There are four amazingly beautiful waterfalls in the Sortavala region of Karelia that attract the attention of all vacationers. They are called Ruskeala waterfalls. Each one is beautiful and unique in its own way.
Akhvenkoski
Probably the most famous waterfall in the area. After all, two famous films were filmed here. In the 70s of the last century, the film crew of the film “The Dawns Here Are Quiet” worked here, reconstructing the tragic events of the Great Patriotic War. And already at the beginning of our century (2005), the shooting of the mystical film "Dark World" took place, the plot of which is built around the existence of a parallel civilization. Until now, on the bank of the river, a model of the hut, near which the beginning of the film was filmed, has been preserved.
The waterfall is located in the bed of Tohmajoki (translated from Finnish as "mad"), a picturesque and winding river that flows from Lake Ruokojärvi and flows after forty kilometers into Lake Ladoga. This is one of its largest tributaries.
The name of the waterfall can betranslated from Finnish as “perch threshold”, and locals often call it “at the three bridges”, since the river crosses the road three times in this place. The river is a place of pilgrimage for many extreme rafters, and the most desperate of them run the risk of crossing the Akhvenkoski, the drops of which reach 3-4 m.
The color of the waterfall is interesting - brownish, different shades. This is due to iron compounds and organic matter contained in river water from nearby swamps. At the place where the waterfall fell, a decent “padun” was formed - a recess washed out by a swift water stream. Further, the depth decreases. The waterfall, despite the fact that the main course of the river freezes in December, exists until January-February, somewhat reducing its full flow.
Akhvenkoski is a waterfall that has long been chosen by tourists. It has a convenient entrance, and therefore on the shore you can find the amenities of civilization - sheds, gazebos, toilets, equipped places for a fire, benches. In a nearby cafe you can drink hot tea and have a snack.
Ryumyakoski
The second most beautiful waterfall in the bed of Tohmajoki is Ryumakoski. Despite the sometimes bad swampy road, it is worth it to see it. The waterfall flows into a small lake with high rocky shores. Standing on such a bank, you can admire the roaring water for a long time.
It is one of the places of pilgrimage for extreme tourists, like other Ruskeala waterfalls. How to get to it by car if the road is very swampy?The answer is obvious - only on foot. For its unique beauty and shape, the rafters gave this place the romantic name "charm of roses".
In the vicinity of the waterfall, the remains of the structures of an inactive Finnish hydroelectric power station have been preserved.
Yukankoski
It is impossible to pass Yukankoski when visiting Ruskeala waterfalls. His photo is impressive. After all, this is the highest waterfall in Karelia. The falling stream of water from a height of nineteen meters remains the cleanest and most untouched of the four due to its inaccessibility. Its second name is White Bridge. It is connected with the Finnish road passing earlier over the river. It is located ten kilometers from the village of Leppyasilt. The waterfall is located in the channel of Kulismajoki, near it you can see the remains of a stone bridge. It reaches the highest fullness in spring - early summer.
Kivach
Kivach, which means "powerful" in translation, is actually the most powerful waterfall in Karelia and the third largest in flat Europe. The water of the Suna River falls in two main ledges from a height of 11 meters. At the same time, the total length of the cascades of the river reaches two hundred meters.
The channel of the waterfall is divided by a rocky massif into two unequal streams - one is larger, the other is smaller.
The nature reserve located in the vicinity of the waterfall includes a museum, an arboretum, a cafe and a shop. After the construction of a group of hydroelectric power plants in the area of the waterfall, the flow decreased slightly.
But the Ruskeala waterfalls are not the only sights of Karelia. Marble Canyon tooattractive for tourists.
It was created by nature and human activities. From here, a lot of different marble was previously supplied to the capital and other cities. Water in the canyon comes from ground sources and the Tohmajoki River.
Ruskeala waterfalls are great for outdoor activities. Here you can raft down the rough river and just enjoy the beautiful views.
