Russia’s Arctic is a land of breathtaking natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and extreme conditions. It’s no wonder that filmmakers from around the world have been drawn to this remote and dramatic region to capture its stunning scenery and the raw power of nature. From icy shores to snow-capped mountains, the Russian Arctic has provided the backdrop for numerous films, documentaries, and television series that showcase the stark beauty and isolation of this frozen frontier. In this guide, Wander Russia takes you through some of the most famous Arctic film locations in Russia, offering insights into the films shot there and the incredible landscapes that made them iconic.
Why the Russian Arctic is a Cinematic Treasure
The Russian Arctic is a place that offers not only extreme landscapes but also a sense of timelessness and grandeur, which makes it the perfect location for filmmakers seeking to capture the wild, untamed beauty of the far north. The isolation, harsh conditions, and vastness of the region create an atmosphere that is both haunting and awe-inspiring. Some of the world’s most iconic Arctic films have chosen Russia as their setting, and these locations continue to draw filmmakers and travelers alike.
The landscapes of the Russian Arctic provide a dramatic contrast to bustling city life, and it’s this starkness that adds to the intensity and realism in many films. Whether it’s the icy expanse of the Franz Josef Islands, the wind-swept tundra of Siberia, or the dramatic fjords of the Kola Peninsula, the Arctic locations in Russia are as unforgettable as the stories that unfold there.
1. Franz Josef Islands: The Setting for “Leviathan”
The Franz Josef Islands, located in the Russian Arctic, are among the most remote and untouched islands in the world. The archipelago’s dramatic glaciers, vast ice sheets, and towering mountains provide the perfect backdrop for films seeking to depict the power of nature and the isolation of the Arctic.
“Leviathan” (2014)
- Director: Andrey Zvyagintsev
- Location: Franz Josef Islands
- Film Description: While the majority of Leviathan was filmed in the Russian town of Teriberka (on the Barents Sea), some of the most iconic and atmospheric scenes were filmed on the Franz Josef Islands. The film, which won international acclaim, is a modern tragedy that explores themes of power, corruption, and the struggle of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming forces. The stark, frozen landscapes of the Franz Josef Islands perfectly symbolize the emotional desolation of the characters.
Why Visit:
The Franz Josef Islands are a symbol of remote Arctic beauty. Their glaciers and ice-covered shores offer an opportunity to step into a world that feels both otherworldly and familiar. Visiting these islands gives you a chance to experience the same haunting, frozen landscapes that were featured in Leviathan, where the rawness of the environment mirrors the intense emotional drama of the film.
2. Murmansk and the Kola Peninsula: The Heart of Soviet Arctic Exploration
The Kola Peninsula, with its dramatic landscapes of fjords, frozen lakes, and rugged mountains, has long been a vital location for Arctic exploration and a setting for many films that explore Russia’s past, particularly during the Soviet era. Murmansk, the largest city in Russia’s Arctic, is often featured as a gateway to the North.
“The Edge” (2010)
- Director: Aleksei Uchitel
- Location: Murmansk, Kola Peninsula
- Film Description: The Edge is set in the post-World War II period, focusing on a former Soviet soldier who returns home to a remote town in the Arctic after being released from a German prison camp. The film explores themes of survival, human resilience, and the scars left by war. The Kola Peninsula’s barren and rugged terrain plays a central role in the film’s aesthetic, highlighting the desolation of the character’s environment and the physical and emotional battles they face.
Why Visit:
The Kola Peninsula, with its vast, icy landscapes and isolated settlements, evokes a sense of timelessness and struggle that perfectly complements the film’s themes. Murmansk, as Russia’s Arctic gateway, offers visitors a chance to explore the rugged beauty of this region while reflecting on the historical events that shaped it.
