Alexander Ilyin persuades the owner of gold mines, Trifon Perfilyev, to sponsor an expedition dedicated to the search for the «Sannikov Land» — a legendary land beyond the Arctic Circle. Picturesque and unusual locations were chosen for the film's outdoor shooting. The ice march was filmed on the Gulf of Finland, and the landscapes of Sannikov Land were filmed in the Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka. Krestovsky's climb up the bell tower took place on the Clock Tower in Vyborg, and the scenes of Ilyin's farewell to his bride and the expedition's departure were filmed in Monrepos Park, with a view of the islands Bylinny and Ludwigstein. The episode with the deer sacrifice was filmed on Lake Shadkhurey in Kabardino-Balkaria, and the purification ritual was filmed in the Chegem Gorge near the waterfalls. In addition, several scenes were shot in the Nikitskaya Crevice in Crimea.

Filming Locations:

Clock Tower

In the Movie

The scene where Evgeny Krestovsky blindfolds himself with a dark bandage, takes and breaks a glass of drink, and then bravely climbs the clock tower. An incredibly risky and dangerous event! A crowd gathered around to watch this extraordinary spectacle. What wouldn't you do for a bet!

In Reality

The scene was filmed on the clock tower of the Catholic Cathedral of the Virgin Mary and St. Olaf in Vyborg — one of the most recognizable architectural landmarks of the city. Built in the 16th century, it was originally part of the cathedral, which was destroyed during military actions, but the tower itself has survived to this day. The tall four-tiered structure is built in the Northern Renaissance style, and its walls of massive stone and brick give it a majestic and austere appearance.

Park

In the Movie

The scene where Alexander Ilyin, the head of the expedition, says goodbye to his wife before the long journey. The wife does not want to let him go on such a dangerous venture; tears glisten on her cheeks as she holds his hand. Birds fly in the background, symbolically heading to distant lands.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in Monrepos Park in Vyborg, with its rocky shores and dense pines. Thanks to the picturesque landscape, this scene is filled with special emotional depth. In the distance, the islands Bylinny and Ludwigstein are visible, reflecting the majestic and sad beauty of the farewell.

Lake

In the Movie

The scene where a shaman in traditional attire performs a sinister sacrifice by the lake. His figure, adorned with bone amulets, moves to the rhythm of ritual music. The shaman dances chaotically and wildly, his movements sharp and rough, seeming almost inhuman.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on Lake Maly Shadkhurey in the picturesque Zolsky district of Kabardino-Balkaria, near the village of Kamennomostskoye. This is a small high-altitude lake surrounded by hills and dense forests, which impresses with its natural pristine beauty. The water in the lake has a deep, almost mirror-like dark blue hue, and the shores are covered with dense vegetation in places. The surroundings of the lake are an ideal location for filming, especially those requiring wild and mysterious nature.