mountains turned out to be completely filled with ice, as evidenced by the huge boulders on the rocky peaks. The apogee was observed 20 thousand years ago, and then gradual melting began.

The third stage of the formation of the Khibiny Mountains has not yet been completed. It is characterized by tectonic uplift. It is known that 20 million years ago the mountains rose 500 m above the surface of the earth. After 15 million years, this height doubled. Over the past 10 thousand years, the massif has grown by 20 m. Every year the mountains rise by 0.3-1.2 mm. Sometimes this process is accompanied by earthquakes, mostly weak.

Relief

The Khibiny Mountains rise above the surrounding hilly plain by an average of 800-1100 m. The structure of the massif is circular. The plateau is dissected by deep faults in the earth's crust, which diverge radially from the Poachvumchorr ridge. Valleys divide the mountains into separate, fairly large blocks. They, in turn, are divided into smaller areas by less significant gorges. Steep ledges descend towards Lake Imandra.


There are no peaked peaks in the Khibiny Mountains. All of them are plateau-shaped. The slopes are steep, without ledges, many of them are covered with glaciers and snowfields. Through valleys are U-shaped, smoothed during glaciations (so-called troughs). Huge boulders remained on the surface of the plateau. It is also worth noting the large number of ancient glacial cirques and cirques (steep bowl-shaped depressions on the slopes). The youngest gorges are almost vertical, going several tens of meters deep. The sun's rays never reach their bottom.

Peaks

The height of the Khibiny Mountains does not exceed 1206 m. The highest point is the Yudychvumchorr peak ("humming mountain"). According to other sources, it is slightly lower - 1200.6 m. Yudychvumchorr received its name because of the strong winds that constantly blow on its flat top, as if cut with a knife. Climbing here, you can see almost all the plateaus and mountain ranges.

For a long time highest point The Khibiny Mountains were considered to have another peak - Chasnachorr ("woodpecker mountain"). It soars up to 1189 m. Today it holds an honorable second place. The third highest mountain is Putelichorr ("mass of alien people"). It rises into the sky at 1111 m.

But for the local residents - the Samami - it is relatively sacred low mountain Aykuaivenchorr (1075 m.). Its name translates as “head of the mother of God.” If you look at her from a distance, you can see a woman's face facing the heavens.


Geology

The Khibiny Mountains are composed mainly of nepheline syenites, a crystalline alkaline rock of igneous origin. Associated minerals are apatites containing phosphorus. The Khibiny apatite deposit is considered the largest in the world.

The massif has a ring structure. Rock complexes form arcs nested within each other and open with east side. This is explained by the intrusion of magma between alternating faults.

The mountains are called a natural museum of minerals. There are about 500 of them in total. Interestingly, 110 minerals are not found anywhere else. Some of them are not typical for massifs composed of alkaline rocks. Examples include topaz and spinel. In addition to apatites and nepheline, micas, ores of copper, iron, nickel and some other metals are of practical value. Outcrops of rare minerals, in particular blue sapphire, used in the jewelry industry, were discovered on Mount Eveslogchorr.

Climatic conditions

The Khibiny Mountains are located beyond the Arctic Circle, so average annual temperature here it is minus 0.1 °C. The polar night begins on December 10 and ends on January 3. Polar day lasts from May 31 to July 13. Summer and spring here are cool and quite late. Snow begins to melt at the end of April, when temperatures rise above 0 °C. The frost-free period in the mountains lasts no longer than 60-80 days.

The average summer temperature is +12 °C. On the hottest days it can rise to +30 °C and above. Usually this weather is accompanied by thunderstorms. However, after the sun there may come a sharp cooling down to minus 1-4 degrees and wet snow.


From September to April, locals admire northern lights. The snow cover finally falls in early November. Winters in the Khibiny are warm, which is explained by its proximity to the Barents Sea. Its waters are warmed by the Gulf Stream. The average temperature is -11 °C, but at the peaks it is usually 10-15 degrees colder. Mountain avalanches occur quite often, posing a serious danger to tourists.

