Paatsjoki River

The Paatsjoki River (Finnish: Paatsjoki, Skolt Sami: Paajokk, Northern Sami: Báhaveaijohka, Norwegian: Pasvikelva, Swedish: Pasvik älv, Russian: а or атсoоки, Paz or Patsoyoki) runs through Finland, Norway, and Russia. Except from 1920 to 1944, when it flowed along the Finland–Norway boundary, the river has marked sections of the Norway–Russia border since 1826.

The Paatsjoki River travels from Finland's enormous Lake Inari through Norway and Russia before emptying into the Bkfjorden (which then flows into the Varangerfjorden and ultimately the Barents Sea), not far from Kirkenes. The river is 145 kilometers (90 miles) long and has a watershed of 18,404 square kilometers (7,106 square miles).

Along the river are a number of hydroelectric plants known as the Paatsjoki River Hydroelectric Plants. The river offers excellent fishing for Atlantic salmon, but anglers must be careful not to breach the international boundary with their lines. This place is most beautiful in autumn. When the foliage turns yellow, the scene becomes more poetic. The yellow color of the leaves contrasts with the green of the water reflecting the sky like a large shimmering mirror. This is considered one of the longest rivers in Finland.

Length: 145 km