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Welcome to Kotka
WELCOME TO THE COAST OF GOOD WINDS - It's all about the location!
CRUISE PORT HAMINAKOTKA - THE PORT OF OPPORTUNITIES
Port of HaminaKotka is responsible for the marketing, customers, product development and co-ordination of the cruise business in the cities of Kotka and Hamina, on the Southeast coast of Finland at the Finnish Coastline right where the rapids of River Kymijoki, the biggest river in Southern Finland, rushes to meet the sea. The wonderful nature and city parks, dazzling history of the border region, outstanding cultural events and sights and thousands of friendly people welcome travelers for a memorable visit. The berthing places for cruise ships are in the City Center of Kotka island, Hamina or Mussalo port areas, close to the old city of Porvoo, Lakeland Lappeenranta, only a 100 minute journey from Helsinki on the E18 highway. 100 NM from Tallinn and 125 NM from St. Petersburg.
The port of the picturesque boutique cities by the sea, Kotka and Hamina, is located a stone’s throw away from all the experiences. Your guests are able to experience, within a few hours, the soul of whole Finland - from the pulsating capital to the exotic nature, from pushing one’s limits to finding an inexplicably glorious peace of mind. The getaway destination to Finland!
Read more › https://www.haminakotka.com/transport/cruises
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Useful information
QUICK FACTS
Port area in numbers:
•1,100 ha of land areas
•1,400 ha of sea areas
•9 km of quays
•76 berths
•80 km of railways
LANGUAGE
Finnish, Swedish, English, German, Russian and Spanish. (Most common Finnish and English).
DISTANCE FROM PIER TO CITY CENTER
From Kantasatama to the City Cente700 m, from Mussalo Terminal B to City Center 8 km/20 min. To Helsinki International Airport 130 km/90 min.
TRANSPORTATION TO/FROM AIRPORT
Helsinki International Airport is located 130 km from Kotka. There are several daily buses between Kotka and Helsinki Travel time is approximately 2 hours. Travel time 90 minutes by shuttle bus or by car from or to the port areas.
CURRENCY
EURO as cash and most common credit and debit cards including Visa Electron.
TRANSPORT TO/FROM CITY CENTRE
Shuttle buses negotiable in Hamina and Mussalo from pier to Port Gate FOC. Kantasatama City Terminal within walking distance.
BANKS AND POST OFFICES
Post offices are open from 09-to evening hours. Banks are not handling currency or other cash. All currency or other cash should be handled via ATM:s.
DOWNLOADABLE MAP
https://www.google.com/search?q=google+maps+kotka+finland&rlz=1C1GCEA_enFI877FI877&oq=google+maps+kotka&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l4j69i64.6398j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
PORT
Serves all types of cargo: Passenger traffic, Containers, RoRo, Liquid bulk, Dry bulk, LoLo, Gas, Project shipments.
Photos for Download
Port information
PORT OF HAMINAKOTKA PORT AREA IN NUMBERS: •1,100 ha of land areas •1,400 ha of sea areas •9 km of quays •76 berths •90 km of railways MAX. SHIP DIMENSIONS FOR BERTH CITY PORT KOTKA KANTASATAMA PIER 1 (I1-I2) Lenght: 270 m, Width: 50 m, Swept Draught: 9,6 m, Air Draught: Unlimited CITY PORT KOTKA KANTASATAMA PIER 2 (I3) Length: 172 m + ramp 20 m, Width: 50 m, Swept Draught: 11,2m, Air Draught: Unlimited HAMINA EU1-EU4 Length: 609 m, Swept Draught: 11,2-13,2 m, Width: 50 m, Air draught: Unlimited Mussalo B Length: 500 m, Width: 50 m, Swept Draught: 11,5–13,7 m, Air draught: Unlimited ANCHORAGE Available: Inner roads. SERVICES Fresh water: Yes, Bunkering: Yes, Waste disposal: Yes, Oily waste collection: Yes, Sewage collection: Yes, Hazardous waste collection: Yes, LNG: Yes, Shuttle service: Can be arranged, Ships tenders allowed: Yes, Pilotage compulsory: Yes, Tugs: Available, Tidal movement/range: None.
Berthing policy:
Port Reception Facilities
Port Fees
Harbour dues (Currency/GT)
Available upon requestPassenger dues (Currency/PAX)
Available upon requestServices available for guests
Always available
Available in some cases
Pier
Shopping & Attractions
Port
Destination collaboration
Transport
Turnaround facilities
Selected attractions
MARITIME CENTRE VELLAMO
A fascinating piece of architecture
which presents the Finnish and regional maritime history in a real harbour environment.