The average annual precipitation in the valleys is 600-700 mm. On mountain peaks this number increases to 1600 mm. The winds blow very strong and gusty. Their average speed exceeds 5 m/sec. Instantaneous gusts can reach 60-80 m/sec. They are capable of blowing away a person standing on the edge of a plateau.

Flora and fauna

The Khibiny Mountains look very picturesque in the photo. Their slopes are covered with evergreen forests, moss and reindeer moss. Vegetation changes with increasing altitude. The foothills of 300-400 meters are covered in coniferous forests with a predominance of spruce and pine. Then the birch forest rises up about 100 m. After it the tundra zone begins. It is represented by lichens and small shrubs: crowberry, lingonberry, bearberry, blueberry. After the first frost, the leaves of the plants become brightly colored, creating an amazing multi-colored carpet.


As the height increases, the plants thin out and are replaced by rocky embankments. Here and there you can see patterns of green, gray or yellow lichens. The flora of the mountains is valuable; many plants are listed in the Red Book. Animal world represented by 27 mammals. There are only 3 species of reptiles, 1 species of amphibians. Most of the birds are found in the mountains - 123 species.

Exploring the mountains

For a long time the Khibiny remained unexplored. Academician Lepekhin wrote about them for the first time, who in 1772 visited the Kola Peninsula and studied its central part. He notes that steep gorges may hide minerals. In the summer of 1834, mining engineer Shirokin began exploring the Western slope of the Khibiny.

In 1891-1892, an expedition led by geologist V. Ramsay arrived on the peninsula. She studied the area in detail over two seasons, collected a lot of geological information and compiled a map of the mountains. Further exploration of the region was prevented at first World War, and then - revolution.

Only in 1920 did the next scientific and fishing expedition, led by A. Fersman, arrive on the Kola Peninsula. They discovered previously unknown minerals. Already in 1921, the development of apatite ores began near Mount Kukisvumchorr. A year later, it became clear that the Khibiny deposits were much richer than originally thought.

Industrial development

1926 is considered the official date for the discovery of large deposits on the Rasvumchorr plateau. From that time on, miners began to flock to the Kola Peninsula. In 1929, the Apatity trust was created. A year later, construction of the enrichment plant began. In 1931, the city of Khibinogorsk was founded, later renamed Kirovsk.


In the Khibiny Mountains, ore mining was brought to normal production. In 1966, a New City appeared near Kirovsk, now called Apatity. Villages were actively created. In 2012, the Northwestern Phosphorus Company built on the shores of the lake. Umbozero Oleniy Ruchey Mining and Processing Plant. The construction of another mine was planned, which caused outrage among the local population. An environmental movement has started. People demanded to ban further development and recognize the Khibiny as a national park. This was completed in 2018.

Holidays in Khibiny

Many climbers flock to the Kola Peninsula in the summer. There are routes of varying difficulty, up to category 5B. But most passes have 1-2 categories. There are almost always shelves in the rocks for overnight stays; the danger of rocks is low. The descents are simple and picturesque. Many easy routes have been developed for hikers, allowing them to fully enjoy the beauty of northern nature.


In winter, ski slopes open on the Aykuaivenchorr and Kukisvumchorr mountains. Sports lovers can go skiing, snowboarding or colorful buns. Extreme sports enthusiasts choose off-piste descents through virgin fields, the steepness of which can reach up to 55°, or along avalanche flows. Of course, such entertainment is associated with enormous risk. Just like the winter ones hiking in the Khibiny mountains. Instead, tourists are offered exciting excursions on snowmobiles.

We hope that now you will not be confused when looking at the atlas. The Khibiny Mountains seem small on the map, but in fact this is a harsh region fraught with a lot of dangers. Despite this, it attracts people with its beauty and unusual combination of rocks, marshy areas and clear northern lakes.