Murmansk is a centre for nuclear icebreakers that carve their way to the North Pole, but even in port you can give in to your wildest seafaring/Arctic explorer/Cold War spy fantasies aboard the 1957 NS Lenin, the world’s first nuclear-powered icebreaker. Tours take in the canteen, the nuclear reactor (powered by uranium 235), the map room and the captain's bridge. By the end of 2014 there should also be interactive displays on Arctic exploration – a joint effort with the Norwegian consulate. Call ahead for tours in English.
