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Tourism Kotka & Kotka Guide

Defined by the Baltic Sea and surrounding archipelago, Kotka is a picturesque town with a rich maritime tradition. It is home to the Maritime Museum of Finland and the Maretarium, and the Kymijoki River flowing through it is renowned for having the best salmon fishing in southern Finland, and for Langinkoski, the old Imperial Fishing Lodge located upstream. The most popular activities here are cruises around the archipelago, rafting and kayaking through the rapids of the Kymijoki, sailing and fishing.

Kotka is situated in the Kymenlaakso region of southern Finland, 130km east of Helsinki, and the city boasts two centres, Kotkansaari on the Isle of Kotka, and Karhula on the mainland to the north. It is a major Finnish port, the second largest export port and the biggest transit port in Finland.

Although the town was only granted its charter in 1878, Kotka has a rich history and played an important role in the many struggles between Sweden and Russia down the years, especially in maritime battles. The towns identity is in part defined by the Kymijoki River, the Baltic Sea, and the archipelago around it, and most of its area is in fact water.

With water playing such an important role in Kotka’s history, and its present, it is no surprise that the city has such a rich variety of water-based activities and attractions for the visitor. Cruises around the archipelago, rafting and kayaking through the rapids of the Kymijoki, sailing and fishing opportunities all vie for your time. The modern Maritime Centre Vellamo is home to numerous exhibitions devoted to the sea and seafaring traditions of the region, with collections on display from the Maritime Museum of Finland and Museum of Kymelaakso. The museum quay is the mooring place of notable ships, including the Icebreaker Tarmo, the oldest of its kind in the world, and the coast guard vessel Telkkä. Adults and children alike will enjoy Maretarium, with 22 different tanks and more than 50 species of fish, including every species native to Finland’s rivers and lakes. Travelers should also drop into the Finnish Wooden Boat Centre, where they can learn all about the rich heritage of wooden boat construction and use in Finland down through the years, and see boats being worked on by skilled craftsmen.

Kymijoki River is renowned for its fishing, having the best salmon fishing in southern Finland, but there are plenty of other fish to catch too, such as pike, perch, whitefish, and zander, or walleye. For those who prefer a lot more action, the river contains exciting rapids which can be rafted, canoed, or kayaked down. Take a trip upstream to see Langinkoski, the old Imperial Fishing Lodge which now serves as a museum. It is unique in that it is only building outside Russia that was once owned by Emperor Alexander III of Russia.

Another museum worth visiting id The Aviation Museum situated at the Kymi airfield, where you see 15 planes, including the rare Harakka elementary training gliders, a Fouga Magister, a MIG-21F jet fighter, and the world’s only flying Glouster Gauntlet fighter from the second world war.

Tourist Attractions in Kotka

Accommodation & hotels in kotka, restaurants, cafés & nightlife in kotka, activities & sports in kotka, shopping in kotka, travel & transportation in kotka.

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Kotka

Things to do in kotka, explore popular experiences, tours in and around kotka.

Full Day Private Shore Tour in Helsinki from Kotka Cruise Port

Hiking around forest and lake

Guided e-fatbike trek in Repovesi National park

A beautiful walk in Porvoo’s streets

Lake kayaking trip

Wildfood from the forest

Romance in Porvoo - Walking Tour

Top attractions in kotka.

Other Top Attractions around Kotka

What travellers are saying

• Sapokka Water Garden
• Maritime Centre Vellamo
• Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge Museum
• Katariina Seaside Park
• Sibelius Park
• Riverside Park

• 1.1 History
• 2.1 By train
• 3.2 By bike
• 3.3 By taxi
• 5.1 Festivals
• 7.2 Mid-range
• 7.3 Splurge
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 11 Stay safe

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.

Understand [ edit ]

The municipality has a population of around 52,000 (2020) and much of its area is made up of water. The name comes from the island Kotkansaari ("eagle island"), where the town was built and were most of its centre still lies. The former parish village Karhula, now a kind of a second centre with a number of shopping malls, is a few kilometres to the north, crossed by the E18 motorway.

