Umba, Russia


Umba is an urban locality in Tersky District of Murmansk Oblast, Russia, located on the Kola Peninsula at the point where the Umba River flows into the Kandalaksha Gulf. Population:
First mentioned in 1466, Umba, along with Varzuga, is the first documented permanent Russian settlement on the Kola Peninsula. From the second half of the 15th century it served as the seat of Umbskaya Volost.
Transportation
There is a bus from to Umba from Kandalaksha, going twice a day. The airport from Umba serves parts of the south edge of the Peninsula inaccessible by auto. Priority in buying tickets is given to locals, and reserving them was not possible at least as of September 2013; this mode of transportation cannot be considered reliable. A helicopter can be hired for around $3000 per hour.
Politics and society
Umba has been characterized by several sources as a quiet district managed by traditional Communists.
Foreigner travel
Some of the coastline near Umba is off limits to foreigners. Local police should be consulted for details. Visitors may stay in Umba itself or travel along the road that goes along the sea from Kandalaksha to Varzuga.
Culture, events, tourist information, travel services