In Karelia, in the famous region of plains and lakes, in addition to a quiet glacier landscape (kama, eskers, moraine ridges) can be found and a more "dynamic" beauty. Kivach waterfall, located in the eponymous Nature Reserve, is not only the natural decoration of the Karelian region, but also the second largest waterfall in Europe plain and gives way only the Rhine. Located on the river Suna waterfall bubbling stream breaks down, overcoming four ledge, which makes it even more spectacular. The waterfall is about 11 meters. The noise produced by the power of water, is also impressive. Picturesque scenery creates an extraordinary impression and attracts tourists.

Extant ancient legend about the creation of the waterfall Kivach. Tradition has two sisters rivers Shuya and the Sunnah, which are so fond of each other, all the time that flowed nearby. One day, tired Sunnah sister decided to give up the way for a more comfortable bed, and she went to relax on the pebble, and fell asleep. Waking up, Sunnah found that sister Shuya already far ahead and began to catch up with her. During the chase, the Sunnah demolished everything in its path, crushed and turned the rocky boulders and stones. In the place where the Sunnah to brake the rock, and was born a picturesque waterfall.

There are several theories about the origin and name of the waterfall. From the Finnish word «kivi», translated means stone, from the Russian word "nod", and from the Karelian «kivas», meaning a snowy mountain. The most likely considered Karelian version.

His fame Kivatch acquired through Gabriel Romanovich Derzhavin. Circling the edge of the Karelian governor discovered and described in the "day-notes" incredibly beautiful waterfall. Not just so inspired frightening boiling water, known ode "Waterfall" is devoted Kivach and begins with the words: "the diamond mountain is strewed with cliffs ... its four heights."

The waterfall was a favorite place not only among artists and poets. We loved to visit him and senior government officials. The most famous guest of the waterfall was the Emperor Alexander II. To his arrival, the waterfall was given in proper form. It falls solidly paved road on the right bank of the river built a small gazebo on the left bank - a house for the night. A downstream of the waterfall - a bridge across the river.

In the twentieth century it was based around the Falls Park, named in honor of the main attractions - Kivach. Reserve "Kivach", located 60 km from the capital of Petrozavodsk, is a popular destination among tourists and receives up to 40,000 visitors a year. No tour of the Karelian edge is complete without a visit to this natural monument at the federal level.

At this point of the river water is reserved for use by hydropower plants, the largest hydroelectric power station and are Paleozerskaya Kondopoga hydroelectric power station, and as a result, the waterfall lost its former power. Awakening Kivach can be seen only during the spring floods. But in the current state of the waterfall is beautiful.

In addition, the waterfall is used for floating timber and for this purpose made a special trigger, otherwise the logs are broken to pieces.

In the center of the reserve, which is one of the oldest in Russia, located at the Falls Arboretum and Nature Museum. In addition, there is a monument to the fallen wars that during World War II died defending this place. The road to the falls passes through centuries-old pine trees. More than 80% of the reserved space is covered with forests. During a walk in the nature reserve it for its berries and mushrooms, but only for personal use.

In the waters of the river are found large pike, perch and bream, and extensive forest was home to a variety of animals (from the voles to bear) and birds. Hunting and fishing are strictly prohibited.

In order to preserve and maintain the protected sites, the entrance to the waterfall is carried out on tickets for a symbolic sum.