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

Imatra Independence Day Rapids Show 6.12. 


The City of Imatra is launching a new Independence Day tradition in which a leading Finnish artist, changing annually, will perform the Finlandia Hymn from the Imatrankoski dam during the rapids show.

This grand rapids show will also be featured as part of MTV's Independence Day programming. Viewers can tune in to the evening's celebrations through a special broadcast on MTV Katsomo and MTV3, where the Imatra Independence Day Rapids Show will be shown after 6:00 PM.

This spectacular event combines music and light art, featuring acclaimed light artist Kari Kola. Kola specializes in large-scale outdoor installations and is recognized internationally as a pioneer of monumental outdoor light artworks and a leading figure in Finnish light art. One of his most impressive projects in Finland is the Luminous Finland 100 light art series, which ranks among the largest light art series in the world.

Rapids Show at 4:00 PM

  • Finlandia Hymn performed by Sakari Kuosmanen
  • Light artwork by light artist Kari Kola. The installation will be on display until 9:00 PM

>>>

  • 31.12. at 20:00, New Year show with fireworks

The Rapids shows in 2027:
 1.1. at 14:00, music Sibelius Finlandia

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. For safety reasons, the Muinaisuoma Park in Kruunun Park is closed during the rapids shows.

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: 4.11.2026

  • Koskisilta bridge
  • Koskipuisto park
  • The sightseeing place next to the Statehotel

  • Lower level pavilion (accessible viewing area)

    The address is Imatrankoskentie 3, Imatra (61.169831, 28.773145)

Sights along the Rapids

Scandic Imatran Valtionhotelli kesällä

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.
Kruununpuiston näköalapaviljonki kaupunkipuron lähteisyydessä

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.

Vuoksen 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. 

Imatran kaupunkipuro virtaa Imatrankosken vanhan koskiuoman varrella Kruununpuistossa

Imatra's town brook

In 2015 built town brook runs between the old river bed and the hydro electrical power plant.
Keisari Aleksanteri II perheineen Imatrankosken partaalla 1871

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.
Imatrankosken kuohut

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.
Imatran kesäteatteri Imatran Valtionhotellin puistossa

Imatra's summer theatre

Covered amphitheatre in Valtionhotelli park, just beside Imatrankoski Rapids.
Jättihiidenkirnu Imatran Kruununpuistossa

Kruununpuiston 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.
Imatran voimalaitos valmistui vuonna 1929

Imatra hydroelectric powerplant

Finland's biggest hydroelectric power plant harnessed the rapids of Imatrankoski in 1929. Currently it supplies power 197 MWh for the national electric network.