Lovozero (rural locality)

For other uses, see Lovozero (disambiguation).

Coat of arms of Lovozero

Lovozero (Russian: Ловозеро; Kildin Sami: Луяввьр; Skolt Sami: Luujäuˊrr; Northern Sami: Lujávri; Finnish: Luujärvi) is a village (selo) in Murmansk Oblast, Russia. The administrative center of Lovozersky District, the village is the second largest locality in the district after Revda, with a population of 3,141 (2002 Census), down from 3,638 recorded in the 1989 Census.

In 1574, the settlement of Loyyavrsiyt (literally, "settlement of strong people by the lake") was founded at the site of the current village. Lovozero itself is first mentioned in chronicles in 1608.

Lovozero lies on both banks of the Virma River, which is not far from Lake Lovozero and 164 kilometers (102 mi) south-east of Murmansk. The closest railway station is in Revda, 20 kilometers (12 mi) west of the village.

The main business in the village is the agricultural and reindeer husbandry cooperative Tundra. Fishing, hunting, and picking cloudberries are also important in the village. A military helicopter base is located 2 kilometers (1.2 mi) south-east of the village.

Several Sámi festivals are held in Lovozero, which is why the village is often called "the Sámi capital of Russia." There is also a museum showcasing traditional Sami culture and way of life.

Gallery

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  Sámi national cultural centre

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  Building near the Cultural centre

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  Virma River in Lovozero