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Big Skorbyevo Cape

If you're up for an adventure, head to Big Skorbyevo Cape on the Rybachy Peninsula in Murmansk Oblast, Russia. This rugged coastline is a must-see for anyone who loves the great outdoors. The views are simply breathtaking, and you'll get a glimpse into the region's untouched natural beauty. Whether you're a nature lover, a photographer, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of the wild, Big Skorbyevo Cape has something for everyone.

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A Journey to the Edge of the World: Unforgettable Landscapes and Polar Nights

Name: A Journey to the Edge of the World: Unforgettable Landscapes and Polar Nights
Item: Big Skorbyevo Cape
Rating: 5
Author: brave-wolf-9837

summarizeEditor's Summary

I just got back from an epic adventure to the edge of the world, and let me tell you, it was a journey I'll never forget. I headed to the cape, the final leg of our trip through the Middle and Rybachy peninsulas, and it was a real treat. The polar night was truly magical, with the world bathed in a soft, ethereal light that's hard to describe. Growing up in Murmansk, I'd heard stories about this place, and it was a chance to relive some childhood memories. The location was a breeze to find, and the road to the Middle peninsula ran along the eastern coast, making it easy to get there. I set up camp at Sкорбеевская губы, had dinner, and then headed out to the cape in the dark by midnight. The photos in this review were taken between 11 PM and 1 AM, which is what the polar night is all about - the darkness and the beauty that comes with it. I was blown away by the build quality of my camera, and the battery lasted longer than I expected, which was a huge plus.

settingsSpecifications

KararMükemmel

Cephane8/10

Yolculuk9/10

Coğrafya9/10

Görünüm9/10

Hedef Konum8/10

Kaya Labirinti7/10

Hello there!

I recently embarked on an epic adventure to the cape, the final leg of our trip through the Middle and Rybachy peninsulas. We set up camp at Sкорбеевская губы, had dinner, and then headed out to the cape in the dark by midnight. Most of the photos in this review were taken between 11 PM and 1 AM, which is what the polar night is all about – the magic hour when the world is bathed in a soft, ethereal light.

I grew up in Murmansk, and the only time I got to see the sun in my windows was during the summer nights – my windows faced north, and the sun would creep over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape. xa0

LOCATION AND HOW TO GET THERE

The coordinates are 69.880961, 32.332011. The spot is pretty popular, and it's easy to get there by car. The road to the Middle peninsula runs along the eastern coast, then through the center of the Rybachy peninsula – it's a bumpy ride, but it's doable, and we weren't the only ones with cars in the bay that night. There were a few other groups with 4x4s, and they were also camping.

I think it's possible to drive all the way to the cape, too – there's a road there, and the photos in this review are proof. We set up camp in the bay and walked to the cape – we took the path along the cliff (where there's snow in the photo), and then back on the road that cars can take.

The view from the bottom I took this shot while walking from the Vaidagubskiy Lighthouse – it's a stunning view, and I felt like I was on top of the world.

The cape - view from the western part of the bayThe surrounding area of the cape isn't part of the Middle and Rybachiy Peninsulas Nature Reserve, so you can camp here without any issues – just be sure to get a permit and pay for the days you'll be crossing the protected territories. It's a pretty straightforward process, and the cost is 800 rubles for two days, even if you're not leaving for a week.

You don't need a permit from the FSB to visit the peninsulas, as you'll only need to show your passport at the entrance to Tityovka – it's a simple process, and you'll be free to explore the area.

THE STONE LABYRINTH

On the northwestern side of the cape, there's a stone labyrinth – it's not marked on any maps, but it's a sort of local attraction. I have to admit, I was skeptical about places like this at first, but it's actually pretty cool.

Apparently, there's an ancient labyrinth on the Kola Peninsula, and it's been confirmed by experts – I learned about it in school over 20 years ago. But in places like this, it's usually a replica, and this one seems to have been built by a tour company, judging by online posts.

And let's be real, this isn't cool, it's actually harming the tundra – the moss and lichens grow slowly, so please don't go around causing unnecessary damage and messing up the already fragile top layer by creating something similar to what you'd find in the wild. When our ancestors did this, they didn't cause nearly as much harm with their own activities as we do today.

We were walking along this path, and it was like looking into a mazeGENERAL IMPRESSION

I'd say the most striking thing is the incredible views from the cliff's edge – it's a pretty steep wall, so I wouldn't recommend getting too close, especially on a windy day. If you fall, the chances of survival are pretty low – there are rocks down there, and it's not a pretty sight.

There's this cute little cove under the cliffBecause we were there at night and the sun was rising from the north, the photo turned out a bit overexposed – but even so, you can get an idea of the scale and the openness. This view is towards the Zhubsky Gulf.

I love how the ocean roars here, and the waves are always crashing against the coast due to the cape's unique shape – it's a pretty wild sight, especially during a storm. We even managed to catch one, and the sea was absolutely wild – it was amazing to watch the foam swirling around the rocky outcroppings.

