Imatra Travel Guide

  your camera will fog up inside the spa
by yumyum
 
  • your camera will fog up inside the spa
      your camera will fog up inside the spa
    by yumyum
  • through the café window
      through the café window
    by yumyum
  • self-service café
      self-service café
    by yumyum
  • atrium
      atrium
    by yumyum
  • hotel complex from outside
      hotel complex from outside
    by yumyum
 

Explore Imatra

Things to Do  

No waterfall in winter

No waterfall in winter, Imatra

 yumyum Says:  In winter you can view the contrast to when everything is under snow. Some of the walks downstream from the dam cannot be used as they are way too slippery and dangerous. 

Museum

Museum, Imatra

 yumyum Says:  Opposite the State Hotel you find a museum. It's about the the army and used to be an Army barrack. 

The State Hotel

The State Hotel, Imatra

 yumyum Says:  Valtionhotelli or the State Hotel was built by the Finnish senate from 1901-1903 after previous hotels were burnt down because they were wooden. The hotel designed by Usko Nystroem is one of the best examples of the turn of the century architecture. 

Power stations

Power stations, Imatra

 yumyum Says:  There are several power stations in Imatra which use water power. It's quite amazing watching the fast running water.On the 3rd picture is the "runner wheel" of a turbine that was in use from 1.4.1936 until 5.11.1989. You can see this wheel just by the power station with... 

Aquarpark "Imatran Kylpyla"

Aquarpark "Imatran Kylpyla", Imatra

 Natalya2006 Says:  Swimming poolTurkish BathsSauna 

Maiden of Imatra

Maiden of Imatra, Imatra

 Zirpsis Says:  This is Imatran Impi or Maiden of Imatra 

Imatra's famous rapids

Imatra's famous rapids, Imatra

 Zirpsis Says:  The old rapids water flow is heavily regulated and there is a big power plant so usually the old rapids is dry. However, go see the rapids when they are letting water through. This happens regularly in the summer and it's a popular tourist attraction. It's a great sight. 

Go for a walk

Go for a walk, Imatra

 yumyum Says:  along the river. There are some nice paths. It's really the nature that is the main attraction in Imatra. 

Hotels  

Rantasipi Valtionhotelli

 2 Reviews and 27 Opinions  I could never afford to stay in Valtionhotelli but a few years ago my colleagues and I were invited... 

Imatran Kylpyla Spa

 14 Opinions

Restaurants  

LinnaSali restaurant: In a cellar

LinnaSali restaurant: In a cellar, Imatra

 Sininen Says:  I liked the cellar like atmosphere of this restaurant. There were candles everywhere which gave nice warm feeling. I don't remember anymore what we had for dinner here, but the dessert was icecream with berries of the season and the plates had candles on as the waitresses... 

Transportation  

By car

By car, Imatra

 yumyum Says:  It's actually best to travel to Imatra by car if you want to explore the area. Even Imatra itself is so stretched out that you'd be happy to have wheels.Imatra is not so far from Russia as you can see from the various signposts. 

Public transport

Public transport, Imatra

 yumyum Says:  By bus:You can take a bus from Helsinki all the way to Imatra. The fastest connection is 4 hours 40 min. but usually it takes around 5 hours and quarter.By train:From Helsinki it takes between 2,5 and 3 hours. The train is more expensive than the bus. 

Shopping  

Tori (Farmer's Market): Fresh Produce and Fish

Tori (Farmer's Market): Fresh Produce and Fish, Imatra

 titan1 Says:  Outside central location, everything is fresh and tastes fantastic. Tuesdays at 0800 local time. Fresh peas, fish, strawberries, you name it. Beans compared to American supermarkets. 

Local Customs  

Jazz festival

Jazz festival, Imatra

 yumyum Says:  Every year there is a jazz festival in Imatra. There are also some stands that sell liqurish and other things and of course there are food stands with a whole variety for different tastes as well as outdoor cafes. 

Warnings Or Dangers  

Landslide

Landslide, Imatra

 yumyum Says:  There are some places near the river where one ought to be careful when climbing around! 

What to Pack  

Mossie repellent

Mossie repellent, Imatra

 yumyum Says:   In summer you don't want to travel without it or else take something with you that takes off the itch if you get bitten. 

Off The Beaten Path  

Water locks

Water locks, Imatra

 yumyum Says:  If you have a car then you can drive to one of the water locks and watch the ships changing water levels. There are lots of small fright ships to be seen. 

Sports & Outdoors  

Imatran Kylpyla Spa

Imatran Kylpyla Spa, Imatra

 yumyum Says:  Kylpyla Spa is actually a hotel complex with a stylish restaurant, a self-service café with yummy ice cream and a spa area.We visited the spa which cost Euro 13.00 per Person in March 2008. The spa area is in a nice setting and it was packed with Russians on the weekend. So... 

Favorites  

Free maps

Free maps, Imatra

 yumyum Says:  I was amazed at the map machine which gives you a free map of the Imatra and surroundings. It sits on the main drag in the center.Update winter 2008:Those map machines are closed for the winter. 

City map

City map, Imatra

 multi Says:  It's a great idea to put several boxes with free maps. It helped us very much. 

The Place

Plan a Imatra vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Imatra locals

Experience Imatra
  •   29 Tips and Reviews
  •  56 Photos
  •  1 Videos
  Share your Travels  
Map of Imatra
 

The People

6 Members Live Here
 
Our Members Say
 profile photo

 Outside central location, everything is fresh and tastes fantastic. Tuesdays at 0800 local time. Fresh peas, fish, strawberries, you name it. Beans compared... 

6 members live in Imatra

 

Questions and Answers

Mellie67 profile photo

Q:  Hi, Am flying out to see my son in Imatra. I fly into Helsinki airport but have no idea which is the best form of transport to... 

Gili_S profile photo

A: Its easy, just take the train, it is less then 3 hours. 

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Top Imatra Writers

1

Welcome to Imatra!

yumyum profile photo

 I first got to Imatra thanks to Risto, who took VTers vitochka, Amala and myself there in July 2005. I only found out after several hours that Risto is also a VT member. My second visit in March 2008... 

2

Imatra

Blondiina profile photo

 I've got some interesting experiences in Imatra. I'd love to share with you the 2 tips I've written, the 3 photos uploaded, and 0 travelogues I've created. 

3

Imatra

multi profile photo

 Imatra is a town near Russian custom. Think it's a good idea for Finnish to buy cheap food in Russian shops. 10kms and you are already in Svetogorsk, Russia! :) 

4

Imatra

titan1 profile photo

 The view from our kesamurkki (summerhome) on the largest lake in Finland, Lake Saimaa. 

5

Imatra

Natalya2006 profile photo

 Imatra Rapids was arised about 5000 years ago. In 1929 the dam was built and now one can admire the stream in summer during special starts. 

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