History [ edit ]

In medieval times, the rich fishing around the river mouth attracted people from elsewhere to settle here: mainly Tavastians, but also Savonians, Karelians and even Swedish, when the Vyborg (Viipuri/Viborg) castle had been built in 1293 and thereby Swedish rule had been established.

The Russian border moved west to the Kymi river in 1743, and after the Svensksund battle 1790 Russia built a fortress on the islands. The fortress sustained a mostly Russian population of some 8,000 – a major town at the time. When all Finland became a Russian grand duchy the fortress lost its importance; most of the fortress was destroyed in 1855, during the Crimean War, by a French-Brittish navy.

In the 1870s a strong sawmill industry developed, thanks to log driving along the Kymi river. One of the sawmills had a Norwegian owner and many Norwegians in the workforce. 1879 Kotka became a chartered town. The streets were laid out according to those of the former fortress town. 1890 Kotka got railway and its role as the main city of the area was cemented.

In 1907, the Second All-Russian Conference of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party was held in the city.

Historically the city had a substantial Swedish -speaking population, which declined during the 20th century, and today approximately 96% of the municipality's inhabitants are native Finnish speakers, only 1% native Swedish speakers (but there is still a Swedish school). The city's long history of industrialization is evident; paper and pulp mills have remained an important part of the regional economy.

Get in [ edit ]

By train [ edit ].

Acceptably quick local trains connect Kotka to Kouvola and Lahti where you can change trains to get to Helsinki and elsewhere.

By car [ edit ]

Route E18 connects Kotka to Helsinki , Hamina and Saint Petersburg . Also highway 15 connects Kotka to Kouvola .

By bus [ edit ]

There are frequent coach connections to Helsinki and other cities including Saint Petersburg in Russia. See Matkahuolto and Onnibus for the domestic services. Some bus routes, especially those which come from Lappeenranta and Russia and go towards Helsinki stop only at Karhula which is about 9 km away from Kotka center, local transport is available to travel between Karhula and Kotka center.

Coming via Tallinn or Stockholm , there may be a coach connection with arranged transfer from the port, mostly via Kamppi.

Services from Saint Petersburg are operated by Lux Express and Transgold .

Get around [ edit ]

The centre of the city, the island Kotkansaari, is small enough to get around by feet. However if you need to go to other parts of the city, bus, taxi or a hire car may be more convenient.

Check bus schedules from kotkanaikataulut.fi . You can use the route planner [dead link] to seek local bus routes between given locations and addresses. Waltti mobile app can be used for ticket purchase. Matkahuolto Routes and Tickets app is able to first plan the route and after it sell the right ticket for it.

Asiointitaksi is a service open to everyone that complements public transport. The customer only pays the price of the bus ticket and the taxi route enables weekly transport, for example to the market. The trip is ordered from the driver no later than the previous day and can be picked up from any route where it is safe to stop the car. The car can also make a small deviation from the route and pick up the customer closer to home.

By bike [ edit ]

There is a bike sharing system using bluetooth and the Donkey Republic about €1.50/1 hr, €4/5 hr, €12/24 hr. For longer stays becoming a member is cheaper: €9 or €18/month covers all trips of less than 1 hr respectively 12 hr, also in other towns using Donkey Republic – but you need to register as member in the country of your card (available: most countries in western Europe and USA). Customer service [email protected] , ☏ +358 44 716 0644 daily 09:00–21:00. Several towns in south-east Finland use the same system, which is in use also elsewhere in Finland and abroad.

By taxi [ edit ]

You can call a taxi from number ☏ 100 41 (in country only) .

• Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi, Menevä, Taksini

See [ edit ]

• 60.4612 26.9507 1 Maretarium Aquarium , Sapokankatu 2 . An aquarium displaying almost all Finnish fish species.  
• 60.4579 26.9456 2 Sapokka Park ( Sapokan vesipuisto ). Ponds, trees, flowers, a waterfall, a rock exhibition.  
• 60.465 26.9373 5 Orthodox Church of St Nicholas . 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.  
• 60.4597 26.9296 6 Haukkavuori observation tower ( Haukkavuoren näkötorni ), Keskuskatu 51 . mid-June to mid-August:Tu-Sa 12-18 . 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. free .  
• 60.44744 26.93863 7 Katariinan meripuisto . 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. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 60.460402 26.925984 8 Yrttipuutarha Redutti , Haukkavuorenkatu . 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. ( updated Nov 2022 )

Do [ edit ]

• 60.46034 26.95044 1 Cruises to Kaunissaari and other islands . 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.  
• 60.456662 26.938992 4 Uimala Katariina , Puistotie 9-11 . A public swimming hall with lido.  
• 60.451387 26.947463 5 Mansikkalahti . 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.  
• Football: KTP (Kotkan Työväen Palloilijat) were relegated in 2023, so they now play soccer in Ykkönen the second tier. Their home ground Arto Tolsa Areena (capacity 4800) is 1 km south of town centre. The playing season is April-Oct.

Festivals [ edit ]

• Kotkan Meripäivät : . The free-of-charge city festival ("Kotka sea days") in late July is the biggest happening in Kotka. It may be difficult to get a guest marina quay during this week-end.  (date needs fixing)
• Dark River Festival : . The Dark River Festival is a metal and hard rock festival in Kotka and Honkala in mid-August.  (date needs fixing)

Buy [ edit ]

• 60.4666 26.9444 1 Pasaati shopping centre , Keskuskatu 10 . A large mall in the centre of Kotka. It has shops for every taste and is particularly full of Russian shopping tourists.  
• 60.5059 26.9159 2 Jumalniemi , Jumalniementie 7-10 . Jumalniemi shopping area can be found next to the E18 freeway. You can find many different shopping malls in the area.  

Eat [ edit ]

There is a list of lunch offers for each day.

Budget [ edit ]

Cheap places to eat include:

• 60.46253 26.93636 1 Erkan Kebab , Keskuskatu 35 . Standard-issue Finnish-style kebab.  
• 60.46477 26.94185 2 Hot dog stand , at the corner of Keskuskatu and Kaivokatu . As traditional Finnish night food as it gets. Try Lihapiirakka kahdella nakilla (small meat pie with two frankfurters).  
• 60.46385 26.9396 3 Efes Pizzeria , Keskuskatu 29 . Kotka's staple pizzeria/kebab house. Budget, no frills. Go for Kebab ranskalaisilla for gyros meat and fries.  
• 60.459809 26.963354 4 Kuusisen Kalamaja , Juha Vainion katu 95 , ☏ +358 500-559625 , [email protected] . Summer: 9:00-18:00; Winter: 9:00-16:00 . A café restaurant, where, among other things, salmon soup and salmon bread are offered. Possibility to rent for private events.  
• 60.526916 26.967041 5 Otsolan Pizzeria , Hiidenkirnuntie 53 ( in Karhula ), ☏ +358 5 268 8866 . Daily 12:00-22:000 .  

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 60.4692 26.9427 6 Ravintola Kairo , Satamakatu 7 , ☏ +358 5 212787 , fax : +358 5 212787 . Tu-Sa 13:00-late, W 13:00-02:00, F Sa 13:00-04:00 . A "traditional seafarer's restaurant" in central Kotka.  
• 60.4649 26.9422 7 Amarillo , Keskuskatu 21 , ☏ +358 201234666 . M-Th 16:00-00:00, F 16:00-02:00, Sa 12:00-02:00, Su 12:00-00:00 . A Texmex-style chain restaurant close to the bus station.  
• 60.4645 26.9419 8 Canttiini , Kaivokatu 15 , ☏ +358 5214130 . M Tu 10:30 - 22:00, W-F 10:30 - 23:00, Sa 12:00-23:00, Su 12:00-20:00 .  
• 60.498166 26.84788 9 Sutelan Lounas ja Herkku , Sutelantie 303 , ☏ +358 44 028 7881 . ( updated Jun 2022 )
• 60.436547 26.883509 10 Cafe Neptunus , Merituulentie 424 , ☏ +358 5 226 8108 , [email protected] . ( updated Jun 2022 )
• 60.477054 26.898975 11 Ravintola Keisarinsatama , Metsontie 41 , ☏ +358 41 731 4763 , [email protected] . ( updated Jun 2022 )
• 60.461667 26.950278 12 Ravintola Wanha Fiskari , Juha Vainion katu 2 , ☏ +358 5 218 6585 , [email protected] . ( updated Jun 2022 )
• 60.469381 26.945992 13 Kotkan Klubi , Kirkkokatu 2 , ☏ +358 44 751 2786 , [email protected] . ( updated Jun 2022 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 60.4671 26.9449 14 Rosso , Kauppakatu 5 ( on the first floor of Pasaati shopping centre ). Italian style chain restaurant offers mainly pizza and salad bar, some other plates as well.  

