Modern industrial city Imatra appeared among the landscapes of the Lake Saimaa, River Vuoksa and Russian-Finnish border in 1948 on the ground of three industrial settlements: Imatrankoski, Mansikkala and Vuoksenniska.
This city has developed metal-working and timber industries.
Many-sided city life close to untouched nature in Imatra
Many-sided city life in Imatra runs close to untouched nature. There are many entertainments for tourists all the year round in Imatra: unforgettable rows along the river Vuoksa and Lake Saimaa, decent fishing, skiing center “Mellonmiaki”, horse rides, a haunted castle, a magical show at the waterfall and other interesting sights.
Sights in Imatra
You’ll find an interesting Church of Three Crosses there, which was built in 1957 by architect Alvar Aalto. This church has got 101 windows, and each one differs in form from the others.
Don’t also miss the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas.
The Art Museum of Imatra will get you acquainted with the works of famous Finnish artists.
The Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum - Karelian farm of the XIX century, the Museum of workers, the Museum of Boundary Service, National History Museum will share interesting facts with the visitors.
Leaving Imatra, you can look at the Car Museum of South Karelia in Joutseno in summer. There are more than 40 vehicles of 1920-1970, which are renovated every year.
Waterfall Imatrankoski near Imatra
You’ll get to the kingdom of one of the most famous waterfalls in Europe – Imatrankoski out of the city. The well-known hydroelectric power station, which was built at this waterfall in 1929, is the most attractive for tourists. They say that Catherine 2 laid the foundation of tradition of visiting the waterfall in 1772.
This unusual waterfall – “Finnish Niagara” is controlled by people. A person “turns on” the free fall of water in the canyon every evening from June to August.
You can admire this majestic stern canyon with granite boulders at any time of year. You’ll get on a bright show in August, when the raft with a huge bonfire hauls downstream the waterfall and illuminates the canyon.
There is another spectacle by New Year’s Eve: Sylvester’s show with fabulous light effects, splendid fireworks and the charming music of Jan Sibeliys. Thrill lovers will be able to fly on a “bungee” through the raging element of the splashes of the waterfall.
Park Kruunupujsto near Imatra
There is the first reserve of the country - Park Kruunupujsto near the waterfall. It has written its chronology by the royal decree of Nicholas I since 1842.
SPA-center “Kyulpyula” - family rest in Imatra
You’ll find excellent opportunities for family rest in SPA-center “Kyulpyula”. A favorable atmosphere for the health is created due to the singing of birds, thundershowers, the shores, made of Finnish natural granite, invigorating icy waterfall.
This Water Center will offer you sauna, Turkish bath, aromatherapy, water park, “a cup for relaxation”, swimming-pools, water aerobics and other services for improving your health and mood.
Shopping in Imatra
Tourists will have an opportunity of shopping, visiting cafe or restaurant on a busy pedestrian street Koskenparras not far from the waterfall Imatrankoski.
Supermarkets «Euromarket», «Citymarket», «Mansikkapaikka» and other department stores, shopping malls and boutiques will offer you all the necessary services and goods: food, clothing and footwear, sporting goods and construction, etc.