KOTKA MARETARIUM
Discover the way of life hidden beneath
the water surface of the Baltic Sea. You can meet face
to face with about 60 different species
of fish and other sealife native to Finland.
LANGINKOSKI IMPERIAL FISHING LODGE
How does a real emperor spend his holiday? By the River Kymijoki, at Langinkoski near Kotka, fishing and enjoying the magnificent nature in peace. Naturally! Welcome to sense the imperial atmosphere!
Unique history
Russian Czar Alexander III visited the Kymijoki delta at Langinkoski at the end of the 19th century. He was enchanted by the natural beauty of the place and commenced building a fishing lodge for himself there. The imperial summer holiday location was completed in 1889. It became the favourite destination of the imperial family, a place where they could relax and forget the strict court etiquette and the golden rooms of the Winter Palace in St Petersburg. The Czar would fish and chop wood at Langinkoski while the Czarina would cook. Proper cottage life!
The fishing lodge of Alexander III, Czar of Russia, in the Langinkoski preservation area, is the only building owned by the Czar that has been preserved outside the Russian borders.
A cosy museum
The fishing lodge operates now as a museum. The reception room, kitchen and dressing rooms and studies are located downstairs, with the bedrooms upstairs. Original objects and photographs tell stories of the high-ranking residents of this modest house. The courtyard includes a small chapel, fish hatchery, fishermen’s cottage and a shed for fishing equipment. The buildings are surrounded by several waterways of various sizes, and the nearby area is a nature preservation area.
Langinkoski remains a popular fishing area. The environment also has plenty of trails for leisurely trekking.mAccess to nature conservation area is free of charge.
KOTKA INTERNATIONALLY AWARDED NATIONAL URBAN PARKS
A National Urban Park is a combination of valuable culture and natural landscapes as well as recreation and protected areas, located in an urban environment.
The Kotka island city center has evolved into a fresh
combination of lush areas and glimmering
sea. Sapokka Water Garden, Sibelius Park, Sculpture Promenade, Katariina mSeaside Park, Isopuisto Park, Herb
Garden Redoubt Kotka, Fuksinpuisto Park, Palotorninvuori Park are all situated in the Kotka city center, and in addition, the Varissaari Park on a nearby island. The parks tell you about the story of the city, which developed from being a community living from the sea and the river to a fortress town protecting St. Petersburg and in the years to come, into a diversified harbour town.
HAMINA OLD TOWN CENTRE
Hamina has always been a significant trading, military and port town since centuries back, with an interesting border town history as neighboring with Russia.
Hamina's city center, based on a unique circular town plan, is one of the region's most fascinating sights with its old wooden houses with their rose gardens endorsing the beauty of this small summer town.
Visitors can enjoy a broader view of the City of Hamina and its history from the ramparts of the fortifications surrounding the city center. The outward pointing corners of this star-shaped fortress's outer walls form six bastions named after the six Finnish citadels of the time: Helsinki, Hamina, Savonlinna, Lappeenranta, Hämeenlinna and Turku.
The largest of Hamina's bastions is the central bastion built in 1803–1811. Its 58 casemates (reinforced vaults) were originally designed as bomb-proof storage areas. Hamina's unusual circular town plan was created during1722–1723.are based on Central European and Italian Renaissance fortress concepts from the 16th century. Fortress towns like this are quite rare; other examples are Palmanova in Italy and Neubreisach in France. Built in 1789, the Town Hall is the center point of the circle.
SALPA LINE
Salpa Line: Virolahti Bunker Museum and Salpa Line Museum in Miehikkälä – a treasure trove of military history.
One of the most significant efforts of independent Finland is the Salpa Line, a defence line built to defend the Russian border. The Salpa Line was built in 1940–1941 and 1944, stretching incredible 1,200 kilometres. The construction is the most extensive piece of construction work of independent Finland. The Salpa Line is also one of the strongest and best preserved defence line from the Second World War still in existence in Europe. It offers a chance to touch upon history in an authentic and tangible way. The area also provides good opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation in the beautiful nature of Southeastern Finland. The 43-kilometre Salpa Trek along the Salpa Line takes you through the areas of interest of the Salpa Line as well as the magnificent nature and cultural environment of Southeastern Finland.
