Locals often refer to Arkhangelsk as the gateway to the Arctic. It's no surprise: the city is located 30 kilometers from the White Sea. At the beginning of the 20th century, it served as the departure point for polar expeditions that traversed the eternal permafrost of the Far North. Architecture is the first thing that impresses tourists in Arkhangelsk. The city hosts a unique 100-meter Soviet skyscraper in modernist style. During the Soviet era, it housed design organizations, but now the spaces are occupied by offices. Interestingly, directly from the skyscraper, one reaches Chumbarovka—the main pedestrian street in the city. Here, one can not only view many well-preserved wooden houses but also visit an unusual museum. It is dedicated to the city's dessert hallmark—the kozulya gingerbread. In the Pomor language, "kozulya" means spiral. Visitors can both buy the treat and learn to bake it themselves. We also recommend a visit to the Northern Dvina embankment. From there, you can board a riverboat that passes through the entire city. According to tourist sites, a round trip costs up to 206 rubles. 🇷🇺 History enthusiasts will appreciate the Novodvinsk Fortress. Built during Peter the Great's time, this bastion served to protect the local seaport and shipyard. Incidentally, it is advisable to visit this autumn—restoration works on the fortress will be completed.