15 tips to find things to do in the maritime city of Kotka
Discover Kotka's diverse attractions and activities. The maritime city offers experiences for both culture and nature lovers all year round.
City articles
17.11.2024
Kotka, a charming city on the southern coast of Finland, invites tourists to experience its diverse offerings. Famous for its proximity to the sea and its rich history. Kotka offers active things to do and see. Whether you are a nature lover or a culture vulture, you are sure to find something to do in Kotka.
Welcome to experience the charm and diversity of Kotka!
Vellamo Marine Centre is Kotka's jewel in the crown, where you can dive into Finland's maritime history. This modern museum centre houses three museums: the Finnish Maritime Museum, the Kymenlaakso Museum and the Maritime Museum.
At the Finnish Maritime Museum you can learn about the history of Finnish shipping, admire historic ships and learn about maritime heritage. The Kymenlaakso Museum focuses on local history, showing the development and life of the region over the years. The Museum of the Coast Guard, on the other hand, provides an overview of the activities of the Coast Guard and how they have changed over time.
During the summer, the icebreaker Tarmo, located off Vellamo, offers a unique experience to see the interior.
The Kymenlaakso Museum offers an in-depth look at the history and culture of the region. The museum has both permanent and temporary exhibitions that deal with local life from different perspectives. You can learn about the region's industrial history, shipping and art
The Kymenlaakso Museum operates as a regional museum of responsibility, providing expert services and advice in the field of cultural heritage. A visit to the museum will deepen your understanding of the rich history of Kotka and Kymenlaakso.
Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge is a unique historical site at the mouth of the Kymijoki River. Completed in 1889, it served as a summer residence for the Russian Emperor Alexander III and his family. Today it is a museum where you can discover the life and atmosphere of the imperial family.
The house has been preserved in its original state, and you can see the hall, the kitchen and the private rooms of the emperor and empress. There is also a beautiful nature reserve where you can enjoy the rapids and the surrounding nature. A visit to Langinkoske is a unique combination of history and nature.
Kotka's church sites are both architecturally impressive and historically significant.
Kotka Orthodox Church is the first in Finland to be built in the Empire style, and is also known as the Church of St Nicholas. Its magnificent icons and interior are worth seeing, and admission is free.
The Lutheran church in Kotka is a neo-gothic building, with tall towers dominating the city skyline. Visiting the churches will give you a deeper insight into the city's history and culture.
Kotka Concert Hall is the centre of the city's musical life, hosting a wide variety of concerts and events throughout the year. The acoustics are excellent, and both Finnish and international artists perform there. With classical music, jazz, pop and other genres, there is something for every music lover.
The Concert Hall is centrally located and has restaurant facilities where you can enjoy dinner before or after the performance. Follow the Concert Hall's events calendar and book your tickets early for the most popular concerts. A musical experience at Kotka Concert Hall will crown your visit to this cultural city.
Valkmusa National Park offers a rare opportunity to explore the marshlands of southern Finland. The park's vast marshlands are reminiscent of Lapland's wilderness, and the area is home to rare butterflies and birds such as the osprey.
The park has several trails, including a longitudinal trail of about two kilometres to Mount Moron, which is ideal for day hikers. The different seasons bring their own charm: in spring you can hear migratory birds singing, in summer you can enjoy the beauty of the marsh butterflies and in autumn you can admire the colours of the ferns.
Valkmusa is a soothing natural destination that offers refreshment for both body and mind.
Maretarium is a unique aquarium house in Sapoka, Kotka, where you can explore the fascinating world of Finnish aquatic life. The aquarium is home to more than 60 different species of native fish and aquatic micro-organisms in natural conditions. During the tour you can see species such as pike, perch, salmon and rarer species such as catfish.
In addition to the aquarium tour, the Maretarium has plenty more to see and experience. You can watch the fish being fed, take part in nature school activities or explore the nature photography exhibitions. The Marine Shop, located next to the aquarium, offers souvenirs and nature products. At the end of the day, you can enjoy refreshments and snacks in the Maretarium café, which offers a beautiful view of the sea.
Langinkoski Nature Reserve is a great place to relax in the lap of nature. The area is located on a branch of the Kymijoki River, and the rapids create a soothing soundscape. You can stroll along the paths, admire the lush vegetation and perhaps catch a glimpse of the area's fauna. The area is also home to the aforementioned imperial fishing lodge, so you can add a touch of history to your nature hike. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a picnic in a natural setting.
The archipelago off Kotka offers great experiences at sea, and one of the best ways to explore it is to take an island cruise. Cruises usually depart from the port of Sapoka and pass through beautiful islands such as Kaunissaari and Varissaari. A four-hour Archipelago Cruising tour takes you to admire the seascapes, historic fortresses and island villages.
During the cruise you can enjoy the fresh sea air, watch the bird life and maybe see seals or sea eagles. You can often buy refreshments and snacks on board. An island cruise is a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend a day in Kotka, and is ideal for families and couples alike.
Sapokan Water Park is an award-winning park area in the centre of Kotka that captivates visitors with its beauty and harmonious design. The park is particularly known for its magnificent waterfall, lush vegetation and sophisticated lighting solutions. In Sapoka Water Park you can walk along the paths, admire the different species of plants and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere in the middle of the city.
The park is surrounded by a kilometre-long footpath with several rest areas and viewing platforms. Sapoka Bay also serves as a marina, where you can rent kayaks or take guided boat trips. At night, the park is beautifully lit, with the waterfall and vegetation creating a magical atmosphere. Sapoka Water Park is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the combination of nature and landscape architecture.
Katariina Marine Park is a large recreational area located at the southern tip of Kotka, offering stunning seascapes and a variety of outdoor activities. Built on a former oil harbour site, the park is designed with ecology and sustainability in mind. You can stroll along the promenade, admire the artworks or relax on the sunny lawn.
The park also has children's play areas, a barbecue shelter and a frisbee golf course, so there's plenty to do for the whole family. The sundial and peace labyrinth in the centre of the park are particularly popular, offering something to do and explore for visitors. Catherine's Marine Park is the perfect place to spend a summer's day picnicking or watching the ships sail by on the open sea.
Kotka is known for its beautiful parks, and one of the best ways to explore them is by bike. Kotka National Urban Park's 19km cycle route connects the city's most stunning parks and beaches. The route passes through areas such as Sapokka Water Park, Katarina Marine Park and Fuksin Park. Along the way, you can stop to admire the scenery, enjoy refreshments in the park cafés or even take a dip in the pool. Waymarkers and maps will help you navigate, so you can concentrate on enjoying the journey.
The Haukkavuori observation tower is one of Kotka's landmarks, offering stunning views over the city to the sea. The tower dates back to the early 1900s and originally served as a water tower. Today it is open to visitors in summer and is free of charge. Climbing the tower is an experience in itself, and the views from the top make the climb worthwhile.
During the summer, the tower hosts art exhibitions that bring culture into the visit. Other historic buildings and beautiful parkland can also be found in the area around the tower. Be sure to check the opening hours before visiting, and be aware of safety precautions, as the stairs can be steep when climbing the tower.
Kotka city centre offers a wide range of shopping opportunities for both the shopper and the gourmet.
The Pasaati shopping centre brings together several shops where you can make bargains on everything from fashion to electronics. On the pedestrianised Central Street, you can explore local speciality shops offering unique products and handicrafts.
If you're looking for local delicacies, head to Kotka Market Hall, where you can buy fresh food and enjoy lunch in an atmospheric setting. Don't forget the small brick-and-mortar shops, where you can find personal treasures while supporting local entrepreneurs.
As a seaside city, Kotka offers excellent opportunities to enjoy fresh fish dishes. Local restaurants offer a varied selection of seafood such as smoked herring, salmon and delicious fish soup. In many restaurants, the fish dishes of the day are prepared from fresh catches, so the flavours are guaranteed to be just right. In summer, you can also visit fish markets where local fishermen sell their fresh produce. This is a great opportunity to taste authentic local delicacies and support the local economy at the same time.
