Arctic Paradise

The Solovetsky Archipelago in the far northern White Sea is an extraordinary mix. Colleen Combes braved the mosquitoes to investigate the natural phenomena, prehistoric puzzles, monastic traditions, and labor camp hardships that make this remote corner of Russia so unique. Photos by the author.

“... nature, drained out in the coastal tundra and swamps, must have taken offence, and mustering its last forces, it created very special nature on this island — nature with space for one and all, nature, in which there reigns an affinity of spirit, familiar to a stranger from other parts.”

— Writer S.V. Maksimov on a visit
to Solovki over 100 years ago