The Vuoksa River, which flows through the city, originates in Lake Saimaa and flows into Lake Ladoga. Lake Saimaa and flows into Lake Ladoga, forming numerous rapids and the powerful Imatrankoski waterfall. This waterfall was once called the "Finnish Niagara" and in 1772 it was admired by the Russian Empress Ekaterina the Great.
Previously, the grandiose natural phenomenon could be observed in its natural state. but after the construction of a hydroelectric power station in 1929, Imatra Falls became a tourist attraction. Imatra Falls became a tourist attraction. The free fall of water into the canyon The free fall of water into the canyon takes place by the hour: from 8 June to 25 August daily at 19.00, on Sunday at 15.00. Sunday at 15.00. In August, a special display is organised when a raft with a a huge bonfire is launched downstream of the waterfall. On New Year's Eve there's a performance of Sylvester: the waterfall is "switched on", and there's the sound and sparkle fireworks. The canyon itself, covered with granite boulders, looks impressive at any time of the year.
Imatra Waterfall is surrounded by the Kruununpuisto Park, which is the oldest park reserve in Finland.
