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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).
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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.
An aquarium displaying almost all Finnish fish species.
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.
Sapokan vesipuisto
Ponds, trees, flowers, a waterfall, a rock exhibition.
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.
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.