The Vuoksa River. The Vuoksa River in the Leningrad Region

Our huge country is famous for its rich natural resources. This is a delightful forest, an amazing animal and plant world, 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, which includes a network of lakes, channels and canals. The river connects Lake Saima, located on the territory of Finland, with the Ladoga Lake, located on the territory of the Leningrad Region.

origin of name

The name of the river comes from the Karelian-Finnish combination "Vuota", which means "flow" or "flow", "vuo" translates as "flow" or "bed". In ancient books, the lower course of the river was called "Uzere" or "new lake".

Vuoksa - can you call it a river?

The Vuoksa River is a complex water system, including a network of lakes, which are interconnected by a variety of channels. This fact allows us to conditionally calculate 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 is 52.4 thousand kilometers. The water flow on the river is more than 600 cubic meters per second.

Vuoksa river: flow map

The river begins on the territory of Finland in Lake Saimaa. Then crosses the ridge of Salpausselkä and forms the Imatra waterfall. After that, its course gradually increases and forms a lake, passing into a narrow channel. After the village of Vuoksa, it is divided into two branches. The northern sleeve passes to Balkhanovsky Lake, and then after the settlement of Vasilievo it is divided into numerous channels forming the Vuoksa Lake. From it comes the channel of Silent and directly Vuoksa, which flow into Lake Ladoga. The southern sleeve flows into the Sukhodolskoye Lake, from which flows the river Burnaya, which flows into Ladoga. The sleeves are connected in the Lyubimov Lake, which forms a horseshoe. From it, the waters again go into the river's sleeves.

"The Finnish Vuoksa"

The river takes its beginning in the Finnish lake Saima, located at an altitude of 74 meters above sea level. Not far from the lake, the Vuoksa River forms one of Finland's finest waterfalls and Europe as a whole. The Imatra waterfall, whose height reaches 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 channel. Strong and powerful waterfall Imatra strikes tourists with its beauty and charm. It is very popular from May to October. It is during this period that you can enjoy the whole power of the waterfall and see how the swift water streams break with force against the rocks, creating thousands of refreshing water splashes sparkling in the sunlight with millions of multicolored overflows. In addition, every guest who has come to these places during the tourist season, as well as on the eve of New Year's and Christmas holidays, can see an incredible water show accompanied by light illuminations and the delightful musical sounds of Sibelius' compositions.

The Vuoks River of the Leningrad Region. Sleeves of the river

Vuoksa is not only an incredibly beautiful river, but also clean. Its waters are so transparent that even tiny pebbles on 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 enters its rights. The Vuoks River of the Leningrad Region stretches for 143 kilometers.

In Lake Ladoga it falls into two water sleeves. The northern sleeve flows into the lake near Priozersk, the southern one - first passes through the Sukhodolskoye Lake, then flows into the Stormy Channel. Today, the water level in the northern arm of the Vuoksi has significantly decreased. The reason for this is the overgrowing of lakes feeding the river. For the first time this fact was recorded back in 1980, when the topographic map of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, where Balkhanovsky lake was designated, was replenished with new islands-thickets that were not there 20 years ago. In the lower course of the northern sleeve you can see the remains of the ancient Karelian fortress "Tiverskoe Gorodische", built in the 9th century. It is also home to the Vuoksa lake, famous for its picturesque bays and bays.

On the shore of the lake is the ancient city of Korela, which has been renamed many times. Fortress buildings of the city were created more than 5 centuries ago.

The southern sleeve is still being formed. Along Lake Sukhodolsky, stretching for 32 kilometers, formed a six-meter terrace of boulders. Further, through the river Burnaya, the Vuoksi drain into Lake Ladoga.

Riverbed

Vuoksa is simply an amazing river. During the time of its existence the riverbed managed to change its direction several times. Until 1818, the surplus water of the lake Sukhodolsky, located on the territory of Finland, was constantly discharged into the Vuoksi riverbed. During the flood of 1818, its waters blurred adjacent territories, which led to a decrease in the level of 7 meters. As a result of this decline, Vuoksa has changed its direction. In 1857, the northern arm of the river, which until then was the main one, was partly dry, which again changed the current.

Recreation and fishing in Vuoksi

Karelian Isthmus, where the river Vuoksi passes, is a popular tourist destination in the north-west of Russia. Local nature is famous for its beauty and uniqueness. Delightful 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 even experienced travelers are surprised. The gentle banks pass to the high stone terraces, on top of which proudly rise pine trees of unusual shape. Their trunks sometimes so intertwine that they resemble amazing sculptures. Among the tourists are popular local recreation centers - "Silent Creek", "Old Castle" and "Camomiles".

The main thing the Vuoks River is famous for is the fish. Quiet river creeks, where nature seems to have come down from the canvases of artists, are famous for the great variety of ichthyofauna. Pike, ruff, apron, bleak and roach - the variety of fish is impressive. Well, local breams are known far beyond the region. In cold seasons, fishing is very popular. In addition, you can catch expensive trophies. Salmon, whitefish and trout are very common in these places. Numerous lovers of travel, fishermen, and in past centuries and emperors prefer the river Vuoksa. Fishing in these places is simply unforgettable.

Rafting in Vuoksa

Fans of extreme sports in these places attracts a dizzying white water rafting. Going on a water trip, you can feel the full power and strength of the river, as well as its wayward nature. Calm and majestic, slowly flowing towards the unknown, it instantly becomes turbulent and restless, with many harsh obstacles and rapids that make you hold your breath and engage in a fight with nature.

Everyone can go on an amazing journey on the water surface of this beautiful river. You can enjoy the delightful nature of the Karelian Isthmus, where crystal lakes and majestic rivers lie. There is an atmosphere of freedom and a delightful aroma of pine freshness. After rafting along the river, you will be able to compete with the water element, as well as visit the historical sites located on its islets. You are waiting for the local reaches, and the beauty of the picturesque islands.

Festival of Friendship

June 28-29, 2014, the festival "Vuoksa - the river of friendship!" Was held, which was organized in the village of Losevo. Vacationers were waiting for incredible sports, trips on kayaks and catamarans, rafting, all sorts of relay races and a varied entertainment program. For those who love outdoor recreation, a concert of bard songs was organized. In addition, it was possible to choose tourist equipment and buy souvenirs.

The Vuoksa River is the embodiment of incredible beauty and amazing power. It will give you a wonderful holiday, filled with natural harmony and a lot of exciting adventures.