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Welcome to Kotka
Quietly Wonderful Kotka awaits
WELCOME TO THE COAST OF GOOD WINDS - It's all about the location!
PORT OF HAMINAKOTKA - THE PORT OF OPPORTUNITIES
is located on the northeastern coast of the Finnish Gulf. Right where the rapids of River Kymijoki, the biggest river in Southern Finland, rushes to meet the sea. The wonderful nature and lush award winning parks, dazzling history of the border region, deep seafaring roots, cultural events, historic sights and thousands of friendly people welcome travelers for a memorable visit. Located under 50 NM from Helsinki and 100 NM from Tallinn.
The berthing places for cruise ships, when arriving to Port of HaminaKotka, are in the City Center of the Kotka island (walkable 600 m from market square), and Hamina or Mussalo port areas.
The port of the picturesque cozy city by the sea 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, fresh air and clean water - from pushing one’s limits to finding a peace of mind. The getaway destination to experience a mini Finland.
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What you need to know
QUICK FACTS
Port area in numbers:
•1200 ha of land areas
•1600 ha of sea areas
•9 km of quays
•70 berths
•90 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 Centre 700 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
Intra port transport available from Mussalo and Hamina ISPS areas to nearest city centre. 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
PORT
Serves all types of cargo: Passenger traffic, Containers, RoRo, Liquid bulk, Dry bulk, LoLo, Gas, Project shipments.
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Finland, Kotka
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Destination pictures
Cruise guests in Sapokka Water Garden
Finland, Kotka
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Destination pictures
Cruise guests at the Kotka market square
Important Port Matters
PORT OF HAMINAKOTKA PORT AREA IN NUMBERS: •1200 ha of land areas •1600 ha of sea areas •9 km of quays •70 berths •90 km of railways MAX. SHIP DIMENSIONS FOR BERTH KOTKA KANTASATAMA PIER 1 (I1-I2) Pier length: 270 m (max 220 m), Width: 40 m, Draught: 9 m, Air Draught: Unlimited HAMINA EU1-EU4 Length: 609 m, Safe clearance depth: 11,2-13,2 m, Width: 40 m, Air draught: Unlimited MUSSALO B Length: 856 m, Width: 40 m, Safe clearance depth: 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,Shuttle service: Intra port transport (Hamina&Mussalo) when agreed, Ships' tenders allowed: Yes, Pilot compulsory: Yes,Tugs: Available, In Kotka Kantasatama strongly suggested upon arrival.
Covid-19 Information
There are currently no COVID-19 restrictions in any of the 31 Cruise Baltic destinations.
If the situation changes, this section will be updated with the necessary information regarding each port and destination.
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
Port
Destination collaboration/shore excursions
Transport
Turnaround facilities
Destination Highlights
Kotka is a city on an island situated in the northeastern Finnish Gulf by the mouth of Kymijoki River. The city center is combined to the mainland with bridges. The attractions have an easy access by boat, coach, bike or just by walking. Experience the authentic and cozy small coastal city through nature, history, culture, several activities and of course the locals!
MARITIME MUSEUM OF FINLAND VELLAMO AND THE KYMENLAAKSO PROVINCE MUSEUM
A fascinating piece of architecture which presents the Finnish and regional maritime and industrial history in a real harbour environment.
KOTKA MARETARIUM - FANTASTIC AQUARIUM HOUSE FOR FINNISH SEALIFE
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 sea life 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 - THE PARK TRAIL
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.
SUOMEN SALPA DEFENSE LINE
The Salpa Trail offers an excellent natutal setting for outdoor excercise 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.
It is one of the most significant efforts of independent Finlan, 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.
HAUKKAVUORI SIGHTSEEING TOWER
Haukkavuori Lookout Tower is located in the highest point of Kotka island, and the tower rises 72 meters above sea level. It is shown as a landmark of Kotka on arrival, whether you come by car or boat. From the deck of the tower offers a stunning views over Kotka city and the Eastern Gulf of Finland archipelago. There are changing exhibitions at the gallery of the Haukkavuori Lookout Tower.
ST. NICHOLAS ORTHODOX CHURCH
Towering above Isopuisto Park on Kotka island, the 1801 St Nicholas Orthodox Church is Kotka’s only building to survive the bombings of the Crimean War in 1855. It's believed to be the work of architect Yakov Perrini, who designed the St Petersburg Admiralty. The church dates back to the time of the active years of the sea fortress of Ruotsinsalmi, when the Russians built the Ruotsinsalmi–Kyminlinna double fortress in the Kymi parish and a fortress town was created on Kotkansaari. The church is the oldest building in present-day Kotka, and it is a notable representative of Russian neoclassicism in Finland.
The church was consecrated in honor of St. Nicholas the Miracle Worker, the Archbishop of Myra. St. Nicholas is one of the most respected saints of the Orthodox Church, he is the patron saint of travelers, sailors and fishermen, among others, and also the patron of the Russian Empire and many other countries and cities.
