A gem and a vibrant coastal city on the south east coast of Finland, the charming city of Kotka has officially been crowned Finland’s Most Beautiful Summer City 2025 – and after exploring its vibrant parks, rich history, and stunning nature, it can definitely be said: the title is well deserved.
The Historic Charm of Kotka
Kotka has a rich and diverse history. The city is located on the southeastern coast of Finland, at the mouth of the Kymi River. It was officially founded in 1879 by Tsar Alexander II of Russia. However, the area has been significant for much longer due to its strategic location.
In the late 18th century, when this part of Finland was the Grand Duchy of the Russian Empire, the Russians fortified the island of Kotkansaari to protect their interests in the region as well as the seaways to St. Petersburg. The fortified town was called Svensksund. During the Crimean War in 1855, the fortification town was destroyed, however, Kotka developed rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, becoming an important industrial and port city. The city’s growth was driven by its role in the lumber, pulp, and paper industries, due to its strategic position for trade by the Kymi River and the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea.
Nature, history, a seaside getaway
Whether you’re a nature lover, history lover, or just looking for a peaceful seaside getaway, Kotka offers something for everyone. Here’s how you can experience this coastal gem in seven unforgettable ways:
🌳 1. The City of Parks
Kotka is the park capital of Finland, and for good reason. On Kotkansaari alone, you’ll find a lush collection of beautifully designed green spaces—even though it’s the city center. Kotka has 1,400 hectares of green areas, of which 170 hectares have been developed into parks. Kotkansaari features 11 parks, all of which are part of the National Urban Park network.
For example, Sapokka Water Garden is a tranquil oasis with a cascading waterfall, vibrant flowers, and award-winning stone and lighting design. It’s the most decorated park in Finland and a must-see. Or make a visit to Katariina Seaside Park, once an oil harbor, is now a sprawling 20-hectare recreational area built around the 18th-century Svensksund fortress ruins. The area features a vast meadow area, an inspirational play park, angling spots, frisbee baskets, a xylophone embedded in stone and fantastic picnic areas, including right by the sea magnificent stone picnic tables and barbeque possibilities.
The park’s peninsula tip has a place of silence on a rock island, accessible through a small bridge. The island is dominated by an old sailing ship anchor from the 19th century.
A meditation labyrinth constructed in the park emulates the medieval Cathedral of Chartres.
For the more active park enthusiasts, there are frisbee baskets, a parkour track, a skateboarding ramp, a whimsical Moomin-themed playground, and vast grassy areas perfect for ball games and kite flying.
Art and craftsmanship also adorn the park, with highlights including the 28 oak soldiers commemorating the Battle of Svensksund and intricate miniature models of lighthouses dotting the Eastern Gulf of Finland.
👑 2. Imperial Heritage
Step back in time at Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge, built in the late 1800s for Russian Emperor Alexander III. Surrounded by a nature reserve, this peaceful retreat offers a glimpse into royal summers spent in Finland’s wilderness.
Langinkoski is a unique architectural monument associated with an imperial ruler and, alongside the Imperial Palace, the only building in Finland erected for the imperial family. The Imperial Fishing Lodge is located at the mouth of the Kymi River, a prime spot for salmon fishing. The decorative log villa was completed in 1889 for the use of Russian Emperor Alexander III.
The fishing lodge area consists of five small islands, which, in addition to the main building, include a number of utility buildings and bridges related to fishing, all designed in a consistent style. The lodge is accessed through an impressive gate structure.
Emperor Alexander III and Empress Maria Feodorovna, along with their children, regularly spent their summers at Langinkoski until 1894.
The oldest building in the Langinkoski area is a small Orthodox chapel, believed to date back to the late 18th century. The chapel was built by monks from the Valamo Monastery, who, in connection with the coronation of the Russian Emperor in 1797, were granted fishing rights to two salmon rapids on the Kymi River.
