Kotka

City by the Sea
90-minute drive from Helsinki or Lappeenranta airport will bring you to the beautiful East Coast to enjoy the park capital of Finland. The parks in Sapokka and Katariina and Riverside Park Jokipuisto in Karhula have received the UK-based Green Flag Award, a distinction that is granted to well-managed recreational green spaces around the world.

The Kymijoki River is the largest and the best salmon river in South Finland. The beautiful nature, breathtaking archipelago, unique city parks, dazzling history of the border region, outstanding cultural events, sights and thousands of friendly people welcome visitors for a memorable visit.

In addition to a dozen radiant parks, Kotka has a national maritime museum introducing local naval history in its numerous exhibitions and events. One of the most popular exhibitions of Vellamo Maritime Centre tells the stories of those who lived in the area at the time of the fortress city Ruotsinsalmi (Svensksund) and were affected by the biggest naval battle of the Baltic Sea.

Enjoy a day out in the parks by the River Kymijoki, the largest river in Southern Finland. Koskipuisto Park by Siikakoski rapids offers wonderful trails by the river, a lovely restaurant, and a small beach. There are also many spots for anglers along the river. The Czar of Russia himself used to fish in these waters, so why not you.

In co-operation with Visit Kotka-Hamina, we welcome You to Kotka!
Juuri sitä parasta

Kohokohtia

The Park Capital of Finland

Landscapes & Sceneries

Kotka is known for its award-winning and superbly tended parks, which are spread across the city. Several well-maintained parks and other green areas make the centre of Kotka definitely worth a visit. With a few kilometres walk, you can enjoy the most noteworthy parks in the city centre: Katariina Seaside Park, Sapokka Water Garden, Sibelius Park, Isopuisto Park, Linden Boulevard and Sculpture Promenade.

The Maritime Centre Vellamo

History & Architecture

Vellamo houses the Maritime Museum of Finland offering intriguing stories of seafaring and Museum of Kymenlaakso introducing the local history. The impressive exhibition, the Fateful Svensksund, is unforgettable dive into the Svensksund naval battles, the largest ever in the Baltic Sea, fought just off the coast of Kotka. Activities, experiences and accessibility are all important at the museums. Restaurant Laakonki and the museum shop Plootu complete the experience and the icebreaker Tarmo is open during the summer season.

Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge

History & Architecture

Russian Tsar Alexander III visited the River Kymijoki delta at the end of the 19th century. He was enchanted by the natural beauty of the place and commenced building a fishing lodge for himself there. The Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge, nowadays a museum, was completed in 1889. It became the favorite destination of the imperial family, where they could relax and forget the court etiquette of the Winter Palace in St Petersburg. The fishing lodge is the only building owned by the Tsar that has been preserved outside the Russian borders.

Kotka Maretarium

Wildlife & Nature

Maretarium is a unique aquarium house presenting the underwater world of Finnish fish and other small water creatures, which live according to the Finnish four seasons. Maretarium is not only entertaining but also an exciting and useful experience for the whole family. Autumn is the spawning time for salmon and trout; February for burbot; spring for pike, river lamprey, ide, bream, perch and vimba; and summer for ray-finned fish, gudgeon and zander.

Varissaari Island

History & Architecture

Varissaari is one of the old fortress islands off Kotka and only 15 minutes by sea from Sapokka. Varissaari features the best seaview restaurant in Kotka – Vaakku, which is open in summertime. One can enjoy tasty local food and drinks with magnificent views to the area of the Naval Battles of Svensksund in 1789–1790. Ship parts and cannons raised from the sunken frigate St. Nikolai remind from that time. Varissaari is a popular outdoor island and also has a beach, barbeque area and floating sauna. Regular boat traffic runs from May to August.

Tämä reitti kulkee kohteen läpi

Reitin varrella

Kotka is located an hour and half from Helsinki, in the southeast corner of Finland. Kotka is well-known as a popular seaside city and it is perfect getaway destination for the weekend. During this weekend holiday you are able to see some of the best parts of Kotka like all the beautiful parks, Mansikkalahti Beach and some nature. Not to forget to mention Market Square where you can buy original "posso". Sweet doughnut-like treat filled with apple jam.

2 - 4 days

Weekend Getaway in Kotka

The surroundings of Kotka and Hamina has a comprehensive range of places to visit for history enthusiasts. Alternatively, you can enjoy the nature in the marine archipelago scenery, by the Kymijoki rapids or in the Valkmusa National Park, which offers magnificent Finnish scenery. There is a lot to experience nearby!

Southeast Coast of Finland Tour

3 - 5 days