MUSEUM ICEBREAKER TARMO
Tarmo is a Finnish steam-powered icebreaker preserved in the Maritime Museum of Finland in Kotka. Built in 1907 by Sir W.G. Armstrong, Whitworth & Co Ltd in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, she was the third state-owned icebreaker of Finland and the last Finnish steam-powered icebreaker to remain in service. When Tarmo was decommissioned in 1970, a decision was made to preserve the vessel as a museum ship. After a long wait in Helsinki, Tarmo was towed to Kotka and completely restored in the early 1990s. Tarmo is anchored by the Finnish Maritime Museum Vellamo on the Kotka island.
During the First World War, Tarmo served in the Baltic Fleet of the Imperial Russian Navy, assisting naval ships and troop transportations. When Finland became independent in 1917 and civil war broke out in January 1918, the vessel was still under Russian command in Helsinki. At the order of the Chairman of the Senate, P. E. Svinhufvud, Tarmo was captured by Finnish independence activists.
During the Winter War, the icebreakers were armed and assigned to the Finnish Defence Forces. In January 1940, Tarmo was bombarded at the port of Kotka, resulting in the deaths of 39 men and leaving 13 injured. The vessel’s bow was badly damaged in the incident, with some of the interiors destroyed by fire. During the Continuation War, Tarmo took part in Operation Nordwind, a distraction manoeuvre carried out south of the island of Utö.
Tarmo remained in use until 1970.
ISLAND OF FORT ELISABETH - VARISSAARI
Fort Elisabeth, or also called the Varissaari island, outside Kotka, is an approximately ten-minute journey from the continent by sea. You can take a boat that runs regularly from the Sapokka Marina that takes you the island.
In the 18th century, there was a defensive fortress on the island that was built in 1790-1796 originally on two islands. Together with Fort Slava in Kukouri, it protected the shipping lanes leading to the fortress town Svensksund (predecessor of Kotka) from the west and the south. The Elisabeth fortress on Varissaari was named after Russian Empress Elisabeth Petrovna, and served as part of the Svensksund naval fortress. The fortress was discontinued in the early 19th century, and later during the same century, its buildings and walls were destroyed in the Crimean War. Over the past years, the walls have been repaired, however, and the island has been a popular site for outdoor activities for the people of Kotka since the late 19th century. The ship parts and cannons salvaged from the wreck of the frigate St. Nikolai that was sunk in the naval battles of Svensksund (1789-1790) still stand on the island as a reminder of its warlike past.
Varissaari combines the calm of nature, breathtaking scenery and the service providers of various maritime activities that crowns a summer day spent in Kotka.
Food and drinks are provided by the cozy summer restaurant Vaakku.
FINNISH MARSHLAND EXPERIENCE
Finland has some of the most celebrated natural wilderness in the world, much of it unchanged since ancient times. A short visit to one of Finland’s 40 national parks is worth it for the unforgettable scenery. Experience Finnish marshland nature and explore the Valkmusa National Park with a guide.
What you will see
• Finnish rural landscape
• The Valkmusa marshland with its inhabitants and flora
What you will do
The 1 hour walking tour in the park, offers you a mind healing moment in the authentic nature with its well being items. Versatile nature in the marshlands of the park takes you to the silence, peace and freshness of nature, relaxation and maybe even tastes of Finnish healthy berries.
Valkmusa’s extensive natural open bogs give visitors a chance to wind down and see, hear and smell, and even taste nature all around. You can look out for wetland birds and fluttering marshland butterflies, especially in spring and summer. Maybe also find some berries growing around the moss to eat, depending on your time of visit. The nature around you hugs you independent of the season. You will hike along the 2,5 km marked circular trail with duckboards across the Valkmusa mires. On the way you can climb the nature tower to observe the wide-open mire landscape and do some bird watching at the same time. During the visit you will also have time for a relaxing refreshment and snack in the middle of the nature.
ULKO-TAMMIO ISLAND
Anchor by or visit by local transport the unique Ulko-Tammio non-populated island in the Gulf of Finland National Park. The special archipelago nature combined by a fantastic history sets up a unique experience not to be easily found anywhere else. Catering can be arranged.
KYMIJOKI RIVER
Experience the nature by rafting in white rapids or doing a river cruise in calm waters - listening to the silence. Combine the experience tasting local cuisine made on open fire made from local produce. Or just enjoy campfire coffee and local cinnamon buns or a salmon sandwich. An experience loved by all!
KAUNISSAARI ISLAND
A mini-cruise through the archipelago takes you to the picturesque fishing village on the island of Kaunissaari. After having a nice walk on public footpaths, viewing the locals' summer cottages and meeting the locals you are invited to the inspiring summer restaurant tasting local produce. Your archipelago adventure continues taking you back to the ship on a stunning panoramic inner archipelago route. Just loved by all that has experienced this venue.