🏛️ 3. Museums
Maritime Centre Vellamo, in the old port area on the Kotkansaari island is a beautiful architectural landmark where you can find:
- The Finnish Maritime Museum
- The Kymenlaakso Museum
- The Coast Guard Museum
Don’t miss the steam-powered icebreaker Tarmo, docked nearby. Built in 1907, it’s now a fascinating museum ship that takes you deep into historic times in seafaring.
🏝️ 4. Island experiences
Hop aboard a ferry from Kotka and head to one of the 400 islands outside Kotka. Kaunissaari, a dreamy island village. With its flower-filled gardens, quaint cottages, and legendary fish soup at Kaunissaaren Maja, it’s the perfect summer paradise. Or Lehmäsaari, just outside the city having simple nature experience.
🌲 5. Nature Adventures
Kotka is surrounded by nature that’s both wild and serene:
Valkmusa National Park Valkmusa is a unique destination where untouched peatland nature offers a sensory experience. Over 40 different types of wetlands have been identified in the area, making Valkmusa’s marshland nature exceptionally representative for Southern Finland. The charm of the bog reveals itself to the senses in every season. In spring, listen to the concert of thousands of migrating birds. In summer, enjoy the soft flutter of bog butterflies’ wings. In autumn, admire the vibrant colors of sphagnum mosses and taste the tartness of cranberries. In winter, try cross-country skiing or sow-shoeing through deep snow on the bog.
Valkmusa National Park has two marked trails, both of which are well-suited for families due to their manageable length.
Highlights:
- Unique and valuable wetland nature
- Rare butterfly species and rich birdlife
- Photogenic bog landscapes
- Excellent destination for skiing and snowshoeing in winter
- Peaceful and uncrowded atmosphere
🍽️ 6. Culinary Delights
Food is a key part of the Kotka experience. As Kotka is a city by the sea, fish as food is a very important part of the daily meal accompanied by locally sourced vegetables, seasonal root crops, and treasures from the forest. Local fishermen still provide shops and restaurants locally caught fish.
Meat is also produced locally and is often served with locally produced vegetables and potatoes.
All kinds of stews and soups containing vegetables and either fish or meat are also popular.
The most common everyday food served in restaurants is according to statistics meatballs with potatomush or peasoup on Thursdays.
And the dessert? The local apple doughnut called “Posso” – cannot visit Kotka without tasting that one. If you like something lighter, local berries can be bought at the Marketplace or in food stores.
Or why not cook your culinary experience over open fire for example in some of the many parks that provide great barbeque and picnic opportunities?
Here are three standout restaurants:
- Vausti – urban elegance and gourmet flavors in the city center.
- Kaunissaaren Maja – rustic island charm and unforgettable fish soup.
- Restaurant Vaakku– a lively island restaurant just 10 min from mainland – perfect for all weather types.
⚓ 7. Port City Good Vibes
Kotka is a true port city, and the biggest universal port in Finland, Port of HaminaKotka emphasizes and gives the frame to the city’s maritime soul. The port welcomes cruise ships of any size and the town is loved by cruise guests!
From the Maretarium aquarium presenting Finland’s underwater life to the historic Svensksund naval battles exhibiting in Maritime Centre Vellamo, The annual Maritime Festival, the biggest summer festival in Finland, the sea is with you everywhere – in the views, the culture, the deep maritime roots, and the spirit of the city.
💙 What Makes Kotka… Kotka?
Every city has a soul. In Kotka, it’s the Kymi River and the sea. You can feel the flow of it through the parks, the museums, the history, and the everyday life of its people.
Kotka is so much more than a destination. Peaceful, vibrant, and deeply connected to nature and the water.
🏆 Voted Finland’s Most Beautiful Summer City 2025
Radio Nostalgia listeners voted Kotka as their favorite summer city, praising:
- Its lush parks and maritime nature
- The lively atmosphere and cultural offerings
- The warmth and hospitality of Kotka’s residents
Ready to fall in love with Kotka? Pack your bags, grab your camera, and let this seaside treasure surprise you.
Cruise Finland has a very good networking program going on with cruise lines and we are very confident for the future. For more information, please visit www.cruisefinland.com
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