Kymi (river) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kymi |
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Kymi river in Kouvola.
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| Country | Finland |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Päijänne 78.2 m (257 ft) |
| River mouth | Baltic Sea |
| Length | 204 km (127 mi) |
The Kymi River (called Kymijoki in Finnish and Kymmene älv in Swedish) is a big river in Finland. It starts from Lake Päijänne, which is a large lake. The river then flows through different areas of Finland like Päijänne Tavastia, Uusimaa, and Kymenlaakso. Finally, it empties into the Gulf of Finland, which is part of the Baltic Sea.
The Kymi River passes by towns such as Heinola and Kouvola. The town of Kotka is even built right on the river's delta, which is where the river spreads out before meeting the sea. The river is about 204 kilometers (127 miles) long. Its drainage basin, which is the area of land where all the water flows into the river, is much larger. It covers about 37,107 square kilometers (14,327 square miles) and reaches far into Finland. The very furthest point where water starts its journey to the Kymi River is Lake Pielavesi, about 570 kilometers (354 miles) away from the sea. The name kymi actually means "large river" in old Finnish!
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Why the Kymi River is Important
The Kymi River is one of the biggest rivers in Southern Finland. It is very important because it helps produce a lot of hydroelectricity. This is electricity made from the power of flowing water. Many towns along the river, like Kotka, Kuusankoski, Myllykoski, and Inkeroinen, are major centers for making paper and pulp. In the past, the river was also used a lot for floating timber (logs) down to sawmills.
How the River Reaches the Sea
The Kymi River is special because it has five different mouths where it flows into the sea. Near the Kultaankoski rapids in Kotka, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the Gulf of Finland, the river splits into two main branches.
The eastern branch then divides again into the Korkeakoski and Koivukoski branches. The Koivukoski branch splits one more time, creating two mouths called Langinkoski and Huumanhaara. The Korkeakoski branch has just one mouth.
The western branch also divides into two parts: the Ahvenkoski and Klåsarö branches. Each of these has its own mouth leading to the sea.
A River with History
The westernmost branch of the Kymi River, called Ahvenkoski, was once a very important border. From 1743 to 1809, it marked the boundary between Sweden and Russia. The parts of Finland that were east of this river branch were later known as "Old Finland." In 1812, Old Finland became part of the Grand Duchy of Finland.
The Kymi River flows very quickly. It takes only about three days for its water to travel from Lake Pyhäjärvi all the way to the sea. The river is about 9 meters (30 feet) deep on average, but its deepest spot is 29 meters (95 feet) deep!
Hydroelectric Plants and Rapids
The Kymi River is home to 12 hydroelectric power plants. There are also several dams that help control the water level. The first power plants were built here as early as 1882.
Some important dams include the Kalkkinen canal and dam, which controls the water level of Lake Päijänne. The Hirvivuolle Dam helps manage the water flow between the river's eastern and western branches. The Paaskoski Dam and the Strömfors Dam also help regulate water flow in different parts of the river.
The river has many rapids and power plants along its path:
- In the upper and middle parts of the river, you can find places like Kalkkistenkoski rapids, Jyrängönkoski rapids, and power plants at Vuolenkoski, Mankala, Voikkaa, Kuusankoski, Keltti, Myllykoski, and Anjalankoski. There are also rapids like Pessankoski, Lappakoski, Piirteenkoski, Susikoski, Ahvionkoski, and Kultaankosket.
- Along the western branch, there are the Hirvivuolle regulating dam, Hirvikoski rapids, Paaskoski regulating dam, and power plants at Klåsarö, Ediskoski, and Ahvenkoski. The Strömfors regulating dam is also here.
- On the eastern branch, you'll find the Pernoonkosket rapids, and power plants at Koivukoski and Korkeakoski. Other rapids include Siikakoski, Kokonkoski, Langinkoski, and Hinttulankoski.
See also
- Kymi, a former town in Finland
- Langinkoski, famous rapids on the Kymi River
