In Karelia, in the famous edge of the plains and lakes, in addition to the calm glacial landscape (kams, oases, moraine ridges), you can find more "dynamic" beauty. The Kivach waterfall, located in the homonymous nature reserve, is not only a natural decoration of the Karelian region, but also the second-largest plains waterfall in Europe and gives way only to the Rhine. Located on the river Sune, the waterfall breaks down with bubbling streams, overcoming four ledges, which makes it even more spectacular. The height of the waterfall is almost 11 meters. The noise produced by the power of water is also impressive. The picturesque landscape creates an extraordinary impression and attracts tourists.
Up to now, an old legend has come about the creation of the Kivach waterfall. The legend says of the two sisters-rivers Shuya and Sunnah, who loved each other so much that they kept flowing next to each other. One day, the tired Sunna decided to give way to her sister in a more convenient channel, and she went to rest on the pebble, and even fell asleep. When she awoke, Sunna found that Shuya's sister was already far ahead and began to catch up with her. During the chase, the Sunnah took everything in its path, crushed and turned rocks and stones. In the place where the Sunnah broke the rock, and a picturesque waterfall appeared.
There are several theories of origin and the very name of the waterfall. From the Finnish word "kivi", in the meaning of stone, from the Russian word "nod", and from the Karelian "kivas", meaning the snow mountain. The most probable is the Karelian version.
His popularity Kivach acquired thanks to Gabriel Romanovich Derzhavin. Going around in the Karelian region, the governor discovered and described in the "Memorable Notes" of an incredibly beautiful waterfall. More than once the poet was inspired by the frightening bubbling water, the famous ode "Falls" is dedicated to Kivach and begins with these words: "Almazna pours a mountain, from the heights four rocks ...".
The waterfall was a favorite place not only among artists and poets. It was also visited by high-ranking statesmen. The most famous guest of the waterfall was Emperor Alexander II. By his arrival, the waterfall was brought to the proper view. A good road was laid to the waterfall, a small gazebo was built on the right bank of the river, on the left bank - a lodging house. And downstream the waterfall is a bridge across the river.
In the twentieth century around the waterfall was founded a reserve, named after the main attraction - Kivach. Reserve "Kivach", located 60 km from the capital Petrozavodsk, is a popular destination among tourists and hosts up to 40 thousand guests a year. No one tour of the Karelian region can not do without visiting this federal nature monument.
At the moment part of the river water is allocated for use in hydroelectric power plants, the largest are the Paleozerskaya HPP and the Kondopoga HPP, and as a result, the waterfall has lost its former capacity. Awakening Kivach can be observed only during the spring floods. But in the current state the waterfall remains beautiful.
In addition, the waterfall is used for rafting and for this purpose a special descent is made, otherwise the logs are broken into chips.
In the center of the reserve, which is one of the oldest in Russia, the waterfall has an arboretum and a nature museum. In addition, there is a monument to the fallen wars that died during the Great Patriotic War, defending this place. The road to the waterfall passes through centenarian pine trees. More than 80% of the territory of the reserve is covered with forests. During a walk in the reserve you can pick berries and mushrooms, but only for personal purposes.
In the waters of the river there are large pike, perch and bream, and the vast forest has become home to many animals (from voles to bears) and birds. Hunting and fishing are strictly forbidden here.
In order to preserve and maintain the reserved places, the entrance to the waterfall is carried out by tickets for a symbolic amount.