Tourist Attractions in Kotka

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Kotka

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Kotka

Kotka is a Finnish city located on the shores of the bay. It stands partly on an island, and in the past there was a Swedish fortress on this place. The influence of its neighbours is felt only in minor details. The originality of Kotka has long ago superseded the culture of other countries and peoples. Natural beauty is the main value of these territories. Since the city has a harbour and a fairly large port, there are additional opportunities for tourism.

Natural parks often go together with man-made attractions. For example, in Langinkoski, guests can enjoy not only perfect ecology and fishing, but also the Tsar’s Dacha. And in Sibelius Park you should pay attention to the fountain.

Top-15 Tourist Attractions in Kotka

Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge

 4.6/5

1705 reviews

This is the name given to the water rapids that are part of the natural park. The area of the protected zone is 28 hectares. There are several tourist routes. The territory is known for good fishing. The biggest fish was caught here in 1896. Its weight was more than 35.5 kg. At the end of the 19th century, a fishing lodge was built in Langinkoski for the recreation of Emperor Alexander III. Now it has been turned into a museum.

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Kymenlaakso Museum

 0/5

It belongs to the territory of Langinkoski. The local fishing and picturesque landscapes appealed to the monks of the Valaam Monastery. Paul I allowed them to fish here. Alexander III ordered to build a fisherman’s cottage where he had a rest with his family. Later the building was restored, the interiors were partly preserved, partly recreated. Nearby there is an Orthodox chapel, a memorial stone and an old cafe.

Open time

Maritime Centre Vellamo

 4.5/5

1808 reviews

It has been located within the harbour since 2008. The roof of the unusual building, specially built for the centre, offers a panoramic view of the city. Different types of ships are exhibited inside. The exposition of the Maritime Museum tells the history of navigation in the northern regions. Part of the premises is given over to the Kymenlaakso Museum. Its exhibits are related to the heritage of the region. Next to it is the icebreaker Tarmo, which has long since become a museum.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Maretarium

 4.2/5

1540 reviews

The enormous aquarium is divided into several zones containing representatives of the fauna of Finnish inland waters and the Baltic Sea. The excursion programme is varied. One of the highlights is the marine theatre performance, when the Maretharium’s staff feed the fish in front of the audience while diving. On the basis of the aquarium there is a School of Nature for school-age children. There is also a section with terrariums.

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Karhulan ilmailukerho Aviation Museum

 4.5/5

209 reviews

Based in a hangar next to Kymi Airport. Rare aircraft are on display here. The Karhula Aeroclub repairs them, so all the exhibits are in working order. For example, the Gloucester Gauntlet fighter is the last of such planes from the Second World War to be able to take to the air. The museum is open from late spring to early autumn. Admission is free and donations are accepted for the maintenance of the collection.

Open time

Church of Kotka

 4.4/5

324 reviews

The Evangelical Lutheran Cathedral was built in 1898. For the project Josef Stenbeck chose the neo-Gothic style and the red brick suitable for it. The interior is very spacious. More than one and a half thousand people can attend the service at the same time. Features of the decoration are ornaments on the columns, carvings on wooden interior items, stained glass windows. The church received an organ for its centenary.

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St. Nicholas Church

 4.3/5

45 reviews

It was built at the turn of the XVIII-XIX centuries. The project was created by architect Yakov Perrin in the neoclassical style. Each of the three entrances is decorated with columns. In front of the central part of the facade there is a monument to Maria Purpur. This local resident saved the church from destruction. The church is famous for its interiors, especially the icons. The most valuable one depicts St Nicholas against a seascape.

Open time

Kymi Church

 4.3/5

64 reviews

The second oldest building in the city. The church opened its doors to parishioners in 1851. The bells were brought from another church. The building is predominantly stone, but there are also wooden inserts. The main hall can seat 790 people. The interior decoration is rich, especially the painted vault, chandeliers and candlesticks. Nearby is the cemetery. Traditionally, soldiers who fell in battles were buried here.

Open time

Haukkavuori Sightseeing Tower

 4.1/5

274 reviews

The tower stands on an elevated position and there are several stairs leading up to it. In the past, Haukkavuori was a water tower. As soon as the city got a modern water supply system, it was converted into a lighthouse and later into a tourist attraction. There is a small cafe on the lower level. To see the city and the bay, you have to climb to the top. Entrance is paid and the observation deck is open in the warm season.

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Kyminlinna

 0/5

The city fortress of Kotki was built in the 18th century. Alexander Suvorov was personally responsible for the project. The defences were needed not only to protect the Finnish city, but also to hold back enemy troops on their way to St. Petersburg. During its existence, the fortress fulfilled various functions, including a camp for refugees. Nowadays, it is possible to get to Kyminlinna only as part of an excursion.

Catherine the Great Marine Park

Kotka’s youngest park covers an area of 20 hectares. Playgrounds and recreation areas are scattered throughout the park. There are special stone tables, beach and children’s areas, as well as an anchor monument dedicated to fallen sailors. The eastern part of the park is reserved for the protected Catherine the Great black alder grove. The ruins of fortifications that protected the strait in the past centuries have been preserved here.

Sibelius Park

 4.4/5

595 reviews

It was laid out in the city centre in the 1930s. It was designed by architect Paul Olsson. It is dedicated to the Finnish composer Jan Sibelius. On the territory of the park sports competitions were held, soldiers’ training was organised and even potatoes were planted during the war years. You can read briefly about the history of the park on the stand at the entrance. The main decoration of the territory is a sculptural fountain.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Kotka Sculpture Promenade

 4.6/5

14 reviews

The locals call this area an open-air sculpture gallery. Lehmusäsplanadi Alley was given its present appearance at the turn of the last and present centuries. It has become a popular walking route, which is about 2 kilometres long. Since 2001, the Veistospromenadi project has been gradually gaining momentum. The installation of sculptures and monuments began. The bronze figure “Looking at the Sun” was one of the first.

Open time

Sapokka Water Garden

 4.7/5

2819 reviews

It is one of the cleanest places in Finland in terms of ecology. The principle of its creation is a clever combination of water, stone and light. The park’s location in the bay and the abundance of greenery make it particularly picturesque. In the warm season, concerts and performances are held on the open-air summer stage. The park is popular with walkers, joggers and couples in love. The park is beautiful in its own way in each of the four seasons.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Valkmusa National Park

 4.5/5

555 reviews

It is located near the city and is part of the province of Kymenlaakso. The marshland is quite unusual for the south of the country. In total, researchers have identified about 30 types of bogs here. The national park was established in 1996 and covers an area of 17 km². Birds and butterflies are represented in all their species diversity. Birds not only inhabit the park on a permanent basis, but also make stops during migration.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours