All along the shores of the Kola Peninsula in North Russia, Finno- Ugric tribes (Laplander) have lived since the oldest of ages.

In the 11th century, the Viking ships appeared here, and then the Novgorods and the Pomors (Russian settlers and traders on the coasts of the White Sea and the Barents Sea) came. All of them adapted successfully to this severe place, went to the sea to catch animals and fish and to trade their goods. They even drew sea charts. This went on until 1594, a year when a secret Dutch expedition, under the leadership of Captain Willem Barentsz, appeared in this place. Their purpose was to find a northeastern sea pass to Asia and China.