Drink [ edit ]

• 60.4678 26.9448 1 [dead link] Ilon talo , Kirkkokatu 8 , ☏ +358 20 7759 480 . A classy nightclub with plenty of music, drinks and good company.  
• 60.457164 26.934904 2 Music Bar Haukka , Kuusisenkatu 5 , ☏ +358 44 975 8421 .  

Sleep [ edit ]

• 60.5114 26.9302 1 Karhulan Hovi , Ahlströmintie 26 , ☏ +358 10 234 6710 , [email protected] . French-style manor in Karhula, 9 km from Kotka centre  
• 60.55891 27.00471 2 Hotel Leikari , Haminantie 261 ( in Karhula, near the border of Hamina ), ☏ +358 104 111 770 , [email protected] . Family room €80 .  
• 60.46859 26.94124 3 Hotelli Merikotka , Satamakatu 9 , ☏ +358 5 215222 . Single room €55 .  
• 60.469148 26.985497 4 Rantakari Cottage , Seurakuja 6, Kotka , ☏ +358 400 868889 , [email protected] . Check-in: 16:00 , check-out: 12:00 . 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. ( updated Apr 2019 )
• 60.5115 26.91964 5 Hotelli Cumulus Kotka , Tiilikuja 9 , ☏ +358 5 269 3100 , fax : +358 5 269 3299 , [email protected] .  

Connect [ edit ]

Stay safe [ edit ].

You can go more or less anywhere in Kotka any time of the day. Although Kotka has its share of violence and drug use, violent crime happens mostly between addicts and criminals themselves. Robbings are very uncommon.

You might want to avoid jumping a line anywhere during the night, particularly at Finnish hot dog stands ("nakkikioski"). Drunken fights are not unheard-of.

Cope [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ].

• Hamina — A historical fortress town, the easternmost sea port in Finland.
• Kouvola - The other big city in Kymenlaakso, best known as an industrial city and railway node.
• Russia — If you have a valid visa, the Russian border isn't far away.

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Exploring the Kotka-Hamina region – 11 Weekend trip tips

The Southern part of Finland is not just a beautifully rugged coastline, but it offers so many things to do and see, that really surprised me. The Kotka-Hamina region is only about 1,5 hours from Helsinki: certainly one of the destination for a day or weekend trip, that I really wholeheartedly want to recommend to everyone!

Table of Contents

This is a great itinerary for anyone who

• doesn’t have much time to get away from the Capital
• wants to see something totally new

This post is a paid collaboration with Visit Kotka-Hamina and PING Helsinki. All opinions are my own. Kiitos!

Map Overview

How to get to there

By car: The area is great to explore by car, within short distances you can explore and discover so many different parts and sights of the region. From Helsinki, it’s only about 1,5 hours away.

By public transport: there are daily bus connections from Helsinki and other towns, to both Kotka and Loviisa, for example. Check out Matkahuolto and Onnibus .

Where to stay in the Kotka-Hamina region

Sokos Seurahuone Kotka – great Central location in the heart of the town of Kotka. This hotel is a great choice of you want to be active in the town and explore surroundings. They also rent out bikes!

Rönnas : if you feel more like a cottage experience, the seaside resort of Rönnas is just beautiful. The cabins are spacious and a great choice if you travel with friends and family. They are a bit further out in nature, but the drive is beautiful and it’s a great base location to explore the Kotka-Hamina area by car.

Santalahti resort: This 5 star resort is an amazing choice for a luxury getaway by the seaside. Especially the glass villas just look incredible.

