South Karelia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
South Karelia
Etelä-Karjalan maakunta
landskapet Södra Karelen |
||
|---|---|---|
|
||
South Karelia on a map of Finland
|
||
| Country | Finland | |
| Historical province | Karelia | |
| Capital | Lappeenranta | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 6,873 km2 (2,654 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2013)
|
||
| • Total | 132,252 | |
| • Density | 19.2423/km2 (49.837/sq mi) | |
| ISO 3166 code | FI-02 | |
| NUTS | FI187 | |
| Regional bird | Thrush nightingale | |
| Regional fish | Lake salmon | |
| Regional flower | Spring pasque flower | |
| Website | Etelä-Karjala | |
South Karelia (Finnish: Etelä-Karjala; Swedish: Södra Karelen) is a region located in southeastern Finland. It shares its borders with other Finnish regions. These include Kymenlaakso, South Savo, and North Karelia. South Karelia also borders Russia, specifically the Republic of Karelia and Leningrad Oblast. This border location gives the region a unique history and culture.
Contents
Regional Council: How South Karelia is Managed
The Regional Council of South Karelia helps manage the region. It is made up of representatives from nine local towns and areas. This council works to develop the region and plan for its future.
The council also helps improve the economy and cultural life in South Karelia. They make sure the region grows in a good way. They also work on projects that help the area, sometimes with support from the European Union. The council also connects South Karelia with other regions around the world.
Municipalities: Towns and Cities in South Karelia
South Karelia is divided into nine smaller areas called municipalities. Two of these municipalities are large enough to be called cities. They are listed below. The numbers next to them show how many people lived there in 2013.
|
Imatra Sub-region:
|
Lappeenranta Sub-region:
|
Tourism: Exploring South Karelia
South Karelia is a popular place for tourists in Finland. People love its beautiful nature and its special location. It sits between the large Lake Saimaa and the border with Russia. The region also has a rich history and culture.
Nature and Waterways for Visitors
The many lakes, rivers, and islands make South Karelia perfect for tourism. The main cities in the region are always improving their services for visitors. Lappeenranta focuses on fun activities for families. Imatra is known for fishing and its relaxing spas. You can also find many farm-based tourism options across the region.
Top Attractions to See
Some of the most interesting places to visit include Lake Saimaa and the Saimaa Canal. The Lappeenranta Fortification is a historic site. The Imatrankoski rapids are also a famous natural wonder. Being close to the Russian border means you can easily visit cities like Vyborg and St. Petersburg.
The Lappeenranta Fortification and its museums show the history of this border area. They tell stories from many centuries ago. Taking a boat trip on Lake Saimaa and through the Saimaa Canal to Vyborg is a special experience. Many boaters also enjoy the high-quality marinas on Lake Saimaa.
Churches and Architecture
The region also has many interesting churches. They show different building styles from various centuries. One famous church is the Church of the Three Crosses in Imatra. It was designed by the famous architect Alvar Aalto.
History of Tourism in South Karelia
Nature has always been important for tourism in South Karelia. The Imatrankoski rapids were one of Finland's first real tourist spots. Rich Russians came to see the powerful rapids. In 1772, Russian Empress Catherine the Great visited Imatra for a day. Many other important people also visited and left their marks on the rocks.
Modern tourism started to grow in the 1800s. This was helped by the completion of the Saimaa Canal and a railway to St. Petersburg. People also came from St. Petersburg to enjoy the good fishing in River Vuoksi and Lake Saimaa.
The Rauha – Tiuruniemi area by Lake Saimaa has a long history of spas and hotels. The first hotel spa opened there in 1894. Later, a doctor bought it and turned it into a health clinic. It offered different treatments and attracted visitors from many countries. The spa in Lappeenranta, which still operates today, opened in 1871.
After the First World War, fewer travelers came from St. Petersburg. However, people in Finland started to explore their own country more. Tourism was very popular before the 1930s. Lake Saimaa was a favorite spot for holiday homes. After the Second World War, the unspoiled nature of Lake Saimaa continued to attract tourists. Many visitors from Central Europe and the Nordic countries came to rent holiday houses.
Nature: The Landscape of South Karelia
The land in South Karelia was shaped by the last Ice Age. When the ice sheet melted, it left behind loose soil on top of the bedrock. You can still see the effects of the Ice Age in the region's scenery today.
Salpausselkä: A Natural Wonder
The most amazing natural feature is the Salpausselkä ridge system. These long, parallel ridges cross the region. At one point, in Kyläniemi village of Taipalsaari, one of these ridges drops steeply into Lake Saimaa.
The varied landscape and big differences in height make South Karelia special. It stands out from other areas in Southern Finland.
Diverse Woodlands and Wetlands
South Karelia has a mix of landscapes. You can find rugged, rocky islands in Saimaa and flat pine forests. But there are also lush green forests with many deciduous trees. These forests stretch from the Ladoga Karelia area around Parikkala, Imatra, and Lappeenranta.
The areas of Parikkala and Rautjärvi are quite unique. Their climate is even influenced by the Ladoga Karelia region. These green areas are home to many different plants and animals. They also have some of Finland's most important wetlands.
Important bird wetlands are found in Siikalahti and Tarassiinlahti in Parikkala. Another is Kuokkalampi in Ruokolahti. These wetlands protect endangered animals like birds, dragonflies, bats, and butterflies.
See also
In Spanish: Región de Carelia Meridional para niños
