The Imatra Rapids show offers full-charge Finnishness. Imatra Spa and the Lammassaari nature trail bring adventures to families with children. Lempukka Beach is the best destination to spend a summer day on the beach. Many people concentrate their holiday activities to Lappeenranta when travelling in South Karelia, but on a holiday in Eastern Finland, it is also worth stopping to explore Imatra. The small town of 27,000 inhabitants is best known for its rapids, the river Vuoksi and the church Kolmen Ristin Kirkko designed by Alvar Aalto. Read on for tips before you start planning your trip to Imatra! The town’s most famous attraction is the rugged and spectacular Imatrankoski (The Imatra Rapids), Finland's largest rapid and the oldest tourist attraction in the country. Imatrankoski has been a popular tourist attraction since the 18th century, and at the peak of its popularity at the end of the 19th century Imatrankoski was a major attraction throughout the continent. Today, in an urban society growing more and more dependent on the internet, the forces of nature can sometimes be forgotten. Visiting Imatrankoski still delivers a concrete and strong reminder of those forces. In the summer, there are rapid shows in Imatrankoski, which have become particularly popular with tourists and locals alike. During a 15-minute show, water is flowing with tremendous force as Sibelius' music roares in the background. Is there anything more Finnish! It’s a good idea to arrive well in advance, as the best places are usually taken well before the show starts. The Finnish vibe can be continued by visiting Kolmen Ristin Kirkko (The Church of the Three Crosses), 10 kilometres from Imatrankoski. Built in 1957, the church is a unique building and has a completely different style from, for example, the flamboyant Gothic churches of Central Europe. Yet the church is also full of interesting details: for example, only two of the more than 100 windows of the building are of the same shape. In addition to Imatrankoski, another recommended destination for nature-oriented travelers is Lammassaari Island, located right next to the Imatra Spa. In the area you can take a dip or jog on nature trails a few kilometres long, which are ideal for families with children. As everyone knows, the best part of a little hike is the picnic break! There are campfire sites in Lammassaari, where you can listen to a pack of sausages sizzle on the campfire while admiring the beautiful natural landscape. Lammassaari Island is a walking distance from Lempukka Beach, where you can also enjoy refreshing lake swimming on a hot summer day. A forest behind you, the magnificent lake scenery of Saimaa in front of you. This is the simplest way to spend a relaxing day the Karelian way! Although a small town in size, Imatra boasts a large dose of Finnish atmosphere and one of the most impressive sights in Eastern Finland. OnniBus takes you and your party to discover this little gem of South Karelia at a great price. Plan your trip and book your ticket from our booking service!
