The Imatrankoski Rapids, the dam of Imatra and Imatran Valtionhotelli in the winter

 
 






The Imatrankoski Rapids on the river Vuoksi in Imatra are the oldest Finnish tourist attraction. They have been popular place to see already in the 17th century. Empress of Russia - Catherine the Great came to admire them in 1772.

In 1920's on the rapids was built the dam as a part of the hydroelectric power plant. After opening the plant in 1928, the river does not flow freely. During summer there are daily shows accompanied by music, when the dam is opened letting the water flow for about 30 minutes.

 

Imatran Valtionhotelli (the State Hotel) was built by the Finnish senate in 1903.
It is located very near to the dam and rapids. The hotel designed by Usko Nystroem is in an Art Nouveau (Jugend) style. It was built as a hotel for tourists from the Russian Imperial capital Saint Petersburg. As you can see it looks fabulous even in a grey winter day.