KAUNISSAARI - THE BEAUTIFUL ISLAND
An island in a fantastic seascape amidst beautiful nature, absorbing the ambiance of a unique fishing village milieu, Kaunissaari is bound to take your breath away.You can hire a bicycle from the harbour office of the boat harbour to cycle all the way up to the old sector at the northernmost tip of the island, a ride of approximately 3 kilometres. You can also explore the island by foot just as well. The southern tip of Kaunissaari has a fishing village preserved in its original form with old idyllic fisherman's houses, courtyards and narrow alleyways. The harbour bay is lined with red shore houses and boat sheds. The island is covered with pine forests shaped by the winds and, on the northern and eastern sides, long sandy beaches. The highest peak of the island has an ice-age shore bank, also referred to as the Devil's Field. The guest boat harbour has a barbeque cabin where you can have your own barbeque and food. You can also buy food to go from the local island shop. Next to the shop, Coffeeshop Merituuli sells tasty stone-baked pizzas and other delicacies. Restaurant Kaunissaaren Maja offers great food: the island's special salmon soup is very popular. You can also buy smoked fish from the local fishermen.
Exciting extras
ARCHIPELAGO
When we step ashore, you will be transported into the life of an old fishing village. The history of
Kaunissaari begins with permanent settlement in the 16th century. Today,the island has a small summer village.In these surroundings, you will learn how to prepare and enjoy a traditional archipelago dinner. The cooking class is conducted by the owner of the island’s restaurant, where they specialize in making dishes from local ingredients. You can also choose to just relax and enjoy the beautiful island.
CATCH OF THE DAY
Experience fishing at the rapids of Siikakoski. The Kymijoki river is famous for being the best salmon
river in Southern Finland. In the 18th century, Siikakoski used to belong to the Valamo monastery, and the monks made their living by selling fish to the Russian fortress town of Ruotsinsalmi, which the Kotka island is today.
RAFTING
Discover the strength of Mother Nature in a safe and fun way at Kymijoki River! During the rafting trip, you will enjoy the idyllic nature sceneries of gorgeous Kymijoki River, the best rafting river in Southern Finland, and experience the sensation of navigating the swirling rapids. After rafting activities, relax by the campfire and coffee enjoying the views of picturesque rapids.
SWIMMING IN THE WHITE WATER RAPIDS
SWIMMING IN WHITE WATER RAPIDS
An unique experience to try is swimming in white water rapids. A memorable experience in the Kymijoki River in a beautiful landscape.
TAKE A HIKE ON THE SUOMEN SALPA DEFENSE LINE
The Salpa Trail offers an excellent natural setting for outdoor exercise and refreshment. Suomen Salpa is a bunker line on the eastern border of Finland. It was built during the Interim Peace between the Winter War and the Continuation War to defend Finland as a 1200 km bar against a possible Soviet invasion.
COUNTRY EXPERIENCE ON HORSEBACK
Enjoy your stay in the beautiful countryside scenery on a Finnhorse at Harju Manor and experience the beauty and silence of the nature.
Events
14 Jan
2020
31 Dec
2023
Place:
Category:
PLEASE FIND BELOW THE EVENTS SCHEDULED. DUE TO THE PANDEMIC RESTRICTIONS, ACCURATE DATES WILL FOLLOW AS SOON AS RECEIVED FROM EVENT PLANNER.
EVENTS 2021 KOTKA-HAMINA REGION
May 2021 Arktika Days, Virolahti, www.arktikavirolahti.fi
May Kotka Fish Market, Sapokka harbour, Kotka
9‒13 Jun Kymijoen Lohisoitto Music Festival, Kotka, Pyhtää, www.lohisoitto.fi
Jul 2021 Kaakko Chamber Music Festival, Virolahti, www.kaakkofestival.fi/en-ru
28-31 Jul Kotka Maritime Festival, www.meripaivat.com
30 Jul-1 Aug Children's Maritime Festival, Kotka
29-30. Jul The Swan Lake, St Petersburg Ballet Theatre, Hamina Bastion
2-7 Aug Hamina Tattoo Military Music Festival, Hamina, www.haminatattoo.fi
Aug 2021 Traditional Harvest Market, Hamina
Aug Archipelago Market in Pyhtää
28 Aug Ancient Fires' Night, Kotka and Pyhtää
Oct Kotka Fish Market, Sapokka harbour, Kotka
6-7 Nov Kymi Grand Market, Kotka
THE FINNISH MARITIME FESTIVAL
2021 28.-31.7.2021
2022 28.7.-31.7.2022
2023 27.7.-30.7.2023
THE HAMINA MILITARY MUSIC FESTIVAL – TATTOO
2021 2.-7.8.2021
2022 11.-16.7.2022
14 Oct
2020
31 Dec
2022
EVENT CALENDAR IN REAL TIME
Place:
Category: Other
Please check the event calendar at https://kymenlaaksonyt.fi/en/frontpage?type=grid&location=3#results - it is always in real time. The event season is high during the months of June-August.
