The Kivach Nature Reserve is one of the unique places in Russia. It is sometimes called Karelia in miniature, because on its territory you can see all the landscape and natural features of the Russian North: old meadows and picturesque rocks, moraines and impenetrable forests, emerald lakes with rocky shores and marshy marshes overgrown with cloudberries. Relict plants grow here and animals from the pages of the Red Book live. However, the main highlight of this reserve is a waterfall, the mysterious hum of which can be heard even at a distance of five kilometers. Rest in Karelia is simply inconceivable without an excursion to this amazing place. <br><br>
A little history
The Kivach Nature Reserve is located in the south of Karelia, 30 kilometers from Lake Onega. This is one of the oldest Russian nature reserves. It was created in 1931 around the Kivach waterfall in order to protect and explore the unique nature of the Russian North. Its total area is about 11 thousand hectares.
The reserve is located in the Kondopozhsky district of Karelia. You can get to it by regular bus from the bus station of the city of Petrozavodsk. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours. A well-paved road leads to it. For tourists on private vehicles, there is a well-equipped Parking lot.
Natural features
The territory allocated for the "Kivach" is notable for the fact that it includes almost all forms of Karelian relief, among which the lakes are long ridges composed of rather loose glacial deposits, selgi are rocks smoothed by glaciers and the so–called "sheep's foreheads" – ledges of rocks at the bottom of valleys. Here you can see many lakes of various sizes and shapes, with crystal clear water and fairly rocky shores. The Suna, one of the most full–flowing Karelian rivers, flows through the territory of the reserve. It originates near the borders with Finland, and flows into Lake Onega. On its way, the Suna forms several waterfalls.
The local climate is characterized by fairly long and relatively mild winters. Summers are cool and short here. In the off-season, the weather is extremely unstable. The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is -11 degrees, and the warmest (July) +17 degrees.
The geographical location of this reserve is unique. It is located at the junction of the northern and middle taiga, which caused the diversity and richness of its animal and plant world. More than 600 varieties of plants grow on its territory, among which the taiga flora prevails: blueberry, spruce, honeysuckle, pine. Some of the local pines are more than 350 years old. Sometimes there is also Arctic vegetation, in particular, dwarf birch. The protected area is an arboretum, as well as a Karelian birch reserve, which is considered a miracle of Russian nature. The wood of such a rare tree is literally worth its weight in gold.
The animal world of "Kivacha" is also distinguished by a motley composition. Here live both typical representatives of the taiga, including grouse, grouse, bears, and steppes, for example, voles, partridges, orioles. There are a lot of waterfowl here – cranes, gulls, loons, waders.
Kivach Waterfall
The heart of this reserve is undoubtedly the Kivach Waterfall. This is the second largest plain waterfall in Europe. It is preceded only by the Rhine Waterfall, which is located in Switzerland. Kivach falls down with great force in four cascades, the total height of which is about 11 meters. At first, it bends lazily and reluctantly, as if half asleep, and then it falls down with a crazy roar, making an impressive noise. Power, strength and beauty – these are the epithets that can be awarded to this waterfall. He is great in any season of the year. In winter, a large ice cap forms over its water flow, sliding down with tongues, under which the Suna River, encased in an ice shell, bubbles and seethes. This harmony of water and stone fascinates everyone. At one time, the waterfall was visited by Emperor Alexander II himself. On the occasion of his visit, a road was even laid to the waterfall.
What else to see in the reserve
Visitors to the Kivacha will have an extensive excursion program, which, in addition to exploring the waterfall and arboretum, includes a visit to the monument to the soldiers. The obelisk was erected in memory of the soldiers who died defending these places during the Great Patriotic War. In addition, there is also a nature museum, whose expositions are dedicated to the past of the reserve.
If you want to get away from the usual things and the daily hustle and bustle, then give up for a weekend in picturesque Karelia at the Kivach waterfall! This trip will be a breath of fresh air for you, and in a completely literal sense. This magical land energizes each of its guests for years to come. See for yourself! Immerse yourself in a world of possibilities with Wazdan and their extensive collection of high-quality casino games designed to deliver an unforgettable gaming experience.
