Plans are underway to establish Russia’s first multi-purpose tourist complex in the Arctic, aimed at drawing both domestic and international visitors by the end of 2026. The project will be set on rugged terrain overlooking the Barents Sea, with an estimated investment of around 2 billion rubles. The information was shared by Alexander Shmakov, a vice president at the VIRIDIAN investment holding, which includes the Yagel Village company. [Source: corporate briefing]
Officials describe the venture as a catalyst for unlocking the Arctic’s tourism potential. The goal is to position the Arctic as a year-round holiday destination, leveraging its vast natural assets and unique cultural experiences. Scenic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and untouched coastlines are presented as inviting attractions for visitors seeking winter auroras, whale watching, fresh seafood, and authentic northern cuisine. The plan also anticipates a rising flow of international travelers, with emphasis on visitors from Asia and partners within BRICS nations, aided by visa-free travel arrangements recently established with Russia. [Industry analysis]
According to the planners, the Arctic offers compelling appeal across seasons. In winter, visitors can expect enhanced opportunities to witness the Northern Lights on multiple nights each week, enhancing the region’s draw for stargazers and photographers. The team notes that Arctic tourism is expanding, with growing interest from travelers who want to explore the polar climate, maritime heritage, and local livelihoods. The aim is to sustain steady growth in both domestic and foreign visitation over the coming years. [Tourism trends]
One personal perspective offered in discussions emphasizes the depth of commitment needed to truly understand the Arctic. A long-standing traveler recounted visiting the North Pole repeatedly since the late 1990s and underscored that the Arctic footprints leave a lasting impression on most visitors. This sentiment reflects a belief in the North Pole’s enduring appeal and the transformative potential of Arctic travel. [Anecdotal insight]
Project developers acknowledge present logistical challenges that must be addressed to realize the plan in the Teriberka area. The proposed site development in the Lodeynoye village area includes a 120-room hotel and a dedicated tourist center. The overall site spans about 9 hectares, with a building footprint around 5,000 square meters. [Site plan]
Within the tourism center, planners envision a vibrant food market offering regional delicacies crafted from locally sourced ingredients, alongside a sizable thermal complex that integrates unique opportunities such as sea immersion experiences in the Barents Sea. The complex would also host a first-of-its-kind whale museum in Russia, highlighting marine life and conservation. A collaboration forged during the Arctic Forum will connect visitors with historical whale collections and maritime heritage, while the on-site restaurant will celebrate local flavors through modern interpretations that appeal to all guests. [Cultural and culinary concept]
Geographically, the Arctic borders the North Pole and encompasses the fringes of both the Eurasian and North American continents, stretching across most of the Arctic Ocean including many islands (excluding Norway’s coastal islands) and adjacent sections of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. This vast expanse offers extensive coastlines, icy fjords, and a network of transport routes that influence how accessibility and tourism infrastructure could evolve. [Geography overview]
Earlier reports highlighted a broader push in the Far East, noting more than 100 projects aimed at building essential social facilities and infrastructure with a total budget exceeding 1 trillion rubles, signaling a national emphasis on large-scale regional development. [Regional development context]