At Karelia’s Kivach Nature Reserve visitors can explore secrets of the Ice Age, witness wandering boulders and see traces of ancient organisms which inhabited the Earth millions of years ago and an impressive waterfall. The reserve was founded relatively recently, but travellers from all over Russia have long made the journey to this natural treasure to take in its enchanting beauty. Although the reserve has always been a popular destination, it is the waterfall on the Suna River which has brought the region the most fame. One of the first references to this picturesque waterfall can be found in the mid-16th century, however the history of Kivach as an ecological tourist centre began in the 18th century with the visit of the famous Russian poet Gavrila Derzhavin. He was so inspired by the area that the waterfall’s beauty came to play a central role in some of his poems, spreading recognition of the region all over the country. Nowadays Kivach is one of the smallest, but most treasured of Russia’s nature reserves, and it has succeeded in bringing together all of the riches that Karelian nature, flora and fauna have to offer.