Kruununpuisto: Finland's First Nature Reserve

Kruununpuisto, an oasis in the heart of Imatra, holds the distinction of being Finland's first nature reserve, founded in 1842 by Tsar Nicholas I. The park was created to protect the stunning landscape of the Imatrankoski rapids. Today, Kruununpuisto is a national landscape, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The park's landscape is defined by the rugged banks of the Vuoksi River and the Imatrankoski rapids. The area features historical pavilions, rock engravings, and giant's kettles. The most famous landmark is the Imatrankoski hydroelectric power plant. The park also includes an ancient marsh park with a grove of embers and a summer theater. Kruununpuisto has been a popular tourist destination since the late 1700s, attracting visitors such as Empress Catherine the Great of Russia, who visited in 1772. The Russian imperial family frequently visited Imatra, and Emperor Dom Pedro II of Brazil left his signature carved in the rock by the lower pavilion. Many famous artists, including composers Jean Sibelius and Pyotr Tchaikovsky, and painters Albert Edelfelt and Ilya Repin, also visited Imatra and depicted the rapids in their works. Visitors can explore the park by following the well-marked Historic Trail, which passes imperial pavilions, potholes, and rock carvings. The park offers opportunities for leisurely hikes, photography, and relaxation amidst nature.