Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Guy82 · Just Starting Joined: 25 Sep 2009 Posts: 1 Location: UK

Hi everyone.

I'm traveling from the UK to India without flying, setting off in January.

I'll be touring through Norway, mainly then over to Finland and hopefully entering Russia near Murmansk. First of all, I'm not even sure if this is possible to do, is there a border there and if so what's the name of it? Has anyone been through this border and what was it like?

As I'm traveling with no real limit on time and I don't know how long I'll end up staying in Scandinavia, will it be possible to get my Russian visa whilst in Finland or is that a very bad idea (i've heard it can be complicated getting one)?

Also, does anyone know of anywhere cheap to stay in Murmansk?

Look forward to hearing your ideas.

Guy

overseas_expat · VIP Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 676 Location: Moscow

Here is a link to Russia-Finland rail crossings.
http://www.steane.com/egtre/borders/xings.php?country=FI

I do remember a post here on WTR where the poster wrote in to advise travelers that the Russians did not allow border crossing on foot from Finland, that they had to take the train.

You will have a very hard time acquiring a Russian visa outside of your home country. Do it before you leave the UK.

And finally, from your post it looks like you're heading into Scandinavia and Russia in the dead of winter? Shocked

Winter in Russia runs right into April. Sometimes May. The Russian winter is colder than cold and until March it is really quite dark with only a few hours of daylight.

Perhaps you might want to consider scheduling your trip for later in the season.