History of the archipelago

The Solovetsky Archipelago is located in the White Sea, approximately 165 km beyond the Arctic Circle, and consists of more than 100 islands.

Its total area is about 30,000 hectares.

The main wealth of the archipelago lies in its cultural and natural environment, shaped by numerous monuments, landscapes, and traditional ways of life of locals

In 1992, the Solovetsky complex was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as an outstanding symbol of Russian Orthodox fortitude, tenacity, and courage. The Solovetsky Monastery, a spiritual and economic center of Pomorye with a nearly 600-year history, has played a special role on Solovki, attracting thousands of pilgrims.

The Solovetsky Special Purpose Camp and Prison hold a significant place in the archipelago’s history, having housed inmates from diverse social backgrounds—including nobles, scientists, military personnel, artists, and poets—at various times

The archipelago also hosted the training detachment of the Soviet Northern Fleet, as well as the legendary Solovetsky Sea Cadet School, which trained over 4,000 young sailors who participated in the defense of the Motherland.

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Culture and nature

The archipelago is home to ancient sacred sites and unique natural landscapes, ranging from forests and swamps to hundreds of lakes and rugged, inhospitable coastlines.
The Solovetsky Monastery symbolizes spiritual strength and history, seamlessly integrated with the surrounding nature.
The islands are rich in their unique flora and fauna, and the network of lakes and canals created by the monks enhances the picturesque water routes.

Monastery

The Transfiguration of Our Saviour (Spaso-Preobrazhensky) Men’s Monastery was founded in the 15th century. The first monks—Savvaty, Herman, and Zosima—chose the islands of the White Sea for secluded prayer

Over time, the monastery evolved into the centre of spiritual and economic life in Northern Russia, playing a pivotal role in the development of Orthodox culture and traditions. Its influence spread throughout Northern Europe, and it became a model of sustainable nature management in severe northern environments

The monastery complex comprises stone churches, towers and fortifications that are unique examples of Russian architecture.
The monastery’s cultural heritage includes a vast collection of manuscripts, icons, antique books and items of ecclesiastical art. Despite the challenges of the 20th century, this heritage has been well preserved and continues to be studied.

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Climate

Solovki has a moderately cold temperature regime, with a long transitional period between seasons and small temperature fluctuations throughout the year. January and February are the coldest months, with an average temperature of around −8°C, although temperatures can drop to −25°C.

The best time to visit Solovki is in the summer, particularly in July and August. However, summers are is cool here, with an average temperature of around +15°C in July, although it sometimes rises to +25°C. The average daily temperatures are around +12°C in June, +16°C in July and +15°C in August.

The white nights continue in Solovki until mid-August. Spring arrives late and frosts are possible until June. Autumn is mild, with warm, pleasant weather often lasting until the end of October. The weather in Solovki is characterized by frequent changes: clear days are followed by cloudy ones, and winds can suddenly pick up. Due to its proximity to the White Sea, the Solovetsky Archipelago has a maritime climate characterized by high humidity and winds of varying strength.

The sea and lakes

The White Sea near the Solovetsky Islands is shallow, with a complex bottom relief comprising pits, sandbanks, stones and small islands known as «Ludas». The archipelago has enough fresh water due to its numerous glacial lakes. There are around 1,047 lakes in total, covering 12–15% of the islands’ territory. Many of the lakes are connected by historical canals which form an important part of the region’s natural and man-made heritage.

The lakes are home to around 13 species of fish, most of which are perch. The fishing industry here is primarily based on herring, accounting for up to 80% of the catch. Fishing has been practised here since the 14th century.

The waters near Solovki in the White Sea are home to 40 species of fish, including White Sea herring, navaga, Asian smelt and salmon. The area is also home to four species of marine mammals: the beluga whale, the ringed seal, the sea hare seal and the harp seal. There have been occasional sightings of Atlantic walruses. In summer, a large population of beluga whales gathers off the coast near Cape Beluzhy.

Forests

The Solovetsky Islands are indeed a real corner of the northern taiga, where the diverse and unique beauty of the flora is striking. The landscape is dominated by vast pine and spruce forests, interspersed with various types of swamp.

Around 68% of the total area of the islands is covered by forests. The average age of coniferous forests is 150 years, while deciduous forests are 65 years old. Of particular interest are the 86 hectares of land without forest cover, which are home to unique plant communities analogous to subarctic and subalpine crooked and sparse forests.

Flora and Fauna

More than 560 species of plants have been identified in the Solovetsky archipelago, including 10 rare species listed in the Red Book of the Arkhangelsk Region. The area also hosts unique species of mosses, mushrooms, lichens, and algae.

The sea waters surrounding the Solovetsky Islands are rich in diversity, with about 200 species of algae and phytoplankton.
There are 236 species of birds in the archipelago, many of which are listed in the Red Book of Russia and its regions. The archipelago serves as an important nesting and migratory area for seabirds.

The terrestrial fauna includes 11 species of mammals, with the moose being the largest and most prominent inhabitant of the islands.

The Botanical Garden

The Solovetsky Botanical Garden on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island is one of the northernmost gardens in Russia, founded in 1822 by Archimandrite Makariy. Situated in a hilly area between lakes, the garden spans approximately 5 hectares.

The territory includes, among other plants, those cultivated by monks between 1870 and 1920, as well as by the Solovetsky Special Purpose Camp inmates.

The garden is home to over 1,845 species and varieties of plants. The oldest ones are the Siberian cedars (Pinus sibirica) and Pallas’ apple trees, which are over a hundred years old. In addition, the garden features rare for northern regions species of plants, such as the small-leaved linden, Pennsylvania bird cherry, Daurian tea, wrinkled rose, and others. Historically, the garden was adjacent to a wax factory that supplied heat to the greenhouses and conservatory, allowing the cultivation of watermelons, melons, peaches, and flowers—exotic plants unusual for the northern climate.