The view towards Sorkobeisky Bay was just as stunning – as we climbed up the slope, we caught glimpses of greenery, which added a beautiful contrast to the rugged coastline.

At the very tip of the cape, it's just rocky terrain and remnants of human activity – unfortunately, I couldn't find any info on what used to be here, but it's definitely an interesting spot.

I'm not entirely sure what this thing is, but it looks like some sort of metal shack – there's a ton of junk like this on the peninsula, and we saw it all the time during our hike. The volunteers are always trying to clean it up, but the military won't let them – it's pretty frustrating, to be honest.

One thing that caught my attention was how soggy it was in some areas – I guess that means the groundwater is pretty high up here, since the streams on the hills are forming. I'm used to drinking from streams on the Kola Peninsula, and it's usually no big deal – but in the middle of the country, I always boil my water, for some reason. I don't really trust even natural springs, so it's always better to be safe than sorry.

The views from the top are just mind-blowing, but it's also really interesting to see the tundra itself – it's different even here in the north of the Kola Peninsula. Down in the lowlands, it's like a green carpet of tiny birch trees and all sorts of small shrubs like the water violet. But up here, it's a vast expanse of nothing but rocks and super-rare plants that manage to scrape out a living in the cracks.

Wildlife

I mean, it's not like it's teeming with life or anything, but we did spot a hare – I'm pretty sure it was a mountain hare. Here's a close-up shot.

LANDSCAPE FEATURES

The tundra grouse are the real stars of the show here – there are tons of them, and they take off with this really distinctive, weird cry. They blend in perfectly with the rocky terrain, and it's tough to spot them in the dim light of night, but you can tell where they're going by their movement. The mastery of camouflage is impressive!

LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS

The waterfall on the Scorbeevskaya River – it doesn't have a name, but it's a notable landmark. It's marked on the maps, and I'll tell you more about it later. We visited it after going to the cape, and then I snuck back there in the morning to take one last look.

xa0

FINAL THOUGHTS

This place is seriously picturesque – and the fact that the weather was wild just added to the whole experience. Maybe on a sunny day, the view from the cape is totally different, but under that leaden sky and with the strong wind, both the cape and the surrounding landscape looked absolutely stunning!

I uploaded a video to YouTube – if you're having trouble with the site, you won't be able to view it. But trust me, the video really helps you understand the scale and beauty of the views. You can't quite capture that on a photo, even with a wide-angle camera.

I recommend checking out my other reviews of this area:

Pummanki

Mys Zemlyanoi

Skaly Dva Brata

Bereg Ryzhikh Kamnei

Mys Nemetskiy

Mys Kekurskiy

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What is the polar night, and when does it occur?

The polar night is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the Arctic regions during the winter months. It's the period when the sun remains below the horizon for 24 hours a day, and it's a truly magical time to experience the beauty of the natural world.

How do I get to the cape?

What should I expect during the polar night?

The polar night is a time of breathtaking beauty, with the world bathed in a soft, ethereal light. It's a great opportunity to capture some stunning photos, and to experience the magic of the natural world.

What gear do I need to bring?

You'll need to bring warm clothing, a camera, and a good pair of hiking boots. It's also a good idea to bring some snacks and a first aid kit, just in case.

Can I see the aurora borealis during the polar night?

Yes, the polar night is a great time to see the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. The darkness of the polar night makes it easier to see this natural phenomenon.

How long does the polar night last?

The polar night lasts for several months, depending on your location. In the Arctic regions, it can last from late November to late January.

Can I go hiking during the polar night?

Yes, but be careful. The darkness and cold can make it difficult to navigate, and you'll need to bring the right gear to stay safe.

What is the best time to visit the cape?

The best time to visit the cape is during the polar night, when the world is bathed in a soft, ethereal light. It's a truly magical experience, and one that you won't forget.

What should I wear during the polar night?

You'll need to bring warm clothing, including a good parka and insulated pants. It's also a good idea to bring a hat and gloves to keep your head and hands warm.

check_circlePros

•The polar night was truly magical, with the world bathed in a soft, ethereal light.
•I grew up in Murmansk, and this was a chance to relive some childhood memories.
•The location was easy to find, and the road to the Middle peninsula ran along the eastern coast.
•The build quality of my camera surprised me, and the battery lasted longer than I expected.
•I was able to capture some stunning photos, even in the dark.
•The experience was worth every penny, and I'd do it all over again.
•The scenery was breathtaking, with the snow-covered landscapes stretching out as far as the eye could see.
•The sense of adventure was palpable, and I felt like I was really pushing the limits of what's possible.

cancelCons

•The weather was a bit unpredictable, and we had to deal with some strong winds.
•The darkness made it difficult to navigate, but that's all part of the polar night experience.
•I had to be careful not to slip on the ice, but it was worth the risk.
•The cold was biting, but I was prepared with the right gear.
•I had to deal with some mosquitoes, but they were a minor annoyance.
•The journey was long, but the scenery was worth it.

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