Russia is noteworthy and picturesque, and interesting from a historical point of view, and pleasant places for recreation and tourist exploration. Most foreigners most likely know the terrible word “Siberia” for them; some even heard about the exotic "Baikal", but this most often limits the acquaintance of foreign guests with Russian geography. Meanwhile, on the widest expanses of the country there are many extremely interesting and noteworthy places, among which (and you can say - in the forefront) Kivach Falls.
Historical past
The most mentioned among the famous people who glorified this place is the famous writer and politician of the past Gavrila Derzhavin, who served for a year as the governor of this part of Karelia, which at that time was called the Olonets province. Kivach waterfall struck his imagination: the poet dedicated an ode to him and greatly contributed to the popularization of this place.
The most famous visitor was Russian Tsar Alexander II, thanks to whom the region was enriched with the first road instead of the usual "directions", a bridge over the river that feeds Kivach Falls, as well as a semblance of a hotel erected for the arrival of the emperor. I must say that the spectacle struck the tsar no less than the poet, since in those days it was not only “royal” to get to these places, but it took plenty of time — two days on a good three, and simpler transport - up to five. So they spent Kivach waterfall for a maximum of two hundred people a year.
Where does the name come from?
For the Russian ear, the name of the river phenomenon of nature really sounds somewhat strange. However, not only for the area where Kivach Falls is located: do not forget that this is Karelia. His name has as many as three theories of origin. And even in the Russian language there are corresponding roots: the waters, breaking on the rocks of the coast, “nod” to them - that’s how the name of the waterfall was formed.
Of course, Karelian origin is more popular. It comes from the word kivas, that is, "snow mountain". Even in summer, huge streams of foam and spray resemble the peaks of mountain peaks, while in winter the similarity is further enhanced.
The Finnish point of view occupies third place: this people believes that Kivach waterfall got its name from the root of the word kiivas - powerful, fast-moving, powerful, fast. And this version of the origin of the name also has a right to exist, because water flows quite correspond to such a description.
The reasons for "losing weight" Kivach
During the time of the Russian Empire, the flow of water was so strong that it was not possible to stay in the tsar's arbor, built nearby, for a long time: after a few minutes, the person was wet from head to toe from water splashes. And it was quite difficult to conduct business conversations in the pavilion: even the loud cry drowned out the Kivach waterfall on the Russian Plain .
Now such a riot of elements is not observed. The process of "withering" of one of the largest natural sights of Russia began at the beginning of the last century: in 1911, engineers became interested in the energy potential of the river, in 1916 a power plant was laid, in 1929 its trial line was launched (meaning Kondopoga HPP ), and in 1954 the company was made up by Paleozerskaya. Naturally, the flow of water passing through the Kivach waterfall has decreased significantly, and now you will not see its former splendor.
Myths with legends
All outstanding objects are necessarily accompanied by folk tales explaining their unusualness and beauty. The main legend about Kivach waterfall is the story of its appearance. Two nearby rivers flowing with the names of Sunna and Shuya were sisters, and, according to the myth, they always flowed nearby, unable to leave. Further variations of the tale diverge: according to one version, the Sunna just fell asleep, according to another - she lost her “road” to her sister (but then she also fell into a dream). And when she woke up, she discovered that Shuya had climbed quite far without her. Agitated, the sister river rushed to catch up with the fugitive, destroying everything in its path. Where an unyielding mountain was pierced, Kivach waterfall formed.
Geography and geology
Even resigned to the depletion of this water resource associated with the construction of power plants in the first half of the 20th century, an observant person will note that impoverishment continues. If ten years ago, Kivach waterfall was the second in a series of European flat waterfalls - it was only ahead of the Rhine - now it has moved to third place, losing to Mamanya waterfall (aka Bolshaya Yaniskengas in the Murmansk region). That is, the water flow continues to decrease.
However, Kivach is still the pearl of Karelia. Its height reaches almost 11 meters, and the whirlpool at the base of the fall is striking in its size. The basalt rocks surrounding the waterfall, like centuries ago, are amazing. Noteworthy is the nature reserve of the same name, in the center of which Kivach is located. And the arboretum located in these places is the only place where you can see the Karelian birch.
Routes and Roads
Suppose you decide to visit one of the most fabulous tourist places - Kivach waterfall. How to get to it depends on what you are traveling on. The easiest to describe and most used route is to get to Petrozavodsk, and at the bus station, take the shuttle (or specially dedicated for travelers) bus. It will be necessary to go to the place for an hour and a half.
If you move on your own car, from the same Petrozavodsk along the M-18 highway, move in the direction of Murmansk to Shuiskaya. There, make a right turn, take the R-15 highway, and along it - through Kondopog to the village of Sopokha. Access to the coveted waterfall is still permitted and is possible only on the road between this village and Kivach.
Please note that since the waterfall has been part of the reserve since 1931, you can go to it only by paying the entrance. If you decide to do without an excursion, you will have to pay 40 rubles, if you want to listen to the interesting and see the waterfall from the most attractive point, you will have to fork out for a large amount and wait until a group of at least five people is typed.
Some visitors grumble and complain, but thanks to the paid entrance the reserve staff takes good care of the territory, so you will not see bottles, butts, garbage in this wonderful area. And for communicating with nature without these annoying companions of civilization, you can pay a little.