The Tersky district of the Murmansk Region is located in the south of the Kola Peninsula and is washed by the waters of the White Sea.

Archaeological excavations have shown that the Tersk coast was inhabited many millennia ago. In the XII century, the White Sea coast began to be visited by Russian Pomors. After them, the tribute collectors of Novgorod the Great came to the Tersk land. In the XV century, Pomeranian villages appeared on the Tersk coast. The first mention of the villages of Umba and Varzuga (1466) dates back to this time. The official date of the formation of the Tersk district as part of the Murmansk District is August 1, 1927.

The economy of the district is based on agriculture, fishing, logging and tourism.

The production of agricultural products is engaged in LLC "State Farm Umbsky", the main activity of which is dairy farming. The company produces environmentally friendly products from natural cow's milk.

For many centuries, the locals survived only thanks to fishing. Salmon was harvested and sold here. Pomors respectfully call her "king fish". Sport fishing, sea and lake fishing are actively developing now. Every year in March, ice fishing competitions "Fish Face" are held in the Tersk district. Anglers and tourists from all over the world are attracted by the riches of local rivers.

Every year in mid—June, the Pomeranian Rowing Regatta takes place in Umba — competitions on traditional Pomeranian boats - carbases and porches. The Umba River is very popular among rafting tourists.

Pilgrims visit the Tikhvin Church in Kashkarants and the chapel of the nameless monk of Tersk, the patron saint of fishermen.

The major Orthodox center of the Kola Peninsula is the village of Varzuga. The restored Assumption Church is located here — a masterpiece of wooden tent architecture erected in 1674. In Varzug, Orthodox pilgrims also visit the chapel of St. Uar and the Golden Cross erected on the site of an ancient settlement.

Tersky district opens unforgettable landscapes of the White Sea coast. Only here you can visit the northernmost desert in the world — Kuzomensky Sands and meet feral horses.

Cape Ship is a unique deposit of amethysts. Lovers of geology should also visit the area of the village of Kuzreka, in the quarries where granite was mined. Another monument of geology is the glendonites of the village of Olenitsa, the so-called White Sea rogulki. Similar minerals are found only in Australia. Tersky district is located far from industrial hubs. Untouched corners of nature have been preserved here. Traveling, you can cross the Arctic Circle, taste the local cloudberry berries, visit waterfalls on the Chapoma, Chavanga, Pulonga rivers.

The complex of rock carvings on the islands of Lake Kanozero (IV–II thousand BC) became world famous. In 2014, the only 10-meter transparent protective dome in Russia was erected on Kamenny Island over a group of petroglyphs.

You can learn about the life and customs of the Pomors at the Ethnographic Museum of Culture and Everyday life of the Pomors in the village of Umba.

The basis of event tourism is mass holidays. Once every three years, in June, an International Folklore Festival takes place in Umba, which gathers songwriters and folk artists from the north-west of Russia and from border states. Every year at the end of summer, the Tersk coast becomes a center of attraction for fans of folk art. The centuries-old heritage of the Pomor way of life and culture is reflected inThe feast of the Pomeranian goat. The goat is an ancient ceremonial figure made of rye dough, a lucky charm.

Tersky district offers a variety of accommodation facilities (hotels, guest houses and recreation centers, sports and fishing camps), different in cost of living and comfort.

Places