Sights & Activities

Visit langinkoski – imperial fishing lodge.

This was easily my favourite place we visited in the Kotka-Hamina region: the imperial fishing lodge where Alexander III came to fish and relax, away from his stressful days full of duties. This was during the time when Finland was still part of Russia. The waters were great for (amongst others) salmon fishing. Located by the Langinkoski rapids surrounded by beautiful forests, you can visit the museum lodge, which is just a stunning building. On the premises you also find the fishing hatch and a small chapel. But really you could just sit by the rapids all day.

Café Dagmar offers lovely snacks and drinks with a beautiful view of the lodge.

Strömforssin Ruukki – Ironworks village idyll

Another place I highly recommend to visit, is the former ironworks village Strömforssin Ruukki. The dark red buildings from the 17th century that make up the place are a sight of their own, as they lay to picturesque by the river. Besides visiting museums and the former nail workshop, you can visit artisans boutiques, go for a paddle or enjoy a delicious meal, for example at the Bed & Bistro manor or Restaurant Ruukinnmylly at the old mill. The church with its really unusual shape that’s tucked away on a small hill was a highlight, too!

Varissaari – Island & sauna boat

When it Kotka, a visit to Varissaari island should definitely be on your list! Visit the remnants of the former fortress that the island was a part of, enjoy a lovely meal at the summer restaurant Vaakku and extend your island day with the sauna boat Kiulu . There’s something special about floating on the water as you hear the sizzle of the sauna, and of course jumping straight from the sauna into the water of the bay is a great experience. You can also paddle around the whole island with the SUP boards! The boat can be rented by the hour which is a great option for small groups!

You can get to the island in just 10 minutes with the boat that leaves from Sapoka harbour.

Vellamo Maritime Center

The Vellamo maritime centre was another highlight of our stay in Kotka. It’s more than just a museum, it’s a fully interactive experience where you can learn so much about the history of seafaring, the Svensksund naval battles, the largest ever in the Baltic Sea, fought just off the coast of Kotka, and much more. You can easily spend hours in here, the whole museum is huge and there’s so much to discover. Alone the architecture of the building is worth coming by. I loved the icebreaker Tarmo which you can still visit until the end of August 2021.

If you visit the Kotka-Hamina region, put Vellamo at the top of your list!

Malmgård brewery and Manor

The Malmgård beers are some of the best brews you can find in Finland, and you can visit their brewery and shop while you are visiting the area of Kotka-Hamina! The shop is not just interested for beer lovers, but their selection of flours and grains, and other local specialities will make any foodies heart beat a little faster. The Malmgård Manor from 1880 is just a few minutes walk away is a stunning sight. You can book visits at both places.

Tip to try: I enjoyed the Malmgård berry sours a lot, and the pizza flour is great if you’re a homebaker!

“Possu” best of baked goods

If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I love anything baked – it’s my favourite treat and it’s good for the soul. Possumunkki, as they are called around Helsinki, are donut-like pastries filled with apple jam. I didn’t know up to the point of my visit to Kotka, that they are a local speciality! So of course, I had to get some. The best ones are from Kotkan Leipä Ky Turkia , who also sell the freshly baked “Posso” from this very inconspicuous trailer on the local market square.

Finnish homey food at Keisarin Satama

Try some Finnish homestyle food at restaurant Keisarin Satama – the very low-key style buffet restaurant has a really affordable lunch offer, and the genuine Finnish food is great for anyone who wants to have a meal like the locals. The location is beautiful: the old Kotkan Höyrypanimo brewery building is right by the water. Great lunch views!

Bike around Katariinan Meripuisto

The Kotka-Hamina region is well-known for its many beautiful parks, and the Katariina sea park is one of the most stunning ones. It stretches around the whole southern part of Kotka, which makes it perfect for a bike tour. We got our bikes from our hotel, Sokos Seurahuone . The park gives you beautiful views of the surrounding sea and islands, rocks and wild nature, as well as a Muumin playground, several art installations.

