Lovozero (; ) is a rural locality (a selo) and the administrative center of Lovozersky District in Murmansk Oblast, Russia, located on both banks of the Virma River, which is not far from Lake Lovozero, and southeast of Murmansk, the administrative center of the oblast. Population: It is the second largest locality in the district after Revda.
History In 1574, the settlement of Loyyavrsiyt (literally, "settlement of strong people by the lake") was founded at the site of modern Lovozero. Lovozero itself is first mentioned in chronicles in 1608.
Economy The main business in Lovozero is the agricultural and reindeer husbandry cooperative Tundra. Fishing, hunting, and picking cloudberries are also important.
Transportation The closest railway station is in Olenegorsk, located to the west.
Military A military helicopter base is located to the southeast.
Culture
Lovozero is often called "the Sami capital of Russia" due it being a center for Sami culture in Russia both historically and present. During the Political repression in the Soviet Union, when Sami people just like many other minority groups in the Soviet Union was displaced, most Samis ended up in Lovozero. In the 1990s, a Sami cultural museum was established in Lovozero in order to keep the Sami culture on the Kola Peninsula alive, although today Samis are a minority in Lovozero (about 1/4 of the population in Lovozero) with most inhabitants today being Russians or Komi. Several Sami festivals are also held in Lovozero.
Climate Lovozero has a subarctic climate due to its high latitude. In spite of this, the climate is a lot less severe than other Russian climates further east. Even so, it is colder than areas to the west that are a lot milder due to a greater Gulf Stream influence, with mean temperatures of below in the two coldest months. In summer, temperatures can briefly spike to or above due to southerly winds over the vast landmass, although the proximity to the chilly Arctic Ocean also cools down that season. Winters are drier than summers, but still snowy enough to build a reliable snow pack for several months. Due to the relatively mild July months, Lovozero is below the Arctic tree line.
Religion There is one Orthodox Church church building in Lovozero called the Church of the Epiphany. The church was first opened in 1862, then burned down in 1896 but was quickly rebuilt in 1897. During the Soviet era the church was shut down and was instead used as a local clubhouse. In 1996, the church was reopened for worship again.
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