Our vast country is famous for its rich natural resources. These are delightful forests, amazing flora and fauna, as well as a huge developed water network. Rivers are the source of life and fresh water for the entire population of the planet.
The Vuoksa River is one of the most beautiful rivers of the Karelian Isthmus. It is an unusual water system that includes a network of lakes, channels and canals. The river connects Lake Saimaa, located in Finland, with Lake Ladoga, located in the Leningrad Region.
Origin of the name
The name of the river comes from the Karelian-Finnish combination “Vuota”, which means “to flow” or “flow”, “vuo” is translated as “flow” or “channel”. In ancient books, the lower course of the river was called "Uzerve" or "new lake".
Vuoksa – can it be called a river?
The Vuoksa River is a complex water system that includes a network of lakes that are interconnected by various channels. This fact allows only a conditional calculation of its total length. The total length is 156 kilometers, but on the Finnish territory the river occupies only 13 km. The total area of the river basin is52.4 thousand kilometers. The flow of water on the river is more than 600 cubic meters per second.
Vuoksa river: flow map
The river starts in Finland at Lake Saimaa. Then it crosses the Salpausselkä ridge and forms the Imatra waterfall. After that, its channel gradually increases and forms a lake, turning into a narrow channel. After the village of Vuoksa, it is divided into two branches. The northern branch passes into Lake Balkhanovskoye, and then after the village of Vasilyevo it is divided into numerous channels that form Lake Vuoksa. From it comes the Tikhaya and Vuoksa channels, which flow into Lake Ladoga. The southern branch flows into Lake Sukhodolskoye, from which the Burnaya River flows into Ladoga. The sleeves are connected in Lyubimovsky Lake, forming a horseshoe shape. From it, the waters again go into the river arms.
Finnish Vuoksa
The river originates in the Finnish lake Saimaa, located at an altitude of 74 meters above sea level. Not far from the lake, the Vuoksa River forms one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Finland and Europe in general. The Imatra waterfall, which reaches a height of 82 meters, is also the largest in Europe.
In 1929, a hydroelectric power station was built near the waterfall, and the river was directed to a new course. The strong and powerful Imatra waterfall amazes tourists with its beauty and charm. It is very popular from May to October. It is during this period that you can enjoy the full power of the waterfall and see how swift jets of water withbreak against the stones with force, creating thousands of refreshing water splashes, sparkling in the sun's rays with millions of multi-colored overflows. In addition, every vacationer who came to these places during the tourist season, as well as on the eve of the New Year and Christmas holidays, can see an incredible water show, accompanied by light illumination and delightful musical sounds of Sibelius compositions.
The Vuoksa River in the Leningrad Region. Branches of the river
Vuoksa is not only an incredibly beautiful river, but also clean. Its waters are so transparent that even the smallest pebbles at the bottom of the reservoir can be seen through their thickness. On the territory of our country in winter, it is covered with a thick layer of ice and thaws only in April, when spring fully comes into its own. The Vuoksa River in the Leningrad Region stretches for 143 kilometers.
It flows into Lake Ladoga in the form of two water branches. The northern branch flows into the lake near Priozersk, the southern one first passes through Sukhodolskoye Lake, then flows into the Stormy Channel. Today, the water level in the northern branch of the Vuoksa has dropped significantly. The reason for this is the overgrowth of the lakes that feed the river. This fact was first recorded back in 1980, when the topographic map of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, where Balkhanovskoye Lake is indicated, was replenished with new thicket islands, which were not there 20 years ago. In the lower reaches of the northern branch, you can see the remains of the ancient Karelian fortress "Tiver settlement", built in the 9th century. Lake Vuoksa, known for its picturesque bays, is also located here.and bays.
On the shore of the lake is the ancient city of Korela, which was renamed many times. Fortifications of the city were built more than 5 centuries ago.
South arm is still forming. Along Lake Sukhodolsky, which stretches for 32 kilometers, a six-meter terrace of boulders has formed. Further through the Burnaya River, the Vuoksa flows into Lake Ladoga.
Riverbed
Vuoksa is just an amazing river. During its existence, its channel was able to change its direction several times. Until 1818, excess water from Sukhodolsky Lake, located in Finland, was constantly discharged into the Vuoksa channel. During the flood of 1818, its waters washed away the surrounding areas, which led to a drop in the level by 7 meters. As a result of this decline, Vuoksa changed its direction. In 1857, the northern branch of the river, which until that time was the main one, partially dried up, which again changed the course.
Recreation and fishing in Vuoksa
The Karelian Isthmus, where the Vuoksa River flows, is a popular tourist destination in northwestern Russia. The local nature is famous for its beauty and uniqueness. Amazing white nights, picturesque lakes, a huge variety of fish, mushrooms and berries.
Rest on the Vuoksa River will allow you to enjoy its beauty and charm. Its nature and relief are so changeable that sometimes they surprise even experienced travelers. The gently sloping banks turn into high stone terraces, onon top of which pine trees of unusual shape proudly rise. Their trunks are sometimes so intertwined that they resemble amazing sculptures. Local recreation centers are popular among vacationers - Quiet Backwater, Old Castle and Daisies.
The main thing that the Vuoksa River is famous for is fish. Quiet river backwaters, where nature seems to have descended from the canvases of artists, are famous for the great diversity of the ichthyofauna. Pike, ruff, perch, bleak and roach - the variety of fish is impressive. Well, local breams are known far beyond the region. In cold seasons, burbot fishing is very popular. In addition, expensive trophies can be caught here. Salmon, whitefish and trout are very common in these areas. Numerous travel lovers, fishermen, and in past centuries, emperors prefer the Vuoksa River. Fishing in these places is simply unforgettable.
Rafting down the Vuoksa
Extreme lovers are drawn to these places by dizzying rafting. Going on a water trip, you can feel the full strength and power of the river, as well as its wayward character. Calm and majestic, slowly flowing towards the unknown, it instantly becomes stormy and restless, with many severe barriers and thresholds that make you hold your breath and enter into a fight with nature.
Everyone can go on an amazing journey along the water surface of this beautiful river. You can enjoy the delightful nature of the Karelian Isthmus, where there are crystal lakes and majestic rivers. Here reignsan atmosphere of freedom and a delightful aroma of pine freshness. Having made rafting on the river, you will be able to fight with the water element, as well as visit the historical sites located on its islets. Local stretches and the beauty of the picturesque islands are waiting for you.
Friendship Festival
On June 28-29, 2014, the festival "Vuoksa - the River of Friendship!" took place, which was organized in the village of Losevo. Incredible sports competitions, trips on kayaks and catamarans, rafting, all kinds of relay races and a varied entertainment program awaited vacationers. For those who love outdoor recreation, a bard song concert was organized. In addition, here one could choose tourist equipment and buy memorable souvenirs.
The Vuoksa River is the embodiment of incredible beauty and amazing power. It will give you a great vacation filled with natural harmony and many exciting adventures.
