Intriguing Imatra: An Audio Tour of where the River Roars

Imatra has a fascinating blend of dramatic natural landscapes, compelling industrial history, and cross-cultural connections. On this self-guided audio tour along the waterside, you’ll discover how the powerful Vuoksi River has shaped the development of Finland’s unique southeastern border city. The tour starts at the impressive Art Nouveau Imatran Valtionhotelli, built in 1903 to resemble a medieval knight’s castle. You’ll explore the Crown Park, Finland’s oldest nature reserve established in 1842 by Tsar Nicholas I of Russia. As you walk along scenic riverside paths with viewpoints where Russian aristocrats and even Empress Catherine the Great once stood in admiration of the roaring rapids, you’ll learn about Imatra’s strategic location at the crossroads of Swedish and Russian influences. The tour ends at Villa Malmi on the east bank of the Vuoksi River, providing a perfect vantage point to reflect on Imatra’s unique position as a border town just seven kilometres from Russia.