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City in Kymenlaakso, Finland
Photo: Alexei Kouprianov, CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
Kotka is the southeasternmost major city in Finland, an important port at the mouth of the Kymi river (Kymenjoki). It is part of the Kymenlaakso region. The port town heritage and associated folklore is central for its identity. The Maritime Museum of Finland is located here.
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An aquarium displaying almost all Finnish fish species.
Sapokan vesipuisto
Ponds, trees, flowers, a waterfall, a rock exhibition.
Langinkosken keisarillinen kalastusmaja
This old fishing lodge was made of timber in 1889 for Russian Emperor and Grand Duke of Finland Alexander III. It is situated between the branches of the Kymi river, in beautiful surroundings with rapids, trees and small rivers. The area of the nature reserve is 28 hectares (60 acres). There is also a small Orthodox Chapel here. The museum is closed for the 2025 season, due to budget cuts.
Merikeskus Vellamo
The Maritime Museum of Finland, Kymenlaakso museum and Coast Guard Museum are located in this architectural masterpiece in the old port of Kotka. In addition to the exhibition, work, teaching and seminar facilities of the Maritime Museum of Finland, Kymenlaakso museum Coast Guard Museum, the building will house a 200-seat auditorium, museum shop, restaurant and an extensive library with emphasis on maritime topics. Ships on display includes the icebreaker Tarmo (built 1907) and Finland's last lightship Kemi (built 1901 and restored to its last lightship years in the 1960s and 1970s).
The present Church of St Nicholas was built between 1799 and 1801 in accordance with drawings by Jakov Perrin, architect of the St Petersburg Admiralty. The columns at the three entrances together with the belfry and dome of this church representing Neoclassicism form an impressive façade. The icons and several objects inside the church are very beautiful. One of the most extraordinary icons depicts St Nicholas in Kotkansaari, with a view of the area of the Ruotsinsalmi naval battle behind him. Outside the church, there is a statue of Maria Purpur, who is reputed to have prevented the destruction of the church during the Crimean War. The church is the oldest building in today’s Kotka.
Haukkavuoren näkötorni
A former water tower converted to an observation tower where you can see all of Kotka and its surroundings, and if the weather is clear, all the way to Suursaari island.
A park in district of Katariina. The park of more than 20 hectares is on the island of Kotkansaari in the centre of Kotka. In the park are the ruins of Fort Katarina of the Maritime Fortress of Ruotsinsalmi.
An herb garden established in 2002 in the restored, small fortress structure of Ruotsinsalmi, where you can get to know about a hundred different herbs and medicinal plants.
Designed by Alvar Aalto, and part of the Aalto Works .
Kaunissaari (literally Beautiful Island) Island is a traditional, small but still lively fisherman village. Boats from Sapokka Harbour (in front of Maretarium Aquarium) about 2–3 times a day in the summer. Tickets are sold on boats. On the island you find a very small museum, a restaurant (good fish dishes) and accommodation. Remember to taste extremely delicious salmon pastries which are sold at a kiosk near the museum. There are also cruises to the islands of Tammio (only one permanent inhabitant!), Ulkotammio and Haapasaari (10 inhabitants, 25 km from Kotka). Ferry schedules are available at the Finferries website.
Hundreds of islands and islets in the Baltic Sea outer archipelago in front of Kotka and Hamina, some of which can be reached by the above mentioned cruises. See also Boating in Finland.
Extensive open bogs. Bird site. Butterflies, cranberries. Bird watching tower, day hut, campfire site.
A public swimming hall with lido.
A beach located in the Katariina district, which is divided into two parts: a stone-bottomed main beach and a smaller children's beach next to it.
Standard-issue Finnish-style kebab.
As traditional Finnish night food as it gets. Try Lihapiirakka kahdella nakilla (small meat pie with two frankfurters).
Kotka's staple pizzeria/kebab house. Budget, no frills. Go for Kebab ranskalaisilla for gyros meat and fries.
A café restaurant, where, among other things, salmon soup and salmon bread are offered. Possibility to rent for private events.
A "traditional seafarer's restaurant" in central Kotka.
A Texmex-style chain restaurant close to the bus station.
Italian style chain restaurant offers mainly pizza and salad bar, some other plates as well.
A classy nightclub with plenty of music, drinks and good company.
French-style manor in Karhula, 9 km from Kotka centre
Rantakari cottage is a cozy holiday home in Kotka. The cottage is designed for small families and for small peaceful meetings. it is equipped with all amenities and it is suitable for year-round holidays. Rantakari cottage is by the sea and there are large terraces and a private swimming dock in front of the cottage. Rantgakari cottage accommodates up to 7 people.
A large mall in the centre of Kotka. It has shops for every taste and is particularly full of Russian shopping tourists.
Jumalniemi shopping area can be found next to the E18 freeway. You can find many different shopping malls in the area.
By car
Route E18 connects Kotka to Helsinki, Hamina and Saint Petersburg. Also highway 15 connects Kotka to Kouvola.
By bus
There are frequent coach connections to Helsinki and other cities including Saint Petersburg in Russia. See Matkahuolto and Onnibus for the domestic services.
By bus
fi. You can use the route planner to seek local bus routes between given locations and addresses. Waltti mobile app can be used for ticket purchase.
By bike
50/1 hr, €4/5 hr, €12/24 hr.
By taxi
You can call a taxi from number 100 41 (in country only).
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Lappeenranta · International · LPP
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