Travel checklist

When visiting the Solovetsky Archipelago, please be prepared for its harsh northern climate and respect the area’s protected status. This guide will help you organize your trip to ensure it is safe, comfortable, and meaningful.
If you follow our advice, you will be able to fully appreciate the unique beauty and spiritual atmosphere of Solovki while respecting its fragile environment and local traditions.

Recreation on the Solovetsky Islands is a unique experience, so it’s important to prepare for it. To help you enjoy a comfortable and safe trip with only positive impressions, we have compiled the most important practical recommendations.
For your convenience, we have structured a travel checklist covering key topics, from the changeable weather and financial issues to the rules for visiting holy sites.

Clothing and equipment

Solovki has unpredictable weather. Even in summer, it is recommended to take thermal underwear, a warm jumper, a waterproof jacket and a raincoat. In sunny weather, a sun hat is essential and sunglasses are also useful.

It is better to choose the most comfortable shoes possible, closed ones, avoiding high heels. If you are going to Solovki for several days, it’s advisable to take an extra pair of shoes with you. This will be useful for walking through swampy areas or after rain. For the same reason, you should take spare socks. You can rent rubber boots on the island.

Mobile connection and the internet

On the Solovetsky Islands, only Megafon and MTS are available as mobile operators. Since the mobile internet connection can be unstable, it is advisable to top up your balance before traveling.

Finances

It is advisable to take cash with you for your trip.

There are no ATMs on the islands, and Sberbank branches are only open on weekdays. Not all shops accept bank cards, and payments may be difficult due to unstable internet connections.

Medicines

Be sure to bring any prescribed medications with you.

Food&drinks

All the hotels have cafés where meals are served.

There is also a dining hall in the monastery, as well as special stalls selling fresh pastries.

There is a grocery store in the settlement, but prices are marked up by up to 50%.

Insect protection

You should take insect repellent with you on your trip, as there are gnats and mosquitoes in the island’s interior. Repellent is especially useful when walking along the eco-trails.

Planning Your Trip

Storms, fog, and strong winds on the White Sea can sometimes disrupt connections with the mainland. Therefore, we recommend allowing an extra day or two for your return journey.

Planning visits to monasteries

There are active monasteries and temples throughout the archipelago. If you wish to visit them, you must dress modestly, avoiding clothing with inappropriate images or inscriptions.
Women must wear skirts that fall below the knee, which can be worn over trousers or replaced with a shawl. A headscarf is also required. Men must wear long trousers. Skirts and headscarves are available to purchase in shops on the island.

Download the travel checklist here

Useful links

To help you plan your trip and learn more about Solovki, we have compiled a list of official resources to ensure you don’t miss any important information.