| Paatsjoki River | |
|---|---|
Harefossen and the Paatsjoki River |
|
| Origin | Lake Inari |
| Mouth | Varangerfjord |
| Basin countries | Finland Norway Russia |
| Length | 145 km (90 mi) |
| Basin area | 18,404 km2 (7,106 sq mi) |
The Paatsjoki River (Finnish: Paatsjoki, Skolt Sami: Paaččjokk, Northern Sami: Báhčaveaijohka, Norwegian: Pasvikelva, Swedish: Pasvik älv, Russian: Паз or Патсойоки) is the outlet from Lake Inari in Finland and flows through Norway and Russia to discharge into the Varangerfjord, not far from Kirkenes. The Varangerfjord connects with the Barents Sea. It has a watershed of 18,404 square kilometres (7,106 sq mi), and is 145 kilometres (90 mi) long.
A series of hydroelectric stations, known as the Paatsjoki River Hydroelectric Plants, are located on the river.
Since the end of the Continuation War in 1944, the river has marked parts of the border between Norway and Russia.
The river provides good fishing opportunities for Atlantic salmon, although fishermen must ensure that their fishing lines do not cross the border.
Media related to [//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Paatsjoki Paatsjoki] at Wikimedia Commons