Imatra

Located in the southeast of Finland, Imatra is regarded as the oldest of the tourism sites in Finland. The city was established in 1948 around three industrial settlements. During the last 50 years, the city settlements have grown into a modern industrial town dominated by Lake Saimaa, the River Vuoksi and the Finnish-Russian border. The city borders Russian bore and on the other side of the border, is the town of Svetogorsk. It is located 210km form the town of St Petersburg, then the Finland's capital Helsinki is 230 km away and Lappeenranta, the nearest town to Imatra in Finland, is 40 km away.

Imatra tourism started when in 1727; Catherine the Great of Russia visited the scenic Imatrankoski Rapids. Though less well known, and not so publicized, is Adolf Hitler's visit to Imatra during World War II, to celebrate the birthday of the Finnish leader, General Mannerheim. The River Vuoksi runs through Imatra and holds the key place for recreational oasis for the people of the town. During Imatra vacations, the river offers excellent opportunities for fishing throughout the year. In winters, the river provides one with prospects to go ice fishing as well as try a hand at open water fishing since the Vuoksi river never freezes completely. With home to some of Finland's most beautiful jogging and cycle tracks along the river Vuoksi, the visitor’s get to experience a wonderful time strolling. For nature lovers, from the banks of the river bird watchers can observe dozens of bird species.

Imatra town’s famous attractions are the Imatrankoski Rapids and Kruununpuisto Park.  The Imatrankoski rapids were formed 5000 years ago, when water from Lake Saimaa broke through the Salpausselkä ridge at Vuoksenniska. The Imatrankoski rapids are the oldest tourist attraction in Finland and a big draw for the Imatra tourism, which has brought worldwide fame to both Imatra and Finland. The rapids have been portrayed both pictorially and in literature. To increase Imatra tourism a ropeway was built in 1872, enabling brave visitors to cross the foaming rapids in a basket, which saw a huge flow of tourists.