Varied Shore Excurions
A PHOTO TOUR TO THE INTERNATIONALLY AWARDED PARKS OF KOTKA
Store the lushness and blooming on your memory card! Our photographer guide will take you on a tour through the blooming parks of Kotka. In springtime you can capture the overwhelming colorfulness of the blossoming azaleas of the Fuksinniitty park, and the amazing rhododendrons and the beautiful tulips of the internationally recognized Sapokka Water Garden. In summertime you get to capture the lushness of Sapokka Water Garden, in addition to its ponds, arched bridges and mesmerizing roses and shrubs. You photograph the outstanding shapes of the rocks, the diversity of water plants, and the bubbly waterfall - both under or above the waterfall!
THE SECRET GARDENS OF FORTRESS TOWN HAMINA
Behind the gates of the old wooden city houses, you are going get to dive into the fascinating past of the fortress town Hamina (est. 1723) with all its amazing historic characters. The owners of the houses and gardens welcome you, offering a progressive lunch and refreshment tour. Dive into the old-world city-life, and take a short walk around to get to know the unique circular town of and its remains of the famous star-shaped fortress.
YOGA BY THE SEA
Let the wind touch you. Let the sea give you a scent. Hear the vibrant seabirds speaking. Give your mind and body time to relax. Listen to the sound of silence. Breathe free and dive into your inner journey and experience soothing yoga by the sea, in the magical surroundings on the beach by the seaside park of fortress Katarina. Add these peaceful moments as an unforgettable dimension to your experience.
KOTKA TOUR ON LAND AND SEA
Kotka and its main attractions, including a walk at the Sapokka Water Garden. Boat tour from Sapokka Marina, finishing with a local fishermen’s buffet. At the Fort Elisabeth island before getting back to port.
IMPERIAL KOTKA
The Csars of Russia occasionally liked to travel to Finland. During the trip, we will visit the Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge built for Czsar Alexander III by boat and hear about the interesting joint history with Russia. On the way back the coack takes us to the Orthodox Church of St Nicholas which was the only building left in Kotka after the Crimean War undertakings that also affecting this island town.
FORT SLAVA ISLAND TOUR
Fortress island of Fort Slava listening to a concert whilst having a local tasting picnic within the remains of the fort. The tall ship Vivan takes you from the Kotka island on a 30 minute sailing trip to the island where you get a touch of the history of the region in an authentich athmoshere.
ROUTED BIKING
Wonderful, relaxed biking tours in the surroundings of the region. Meanwhile biking
take a swim in the sea, have a picnic in one of the internationally awarded island parks or just enjoy the scenery.
KOTKA ARCHIPELAGO BY TALL SHIP
Experience the beauty and the history from the Vikings to today, of the inner archipelago for 3 hours by sailing on board an old-fashioned tall ship, previously used to transport cargo abound the Baltic Sea, now fitted out to provide a comfortable voyage for its guests.
FINNISH SAUNA EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a thoroughly authentic Finnish experience by visiting a traditional smoke sauna at the seaside. This sauna is built inside a cave and is heated up with local wood, which
provides soft, clean steam and a pleasant aroma.
Culinary Experience
CRUISE & MEAL BY THE CAMPFIRE
Feel the power of the free flowing river, enjoy the non-exploited Finnish countryside and have a try of traditional Finnish tastes! On a cruise on the river Kymi, you will get a glimpse of the scenic wonders the river has to offer. Enjoy a delicious campfire picnic of local tastes beside the free flowing rapids of the beautiful river.
TRADITIONAL PASTRY EXPERIENCE
When in Finland, one cannot leave without drinking coffee, but when in Kotka, one cannot leave without eating Posso! A “posso” is a traditional pastry from Kotka, which is filled with apple jam, rolled in sugar and served warm. Enjoy your “posso” on a warm, sunny day on the market square while sipping your coffee - but beware of the sneaky seagulls!
FISHERMEN'S PORT IDYLLIC LUNCHTIME
Enjoy your salmon soup warm and fresh in its place of origin. The Kalamaja coffee and restaurant is located by the sea, next to a fish shop - guarantee of fresh soup! In all its roughness, beautiful Kuusinen area in the tip of the island of Kotka is a glimpse from the towns history as a fishermen’s town.
Port Developments
Contacts
Port of HaminaKotka Ltd
Petra Cranston
Project Manager, Cruise Business
Port of HaminaKotka Ltd
Marjukka Kettunen
Marketing Assistant