Imatra – Art Nouveau castle, Vuoksi River and Lake Saimaa shores
Imatra
Imatra, located along the Vuoksi River flowing from Lake Saimaa to Lake Ladoga, can be considered the birthplace of Finnish tourism. As early as the 18th century, the nobility of St. Petersburg came to Imatra to admire the magnificent Imatra Rapids. Among the honoured guests was Empress Catherine the Great herself, whose visit to Imatra in 1772 is considered to be the starting point of tourism.
“No one has conquered the Vuoksi River, no one has crossed Imatra.”
In the 19th century, tourism increased, and signs of this can still be seen on the rocks along the Vuoksi River, where travellers have carved their initials. Imatrankoski attracted the interest of artists as well as the upper classes, and attempts were made to capture its magnificent rapids in paintings. Imatra is also mentioned in the Finnish national epic Kalevala, which was published in 1835.
Today, Imatrankoski is harnessed for electricity production, but during the holiday season, rapids shows are organised. During the shows, spectators can witness the mighty power of water and how the roaring rapids fill the riverbed. Next to the rapids is Finland’s first nature reserve, Kruununpuisto, where you can see signs of the Ice Age, such as potholes.
The cityscape is defined by the Vuoksi River, which flows through Imatra and has provided abundant fish catches for centuries. Fishing is also possible on Lake Saimaa, located a short distance from the centre of Imatra.
Stay like royalty
Built in 1903, the Imatra State Hotel has been voted Finland’s most beautiful building. It is the only Art Nouveau castle in the Nordic countries built as a hotel.
Imatra also has several beautiful manor houses, which were built by the city’s factory managers for their families. Many of these now offer banquet and accommodation services for both tourists and locals.
The thrill of speed and a hunger for culture
On the shores of Lake Saimaa, you will find the port of Imatra, a spa and Ukonrauha, which is an excellent destination for active holidaymakers. Sports facilities are concentrated in Ukonniemi, and there are places to train all year round. The area also hosts several sporting events.
For winter sports enthusiasts, Ukonrauha offers the best of everything starting in October, when the first snow ski track opens in the area. A ski trail is built from snow stored from the previous winter, which can be used by both professional athletes and amateurs. The most famous sporting event in Imatra is Imatranajo. Finland’s only street race for motorcycles attracts competitors from all over the world.
For culture lovers, Imatra offers theatre, concerts, festivals, dance performances and changing exhibitions. Imatra also has numerous museums that provide a comprehensive overview of the region’s history.
Fall in love with Imatra
Imatra – the city of the Vuoksi rapids
Imatra is located in south-eastern Finland, close to the Russian border and at the southern end of Lake Saimaa.
Imatra is easy to reach in several ways – by car along the E18 motorway from Helsinki and Lappeenranta, by train from the capital region and elsewhere in south-eastern Finland, and by bus from various parts of South Karelia. Boaters can arrive directly at the city’s harbour via the Saimaa waterways.