Kotka - the city by the sea
Along the Gulf of Finland’s coastline where the Kymijoki River rushes into the sea, you will find a holiday destination known for its stunning parks, deep maritime roots, beautiful archipelago, exiting river, cultural experiences, and, local cuisine.
The park capital of Finland, with its award winning parks. The home of the Maritime Museum in Finland, Vellamo, with its many exhibitions telling about the deep maritime roots of the destination. Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge, a historic site once the summer home of Emperor Alexander III of Russia brings you into the historical heritage. Kymijoki River, known for its excellent nature, salmon fishing and exciting water sports like rafting and kayaking. The home of jazz in Finland. The local cuisine, you cannot leave without tasting the ”posso”. The relaxed but jolly atmosphere.
Kotka’s blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant maritime culture makes it a fascinating destination.
Distance from port to city centre
600 metres from Kantasatama city port
5 km from Mussalo port
Distance from city to airport
110 kilometers
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On your way along the coast of the Gulf of Finland, your adventures will take you to the picturesque small historic destination Kotka. Experience the archipelago of 400 islands, the Kymijoki River rapids, engage in outdoor activities in the gorgeous nature parks, countryside and forests. Relax in the the many lush parks. Take a bath in the Finnish Gulf. Have a taste of the local cuisine.
Enjoy and have a relish of the cozy lifestyle and friendly people.
Kotka welcomes you all seasons!
Must See & Do
The Park Capital of Finland
Finland’s park capital Kotka invites you to fall in love with azaleas, rhododendrons, peonies, ponds and a delightful water fall. Grab your city bike and spend a wonderful day on a park tour.
The city of Kotka is situated on an island, and you can easily spend a day admiring its parks, sitting in cafés by the sea or at the market square. You will find more parks outside the Kotkansaari Island if you follow the might Kymi river.
Maritime Centre Vellamo
Maritime Centre Vellamo offers unforgettable experiences for the entire family. Explore the Maritime Museum of Finland, Kymenlaakso Museum, Coast Guard Museum, and the versatile multipurpose room, Ruuma. These exhibitions and events are not only thought-provoking but also designed to stimulate the imaginations of visitors of all ages. Immerse yourself in history through listening, watching, smelling, feeling, and even playing. There’s plenty to see and do, making it the perfect destination for a full day of exploration!
Lapland-Like Wetlands, Valkmusa National Park
For Southern Finland, the rarest sight though is the Lapland-like mire, Valkmusa National Park, just a short drive outside Kotka. The largest and most diverse swamp area of Southern Coastal Finland with its rare birds and butterflies offers a perfect day-hike for anyone interested in the great outdoors. If you’re lucky, you might spot a crane or an osprey!
Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge
The Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge is a historic site located in Kotka, Finland, beside the beautiful Langinkoski rapids at the estuary of the River Kymijoki. This lodge was built in 1889 at the request of Tsar Alexander III of Russia, who fell in love with the area during his visits.
The lodge served as a summer retreat for the imperial family, offering a peaceful escape from the formalities of St. Petersburg.
Breathtaking Archipelago of Eastern Gulf of Finland
Take an adventure in the exciting Eastern Gulf of Finland amidst the fresh sea breezes, rugged cliffs and the sea, bluer than blue. Here the infinite horizon whispers stories of waves lapping on distant shores of mysterious islands.
Shore Excursion Examples
Sightseeing
A tour around Kotka, originally built as a fortress town to protect St. Petersburg. The tour starts with a trip that will take you around the main island of Kotka, where the city centre is located. You will experience the internationally awarded parks known as the green living rooms, the sculpture promenade – the outdoor gallery in the heart of Kotka. Continuing to the Isopuisto Park including the Church of St. Nicholas and hear about the development of Kotka from the Viking Age to the days of today. The tour will continue to the Sapokka Marina from where you will be taken on a boat tour around the Kotkansaari island through one of the most interesting historical sceneries in Finland.
Active & Wellness
Experience Finnish marshland nature and explore the Valkmusa National Park. The one hour walking tour, offers you a mind healing moment in the authentic nature with its well being items. Versatile nature in the marshlands of the park takes you to the silence, peace and freshness of nature, relaxation and maybe even tastes of Finnish healthy berries.
Valkmusa’s extensive natural open bogs give visitors a chance to wind down and see, hear and smell, and even taste nature all around. You can look out for wetland birds and fluttering marshland butterflies, especially in spring and summer. Maybe also find some berries grow-ing around the moss to eat, depending on your time of visit. The nature around you hugs you independent of the season.
Unique & Local
Kotka is undeniably a city with a wide maritime history and culture. On this tour you can go back in time to the great days of sail. You will be taken to the sailing ship, where you step on board a century-old cargo vessel that used to sail around the Baltics bringing goods and merchandise to Finland. Today this ship has been beautifully restored and converted to carry passengers during the summer months. Once on board, you can assist the crew with the sails, or simply enjoy the views of the beautiful archipelago outside Kotka.
River Experience
Experience the silence and the power of the fast-flowing and unspoilt Kymijoki River. As you travel down the river, you will experience at close hand some of the miracles that the wild Kymijoki River has to offer. The free-flowing stream, peaceful inlets, trees hanging over the river, fishermen waiting for their catches, idyllic fields and the vibrant sounds of nature: all of these will remain on your mind for a long time. This is a ‘back to nature’ experience that you absolutely have to try.
History
An excursion dedicated entirely to the city of Kotka to discover its history, main monuments and ancient traditions connected to maritime culture and navigation in often prohibitive conditions. You will see the Sapokka Gardens, the Finnish Maritime Museum Vellamo and Museum of Kymenlaakso and the Imperial Fishing Lodge Langinkoski.
Annual Events
Checkout some of Kotka’s events!
The Amazing Arktika
- Spring and Autumn
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Witness the migration of Arctic water and shore birds from their winter homes in western Europe into their nesting areas by the Arctic Sea and in the north European and Siberian tundra.
Hamina Tattoo
- August (every 2nd year)
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When July turns into August, Hamina kicks off the international military music festival known as Hamina Tattoo (equal years).
Kotka Maritime Festival
- End of July
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During the last weekend of July, Kotka becomes the scene of one of the most popular town festivals in Finland.
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