Discover Imatra: Nature, Culture and History

A stay in Imatra can focus on different themes: the Imatrankoski rapids, the landscape of Kruununpuisto, as well as art, architecture and industrial history. Imatrankoski is considered the city’s best-known attraction and has been admired for centuries. If you’re looking for a hotel in Imatra, you can start planning your trip around your own interests.

Nature and scenery around Imatrankoski

The rapids are illuminated year-round and can therefore be viewed at any time of year. Kruununpuisto, also known as Crown Park, lies within the Imatrankoski area. Founded in 1842, the park is considered Finland’s oldest nature reserve.

Another landscape feature is Imatra’s Town Brook. It is about one kilometre long and lies within the Kruununpuisto park area, near the Imatrankoski hydroelectric power plant. Its landscaped upper section runs between the hydroelectric plant’s dam and Imatrankoskentie road. The natural lower section extends from this road to the Vuoksi River. The road thus marks the boundary between two differently characterised sections of the brook.

Museums, art and architecture

The Industrial Workers' Housing Museum focuses on the living conditions of industrial workers from the 1900s to the 1960s. The exhibition features furnished apartments in a residential building, as well as social services in a sauna building. Living spaces and social services are thus presented as two aspects of the exhibition’s theme.

The Imatra Art Museum is located in the Virta Cultural Centre and focuses its collection on Finnish art of the 20th century. Artists represented include Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Hugo Simberg, Tyko Sallinen, Eero Nelimarkka and Wäinö Aaltonen. These names give the collection a specific context: alongside the Housing Museum’s industrial history, you can consider its focus on art as a distinct cultural aspect of Imatra.

Architecture is another of the area’s notable themes. Completed in 1957, Kolmen Ristin Kirkko was designed by Alvar Aalto. It is considered an important attraction and is part of Aalto’s internationally acclaimed body of work.

River history and seasonal activities

On the Vuoksetar cruise, the captain shares information about Imatra’s history and the Vuoksi River. A historical recorded commentary is also included. You can encounter local history in two forms here: through the captain’s information and through the recording.

In winter, ice fishing on Lake Saimaa or the Vuoksi is an activity for experienced anglers as well as beginners. This makes the rapids, which can be viewed year-round, clearly distinct in timing from this seasonal experience. Taking in the scenery and activities on the water therefore offer different priorities for planning your trip.

A hotel as part of local history

The castle-like Imatran Valtionhotelli was built on the banks of Imatrankoski around the turn of the century. The building combines a distinctive historic architectural style with the history of the well-known river area. When planning your trip to Imatra, you can weigh up nature, museums, architecture and a seasonal activity before looking for a hotel for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Syyspohja, Tainionkoski, Parikkala, Rautjärvi, Saimaanharju, Lappeenranta, Rauha, Taipalsaari

For the broader travel overview: South Karelia.