Located near the Russian border, Imatra Rapids were mentioned in the Kalevala epic. Although the city itself was only founded after the Second World War, Finland's oldest tourist attraction has been the Imatra Rapids and its surroundings remain an impressive sight, which are accessible on foot or on guided tours. Add an excursion in the countryside to your holiday, along with a visit to the stately Imatra State Hotel and, as immortalised in the paintings by Albert Edelfelt, Ruokolahti Church.
Along the River Vuoksi there are several stunning rapids, as the level between Saimaa and Lake Ladoga is around 70 metres. Imatra flows through the downstream river that dominates the cityscape and is a rewarding destination for tourists, as its beaches are kept lit throughout the year. Take a city break in the centre of Imatra and stop by the Imatra Art Museum, located along the riverside, whose collection includes Finnish art from the 1900s. At the same time pay a visit to the City of Imatra Museum, which showcases the impact of industrialisation on the Imatra area in particular, as well as the history of tourism.
Imatra Waterfall was once such a popular attraction that trips were made from abroad. In addition to Vuoksi, the city's most famous attractions include the Art Nouveau-style Imatra State Hotel, which was built in the early 1900s to cater for tourists near and far. It is still possible to stay overnight in the State Hotel, but there are also interesting places to visit in the hotel building and surrounding park. The park is particularly noteworthy for hundreds of travellers, as the cliff depressions have been immortalised with the engraver’s name and time of visit.
The journey from the State Hotel continues conveniently to the Crown Park, which is Finland's first nature reserve. During the summer, there are organised guided walking tours to explore attractions such as the Giant’s Kettle of The Maid Imatra Virgin Fountain. Be sure to also stop and admire the falls before the dammed Imatra Waterfall flows into a languid melodic rhythm.
If your travel budget is tight, then an interesting but cheap trip to Imatra can be had by exploring Kruununpuisto (Crown Park), as well as in the nature trails around the city. For example, take the short walk along the Vuoksi cultural route or the Lammisaari (Sheep Island) nature trail. Lammassaari belongs to the Ukonniemi Lammisaari outdoor area, whose location on Lake Saimaa ensures spectacular scenery. You can also visit the spa at the same time, play frisbee golf or even roller skiing.
Fishing has always been a popular thing to do in Imatra during the holidays, so go and try your luck at any of the fishing piers erected on the Vuoksi beach. A skilled fly fisherman sits from the river crest and can expect to catch white fish and lake trout. In addition to fishing, you can spend your days in comfort, for example, on a river cruise on the Vuoksi, where you can admire the scenery up to the Russian border.
Imatra is easy to travel by train, bus or your own car, as South Karelia has good transport connections. Go see Imatra’s enchanting scenery which is been beloved for hundreds of years.