Haukkavuori watchtower

End your bike ride with a visit of the Haukkavuori watch tower! The many stairs are worth it for a spectacular 360° view of the city of Kotka and the archipelago, you can check out a small art exhibition in the tower while you’re at it, and the best: it’s free to visit. The former water tower is 72m high. Get an impression of your surroundings and map out where you want to head next. Wonderful place!

Opening hours and more info here

Seaside vibes in Loviisa – Laivasilta area

Loviisa is a small, charming seaside town in the Kotka-Hamina region, that was a relevant spot for imported goods back in the 1700s. The Laivasilta area of its old salt warehouse buildings make a really lovely stop to have a wander, enjoy a drink or some food with a view to the water and the small harbour. The small museum only has Finnish and Swedish infos, but is still nice to walk around if you enjoy old ships and maps.

Dinner at Restaurant Vausti

Treat yourself to a lovely dinner at one of the best restaurants of Kotka, Vausti. The seasonal 3-course menu was delicious, the service super friendly and the atmosphere of both the modern touches and the influence of the history of the original building is really special. For a lovely dinner on a visit to the Kotka-Hamina region, I highly recommend to book yourself a table here!

Also check out these posts:

• Weekend trip to Mathiledal & Teijo
• Day trip to Hämeenlinna & Iittala Village

Top Things to Do in Kotka, Finland

Places to visit in kotka, explore popular experiences, tours in and around kotka.

Full Day Private Shore Tour in Helsinki from Kotka Cruise Port

Hiking around forest and lake

Guided e-fatbike trek in Repovesi National park

A beautiful walk in Porvoo’s streets

Lake kayaking trip

Wildfood from the forest

Romance in Porvoo - Walking Tour

Top attractions in kotka.

Other Top Attractions around Kotka

What travellers are saying

• Sapokka Water Garden
• Maritime Centre Vellamo
• Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge Museum
• Katariina Seaside Park
• Sibelius Park
• Riverside Park

Plan Your Trip to Kotka: Best of Kotka Tourism

Essential kotka.

Kotka Is Great For

Eat & drink.

Sand & surf

The great outdoors

• Santalahti Resort
• Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone
• Beach Hotel Santalahti
• Scandic Kotka
• Manor Hotel Karhulan Hovi
• Ravintola Wanha Fiskari
• Ravintola Keisarinsatama
• Erkan Bistro & Restaurant
• Ravintola Vausti
• Marina Cafe Laituri
• Sapokka Water Garden
• Maritime Centre Vellamo
• Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge Museum
• Katariina Seaside Park

• Multiday packages

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VISITKOTKAHAMINA.TRAVEL

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DESTINATION KOTKA

• Kotka Region

Kotka parks & National Urban Park

The baltic sea and archipelago, langinkoski imperial fishing lodge, kotka maretarium, maritime centre vellamo, kotka region.

Kotka region

Kotka is a cosy and lively town on Finland’s southeast coast. The region is situated on the Baltic Sea, only a 1-hour drive from Helsinki and a 3-hour drive from St Petersburg. The history and the presence of sea life create a uniquely relaxing atmosphere.

Kotka offers a lot to see and experience! You can rent a bike or take a tour of the city’s internationally awarded parks or enjoy the impressive architecture and stories of the sea at Vellamo Maritime Centre. The archipelago near Kotka is part of the Eastern Gulf within Finland National Park, and visiting those islands makes for a fine day trip.

The Kotka National Urban Park is one of the seven national urban parks in Finland. It was founded in 2014 and consists of 2400 hectares of space.

The Kotka National Urban Park is a combination of architecture, history and nature. This much-awarded park is located in the town centre and is an essential part of the area. We strongly recommend taking a walk around them!

The archipelago of the Kotka region is a unique part of the Eastern Gulf of Finland within Finland National Park. Its scenery is sparse but diverse and beautiful.

The Eastern Gulf of Finland and this archipelago have a long history. The residents’ livelihood has involved fishing, the paper industry, and harbour and port businesses. The shores of Kotka have witnessed this history for decades, as indicated by landmarks such as the remains of fortresses.

A sea trip on the Kotka charter to the Eastern Gulf of Finland National park and to the islands is a unique experience. There are over 400 islands off the coast of Kotka. This vessel operates as a charter boat in the Kotka–Hamina–Pyhtää–Loviisa area. The port of departure can be agreed upon.

