Imatrankoski Rapids

When the first small drop of water falls over the edge of the dam, its foaming journey towards more spacious waters, towards the great lake of Ladoga begins. It first foams in the Imatrankoski Rapids and tries to escape the great water masses that follow. The drop swims under the old lanterns at Koskisilta Bridge. It spins past the idyllic Pavillion. It passes the venerable Valtionhotelli hotel and a rock cliff that in the past held a squeaky ropeway. It sprays some moisture on the guests standing at the viewing terrace and surges towards the centuries old rock engravings, the royal graffiti.

And this is how the water masses accumulate. They fill the rugged channel; they spin, agitate, thunder. 

Visitor to Imatrankoski: If you have never heard the thunder of the rapids, experienced its magnificent force, now is the time. For a moment, you feel you are held tightly in the violent embrace of nature. For a moment, you feel you are one with history, with the ancient river bed. 

That experience is just as large as the smallest drop of the foaming rapids. 

The Rapids shows in 2025:

  • May 24th at 6 PM Imatrankoski Summer Opening event
  • June: 1.6., 7.6., 8.6., 14.6., 15.6., 25. – 29.6. at 6 PM 
  • July – August: 2.7. – 31.8. From Wednesday to Sunday at 6 PM
  • October 17th & 18th and 24th & 25th at 6 PM
  • December 6th at 4 PM Finland's Independence Day music by the Finlandia hymn
  • December 31th at 8 PM New Year's Eve

The Rapids show lasts approx. 16 minutes. Eight minutes after the flood gates are opened, the foams reach their peak with an average of 400 cubic metres of water per second flowing in the stream. In the summer surge of the rapids will be accompanied by music of Jean Sibelius or the Whitewater Symphony by the Osmo's Cosmos band. 

The best places to watch the Rapids shows are Koskisilta Bridge and Koskipuisto Park.

During the summer season, guided tours are organized in the Kruununpuisto (the park surrounding Imatrankoski). You can inquire about your own guide for groups from Imatra Tours.

Information without obligation, subject to change of schedule. It is always advisable to check the timetable on this website closer to the planned date.  The Imatrankoski dam is managed by Fortum, and the city of Imatra organises the rapid show events in cooperation with Fortum.

Last updated: February 3rd, 2025

The mighty castle

A unique, 1903 built castle-like hotel in the national landscape of Imatra and with the best location by the Imatrankoski Rapids. The most beautiful building in Finland.   

Step in

Kruununpuisto Park

The oldest nature reserve in Finland along the banks of the rapids. Historical pavilions,  rock engravings, giant kettles and several other interesting places to visit. 

Enter the park

Vuoksi cultural route

Vuoksi, the stream of life in Karelia. Karelia's salmon farms, fertile fields, green meadows and beautiful riverside landscapes have drawn people to Vuok throughout the ages. By the stream, on the border between east and west, a variegated and unforgettable history has been born, which is still accessible in the eddies and rapids of the current of time. 

More info

Kruununpuisto guided walk

On this tour with a local guide you will hear interesting stories and facts about the famous Imatrankoski rapids. You will also see the most beautiful building of Finland – the castel hotel Imatran Valtionhotelli. More information here.

Book the guided walk

Famous visitors

The Imatrankoski Rapids have attracted visitors for over 250 years. Catherine II, the Empress of Russia, visited this attraction with her retinue in 1772.  

Royals in Imatra

Saimaa Geopark

The Imatrankoski Rapids are one of the geosites of Saimaa Geopark. From the tourist perspective the geopark areas are comparable to national parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, even though a geopark is not a protected area.

To Imatra's geosites