Imatra is located in the Southeastern part of Finland, in the region of South Karelia, by the shores of Lake Saimaa. Imatra and its main sight Imatrankoski rapids are the oldest tourist attraction in Finland. The rapids have been one of the most significant sights in Europe since the 18th century, and the wild water has not lost its allure over the ages.

The race takes place at Imatra Ukonniemi ports resort area, a perfect setting for an active holiday! The area has numerous modern sports facilities, two big spa hotels and all the services skier would need. Imatra Ukonniemi is known as a first snow training destination, as they open 5 km first snow ski track every year in late October.  

All of this is located on the shores of Lake Saimaa, the biggest lake in Finland. Lake Saimaa is a labyrinth formed by wide waters and thousands of islands, not just a simple lake basin. It has the world's longest lake coastline, 14,500 km long, and it boasts 13,710 islands. This is Finland's largest lake, and it's the fourth largest natural freshwater lake in Europe.

The services of the Imatra city centre are a little more than five kilometres away from Ukonniemi, and Ukonniemi is only a two-hour train ride away from Helsinki.

First Snow Ski Track

Situated in Ukonniemi, the track is buildt with the snow from previous winter which is conserved during summer. The cross-country track covers areas around Ukonniemi Stadium. 

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City info

Here you can find a complete listing of Imatra´s restaurants, accomadation options, events and more.

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How to travel to Imatra

By flight

The nearest airport Lappeenranta Airport (LPP) is half an hour drive from Ukonniemi. Ryanair operates year-around to Lappeenranta from variety of European cities.

Helsinki-vantaa airport (HEL), is under three hours drive to Imatra. You can also step on train from the airport and get to Imatra in 2,5 hours.

By bus

There are bus connections to Imatra across the country. Timetables and tickets are available on Matkahuolto website. Also OnniBus is operates a variety of routes to Imatra.

By train

Finnish national railways (VR) operate daily routes form all around Finland to Imatra. From Helsinki a train to Imatra takes about three hours.

By car

Easiest route to Ukonniemi is via motorway 6. Exit the ramp number 63. Continue on Korvenkannatie towards ABC- and Neste -gas stations while following signs for "Ukonniemi" and "Imatran Kylpylä". Continue forward after the first roundabout for one kilometer and you will arrive to a second roundabout. Take a left from the second roundabout to Lammassaarentie. Continue for a half kilometre until the next roundabout. Exit left to Ottelukatu, between a tennis hall and a indoor ice hockey rink. Continue this road for 500 meters and you are there.

Car rental is availab from Helsinki Airport and Lappeenranta Airport.

Taxi

Many taxi companies operate in Imatra area. Taxi Moment is on that offers a airport express -service.