The Emperor of Russia Tsar Alexander III was impressed with the scenery of Kotka and the Kymijoki when he visited the area towards the end of the 19th century. He chose the banks of the Langinkoski River for his family’s summer cottage; as an enthusiastic fisherman, he also chose this spot as the site of his Imperial Fishing Lodge.

Today, the Imperial Fishing Lodge museum is open to visitors during the summer. The museum displays the original furniture and belongings that the tsar’s family used at the end of the 19th century, as well as an Orthodox chapel, the tsar’s memorial stone, his fishing rock, and both trenches and a firing post from the First World War.

The rapids at Langinkoski provide great places for fly fishing, and the area also features beautiful, short hiking trails (which are accessible year-round) and an atmospheric arboretum. Read more about the history of the fishing lodge and the Langinkoski Nature Reserve here.

Explore the underwater world of Finnish fish at the Maretarium! Here, you can discover the life that is hidden beneath the water’s surface. You can also come face to face with about 60 species of fish that are native to Finland.

The aquarium tour takes about 75 minutes. After the entire, you can also visit the Café Meri Cafe Kristina to have some refreshments. We also recommend visiting the Sea Shop.

The Vellamo Maritime Centre is a unique meeting place; this building has a wave-like roof and houses the Maritime Museum of Finland, the Museum of Kymenlaakso and the Vellamo Information Centre.

In addition to the information centre and the working and teaching facilities at the museums, this building features a 200-seat auditorium, Laakonki Restaurant and the Plootu Museum Shop.

You are welcome at Vellamo Maritime Centre!

Top Things to Do in Kotka, Finland - Kotka Must-See Attractions

Things to do in kotka, explore popular experiences, tours in and around kotka.

Full Day Private Shore Tour in Helsinki from Kotka Cruise Port

Hiking around forest and lake

Guided e-fatbike trek in Repovesi National park

A beautiful walk in Porvoo’s streets

Lake kayaking trip

Wildfood from the forest

Romance in Porvoo - Walking Tour

Top attractions in kotka.

Other Top Attractions around Kotka

What travellers are saying

• Sapokka Water Garden
• Maritime Centre Vellamo
• Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge Museum
• Katariina Seaside Park
• Sibelius Park
• Riverside Park

Foreign shipping traffic: documentation of statistics

On this page, basic data of the statistics, accuracy, reliability and timeliness, comparability, source data and data collections, principles and outlines, statistical experts, revisions in statistics, are you looking for numbers for this set of statistics.

You can find the latest numbers, tables and figures of the statistics on the statistics page.

Data description

Statistical population, statistical unit, unit of measure, reference period, reference area, sector coverage, time coverage, frequency of dissemination, dry cargo ship, other vessel, passenger ship, passenger transport performance, passenger-kilometre, tonne-kilometre, transit transport, vessel’s net tonnage (net), overall accuracy, comparability - geographical, comparability - over time, coherence - internal, source data, data collection, frequency of data collection, data compilation, data validation, contact organisation, contact organisation unit, legal acts and other agreements.

The compilation of statistics is guided by the Statistics Act. The Statistics Act contains provisions on collection of data, processing of data and the obligation to provide data. Besides the Statistics Act, the Data Protection Act and the Act on the Openness of Government Activities are applied to processing of data when producing statistics. 

Statistics Finland compiles statistics in line with the EU’s regulations applicable to statistics, which steer the statistical agencies of all EU Member States.  

Further information: Statistical legislation  

Confidentiality - policy

The data protection of data collected for statistical purposes is guaranteed in accordance with the requirements of the Statistics Act (280/2004), the Act on the Openness of Government Activities (621/1999), the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and the Data Protection Act (1050/2018). The data materials are protected at all stages of processing with the necessary physical and technical solutions. Statistics Finland has compiled detailed directions and instructions for confidential processing of the data. Employees have access only to the data essential for their duties. The premises where unit-level data are processed are not accessible to outsiders. Members of the personnel have signed a pledge of secrecy upon entering the service. Violation of data protection is punishable. 

