Description of the attraction
In Karelia, in the famous land of plains and lakes, in addition to the calm glacial landscape (Kama, Ozy, moraine ridges), you can find more “dynamic” beauties. The Kivach waterfall, located in the nature reserve of the same name, is not only a natural decoration of the Karelian region, but also the second largest flat waterfall in Europe and is second only to the Rhine waterfall. Located on the Suna River, the waterfall breaks down in seething streams, overcoming four ledges, which makes it even more spectacular. The height of the waterfall is almost 11 meters. The noise generated by the power of the water is also impressive. The picturesque landscape creates an extraordinary impression and attracts tourists.
An old legend about the creation of the Kivach waterfall has survived to this day. The legend says about two sister rivers, Shuya and Sunna, who loved each other so much that they flowed side by side all the time. One day, the weary Sunna decided to give her sister a way along a more comfortable channel, and she herself went to rest on a pebble, and fell asleep. When Sunna woke up, she found that Shuya's sister was already far ahead and began to catch up with her. During the chase, Sunna demolished everything in its path, crushed and turned over rocks and rocks. In the place where Sunna broke the rock, a picturesque waterfall was born.
There are several theories about the origin and the name of the waterfall itself. From the Finnish word "kivi", in translation meaning a stone, from the Russian word "nod", and from the Karelian "kivas", meaning a snowy mountain. The Karelian version is considered the most probable.
Kivach gained his wide popularity thanks to Gavriil Romanovich Derzhavin. Traveling around the Karelian region, the governor discovered and described a waterfall of incredible beauty in his Daily Notes. More than once the poet was inspired by the frightening seething water, the well-known ode "Waterfall" is dedicated to Kivach and begins with the following words: "A mountain is falling into a diamond, from the heights of four rocks …".
The waterfall was a favorite place not only among artists and poets. High-ranking statesmen also liked to visit him. The most famous guest of the waterfall was Emperor Alexander II. By his arrival, the waterfall was brought into proper form. A good road was laid to the waterfall, a small gazebo was built on the right bank of the river, and a house for the night was built on the left bank. And downstream of the waterfall there is a bridge over the river.
In the twentieth century, a reserve was founded around the waterfall, named after the main attraction - Kivach. The reserve "Kivach", located 60 km from the capital Petrozavodsk, is a popular place among tourists and receives up to 40 thousand guests a year. Not a single excursion in the Karelian region is complete without a visit to this federal-level natural monument.
At the moment, part of the river water has been diverted for use at hydroelectric power plants, the largest are the Palyeozerskaya HPP and the Kondopozhskaya HPP, and as a result, the waterfall has lost its former capacity. The awakening of Kivach can be observed only during spring floods. But even in its current state, the waterfall remains beautiful.
In addition, the waterfall is used for timber rafting and a special descent is made for this, otherwise the logs are broken into chips.
In the center of the reserve, which is one of the oldest in Russia, there is an arboretum and a nature museum near the waterfall. In addition, there is a monument to the fallen wars who died during the Great Patriotic War defending this place. The road to the waterfall passes through century-old pine trees. More than 80% of the protected area is covered with forests. While walking in the reserve, you can pick berries and mushrooms, but only for personal purposes.
Large pikes, perches and bream are found in the waters of the river, and the vast forest has become home to many animals (from voles to bears) and birds. Hunting and fishing are strictly prohibited here.
In order to preserve and maintain protected areas, the entrance to the waterfall is carried out by tickets for a symbolic amount.
