Imatra

40km/25mi northeast of Lappeenranta is Imatra (pop. 32,000), famous since the 19th century for its waterfalls. At Imatra the river Vuoksen, which flows from Lake Saimaa into the Gulf of Finland, falls 18m/60ft within a very short distance, and the force of the water has gouged a channel 20m/65ft wide out of the granite. The river has been diverted to power a hydro-electric station, and it flows in its old bed only when the sluices are opened on Sunday afternoons in summer. The construction of the Valtionhotelli at the rapids during the Russian period established Imatra's position as a holiday resort. On the west bank of the river is a tourist complex, with a camping site, chalets, hostels for walkers, a riding school, a marina and beaches.