3. Teriberka: The Remote Village in “Leviathan”
The small village of Teriberka, located on the Barents Sea in the Russian Arctic, became internationally famous after being featured in Leviathan. The town’s haunting, isolated setting, surrounded by stark tundra and cold, crashing waves, became a metaphor for the emotional desolation of the film’s characters.
“Leviathan” (2014)
- Director: Andrey Zvyagintsev
- Location: Teriberka, Kola Peninsula
- Film Description: As mentioned, Leviathan tells the tragic story of a man who battles both the corrupt authorities and the overwhelming forces of nature in an isolated village. Teriberka’s barren landscapes and dilapidated buildings provided a perfect backdrop for the film’s exploration of power, despair, and the struggle of the individual against a seemingly indifferent world. The haunting images of the village’s frozen coastline and its decaying fishing boats have become iconic representations of Russian life in the Arctic.
Why Visit:
Teriberka, with its haunting, windswept beaches and dilapidated buildings, offers a glimpse into life on the edge of the Arctic Circle. It’s a place where nature dominates, and the human presence feels small and insignificant. For those who want to experience the raw beauty of Russia’s Arctic and walk through the very locations depicted in Leviathan, Teriberka is a must-visit.
4. Wrangel Island: The Frozen Frontier in “The Secret of the Arctic”
Wrangel Island, a remote and largely untouched island in the Russian Arctic, has been the subject of numerous Arctic expeditions and is a key location in the history of polar exploration. It has been featured in films that focus on the Arctic as a wild, unforgiving frontier.
“The Secret of the Arctic” (2014)
- Director: Unknown
- Location: Wrangel Island, Russian Arctic
- Film Description: This documentary-style film explores the fascinating history of polar exploration and the rugged wilderness of Wrangel Island. The island is known for its Arctic wildlife, including polar bears and walruses, and its harsh, frozen environment. The film showcases the island’s remote beauty and the danger and isolation faced by those who have attempted to survive in this frigid wilderness.
Why Visit:
Wrangel Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its pristine wilderness and extraordinary biodiversity. Visitors can experience the Arctic’s untouched landscapes and explore the same rugged terrain that has fascinated explorers and filmmakers alike. The island offers the rare chance to witness wildlife such as polar bears in their natural habitat, making it an unforgettable destination for adventurers.
5. The Chukchi Sea and Wrangel Island in “The Northern Lights”
The Chukchi Sea, which borders the Russian Arctic and Alaska, and Wrangel Island, are central to many Arctic exploration films. Known for their icy waters and rugged terrain, these locations capture the essence of the Russian Arctic’s natural beauty and isolation.
“The Northern Lights” (2019)
- Director: Mikhail Finkel
- Location: Chukchi Sea, Wrangel Island
- Film Description: This documentary focuses on the incredible natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights, using the Chukchi Sea and Wrangel Island as the backdrop for capturing the breathtaking beauty of the auroras. The film takes viewers on a journey through the frozen landscapes of the Russian Arctic, showcasing the stark beauty of the region under the shimmering lights of the aurora borealis.
Why Visit:
The Chukchi Sea and Wrangel Island are among the most remote and pristine locations in the Russian Arctic. Visitors to these areas can experience the stunning beauty of the Northern Lights in one of the world’s most untouched natural environments, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon in all its glory.
Conclusion: A Cinematic Journey Through the Russian Arctic
The Russian Arctic is one of the most visually captivating places on Earth, and its frozen landscapes have provided the perfect setting for some of the most unforgettable films and documentaries in recent history. From the haunting, wind-swept shores of Teriberka to the remote glaciers of Franz Josef Island, these iconic Arctic film locations allow you to connect with the raw beauty and power of the far north.
Wander Russia’s guide to the famous Arctic film locations in Russia invites you to explore the extraordinary beauty of this region, where nature, culture, and history converge in a frozen landscape that has inspired filmmakers for decades. Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a nature lover, or an adventurer at heart, these Arctic locations offer a chance to experience Russia’s remote wilderness in a way that few have ever had the privilege to do.
