Geopark info Region Imatra
NONE HAS CONQUERED VUOKSI, NOR GONE OVER IMATRA
Over the decades, what was once a patchwork of settlements has grown into a cosy and spacious city - Imatra, dominated by the Saimaa, Vuoksi and the border.
Europe's largest, the Imatra rapids, raged freely until 1929. Imatrankoski is Imatra's most famous attraction, which has been admired since the 1700s. At the turn of the century, Imatra rapids was the most popular tourist attraction in Finland and the Imatra State Hotel was built on its banks. The Imatrankoski is permanently illuminated, so you can admire it all year round.
On the western bank of Vuoksi, the Vuoksi River flows through the city of Imatra, providing excellent fishing conditions all year round. The Vuoksi does not freeze completely even in winter. The Vuoksi is surrounded by the most beautiful jogging and cycling paths in Finland, and dozens of different species of birds can be spotted along its banks. To the west, Imatra borders the Saimaa River, which allows boating along the Saimaa Canal all the way to the Gulf of Finland. There is also a lively guest marina on the shores of Lake Saimaa in Ukonniemi, next to Imatra Spa.