Further information: Data protection | Statistics Finland (stat.fi)  

Confidentiality - data treatment

Release policy.

Statistics Finland publishes new statistical data at 8 am on weekdays in its web service. The release times of statistics are given in advance in the release calendar available in the web service. The data are public after they have been updated in the web service. 

Further information: Publication principles for statistics at Statistics Finland  

Data sharing

Accessibility and clarity, data revision - policy.

Revisions – i.e. improvements in the accuracy of statistical data already published – are a normal feature of statistical production and result in improved quality of statistics. The principle is that statistical data are based on the best available data and information concerning the statistical phenomenon. On the other hand, the revisions are communicated as transparently as possible in advance. Advance communication ensures that the users can prepare for the data revisions. 

The reason why data in statistical releases become revised is often caused by the data becoming supplemented. Then the new, revised statistical figure is based on a wider information basis and describes the phenomenon more accurately than before. 

Revisions of statistical data may also be caused by the calculation method used, such as annual benchmarking or updating of weight structures. Changes of base years and used classifications may also cause revisions to data. 

Quality assessment

Quality assurance.

Quality management requires comprehensive guidance of activities. The quality management framework of the field of statistics is the European Statistics Code of Practice (CoP). The quality criteria of Official Statistics of Finland are compatible with the European Statistics Code of Practice. 

Further information: Quality management | Statistics Finland (stat.fi)  

User access

Data are released to all users at the same time. Statistical data may only be handled at Statistics Finland and information on them may be given before release only by persons involved in the production of the statistics concerned or who need the data of the statistics concerned in their own work before the data are published. 

Further information: Publication principles for statistics  

Unless otherwise separately stated in connection with the product, data or service concerned, Statistics Finland is the producer of the data and the owner of the copyright. The terms of use for statistical data. 

Database tables 12is, 12it, 12j5, 12j6 and 12jc of the statistics on foreign shipping traffic were corrected

Database tables of the statistics on foreign shipping traffic corrected, are you looking for previously published documentation.

The documentation released before 5.4.2022 can be found on the archive pages of the statistics .

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Kotka Maritime Festival

During the last weekend of July, Kotka becomes the scene of one of the most popular town festivals in Finland. Kotka Maritime Festival – Kotkan Meripäivät in Finnish – attracts around 200,000 visitors every year and offers a wide selection of events for all ages. It is best known for its wonderful, relaxed atmosphere, music, and good food.

Hamina Tattoo

When July turns into August, Hamina kicks off the biannual international military music festival known as Hamina Tattoo. This eagerly anticipated event draws musicians and music enthusiasts from around the globe.

Loviisa Heritage Homes

Loviisa Heritage Homes – Loviisan Wanhat Talot – is   the   largest   event  in Finland  opening old houses, gardens and courtyards for the public eye. It has been organized since 2005, attracts about 15,000 visitors every year, and is dedicated for traditional construction and renovation of historical homes.

The Amazing Arktika

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. Arktika concerns millions of water birds, geese, and waders, not to forget divers and skuas. The main route of Arktika is through the Gulf of Finland serving as the primary line all the way to the route formed by Lake Ladoga, Lake Onega, and the White Sea. The most massive flocks that appear in Finland are concentrated in Virolahti region.

Hamina Christmas Wonderland

The historic center of Hamina becomes a magical Christmas wonderland at the end of November. The Christmas Stars event on Raatihuoneentori square brings the Christmas atmosphere of a Central European town to Hamina. Christmas lights will be on show in the square until the end of the year. Christmas window displays in the old wooden buildings serve as the city’s Advent calendar, with a new Christmas window being unveiled at 6pm every December evening until Christmas Eve.

Events on the East Coast of Finland

Sunila Aalto Homes Event

Kaakko Festival

Aaltoja Festival

News & Blog

Loving the East Coast of Finland

Phone-Free Island Ulko-Tammio Finland's Top Domestic Travel Destination of the Year

Ulko-Tammio Phone-Free Island - Frequently Asked Questions

Winter Adventure Awaits at the East Coast of Finland

Escape to ÖÖD at Versso Island

Christmas on the East Coast

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