KYMI CHURCH
The beautiful Kymi Church is the second-oldest building in Kotka that still is in use. It was completed in 1850 and consecrated in Midsummer 1851. The church was built according to a type drawing created by C.L. Engel. Made of wood and stone, the church is a pure example of neoclassical Empire style, with the colors planned by Engel.
The church hall has plenty of interesting details. For example, the chandeliers from 1790 and 1814 are made of Bohemian crystal. The altarpiece, Jesus in Gethsemane, was painted by Professor Berndt Godenhjelm in 1865. The large candlesticks made of glass are a gift from employees of the Karhula Glass Factory in 1901.
The oldest tombstones in the old part of Kymi cemetery are from the early 19th century. Beautiful tombstones in Finnish, Swedish, German and Russian provide a glimpse of the families that shaped the local history of Kymi.
The church is situated just by the E18 and is easy to access timewise.
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.
Excursions – on and off the beaten path
Some slices below of the most tasty SHORE-EX - there is more on the menu!
SHORE-EXCURSIONS
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 Tsars 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 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. Or enjoy your sauna by the riverside at the Kymijoki River and cool yourself by doing a quick swimming experience in the rapids.
KOTKA BY LAND AND SEA
Your day will consist of three different parts – a tour around Kotka, originally built as a fortress to protect St. Petersburg, a bus trip filled with history, a bit of culture, as well as a boat trip around Kotkansaari Island. The tour starts with a trip that will take you around the main island of Kotka, where the city centre is located. You will experience the internationally awarded parks from park to park of the town, known as the green living rooms, the sculpture promenade – the outdoor gallery in the heart of Kotka. Then continue to the Isopuisto Park including the Church of St. Nicholas and hear about the development of Kotka from the Viking Age to the days of today. The tour will continue to the Sapokka Marina from where you will be taken on a boat tour around the Kotkansaari island through one of the most interesting historical sceneries in Finland.
KOTKA MARITIME CENTRE VELLAMO, SAPOKKA GARDENS AND LANGINKOSKI
An excursion dedicated entirely to the city of Kotka to discover its history, main monuments and ancient traditions connected to maritime culture and navigation in often prohibitive conditions.You will see the Sapokka Gardens, the Finnish Maritime Museum Vellamo and Museum of Kymenlaakso and the Imperial Fishing Lodge Langinkoski.
When leaving the port behind you, you will go on a sightseeing tour of Kotka, a picturesque boutique city with a long-standing maritime tradition. The first stop is a true temple of modern architecture - the Vellamo Maritime Centre, a multifunctional centre along the old quay. The facility is home to two museums. The next stop will be the Sapokka gardens. Apart from a small-boat harbour, Sapokka is also an old sea bay refurbished into a charming park area. The dominant element of the park is water: there is the sea of course, but water also flows in small brooks and ponds and in a waterfall on the south bank of the park. Then you will drive through the Kotka island and have a panoramic view of the many internationally awarded and diversified parks in the city centre when driving to the Imperial Fishing Lodge with its nature resort in Langinkoski by the Kymi River, and you arrive at the lodge a cottage built for Tsar Alexander III from Russia.
KOTKA AND THE IMPERIAL FISHING LODGE AT KYMIJOKI RIVER LANGINKOSKI
You start with a short walk to a motorboat, which takes you on a trip to discover the fascinating history of Finland: it was once part of Sweden, and later became the Grand Duchy of Russia, an autonomous state within the Russian Empire. On board, enjoy the searide as your guide tells you about the era of the Vikings and Hanseatic times, and of the strong links that exist between Finland and both Russia and Western Europe. Heading upstream on the River Kymi, you reach the Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge, originally the summer home of Tsar Alexander III, where you disembark for an imperial welcome and meet the daily life of the family that escaped the hectic life in St Petersburg for the peace and quiet of the River Kymijoki.
KOTKA/HAMINA AND THEIR ARCHIPELAGO BY TALL SHIP
Kotka and Hamina are undeniably maritime cities with a wide maritime history and culture. On this tour you can go back in time to the great days of sail. You will be taken to the tall ship, where you step on board a century-old cargo vessel that used to sail around the Baltics bringing goods and merchandise to Finland. Today this ship has been beautifully restored and converted to carry passengers during the summer months. Once on board, you can assist the crew with the sails, or simply enjoy the views of the beautiful archipelago outside Kotka/Hamina.
ARCHIPELAGO ADVENTURE
A short transfer takes you from your ship to the small boat harbour where your skipper is already waiting for you. Step on board your speed boat and enjoy a fast ride out to sea. Your adventure begins with a mini-cruise through the beautiful Finnish archipelago, during which you can also view Kotka/Hamina from a new perspective. Your boat takes you up close to the Russian Border, to view the island of Gogland belonging to Russia, where your skipper will arrange a photo-stop. Afterwards you continue to the Kaunissaari island, a small fishing village, where you can explore the network of public footpaths, view the local inhabitants’ summer cottages and enjoy the sparkling athmosphere of the island’s summer restaurant. Your return journey to Kotka will hug the coast, where you can see numerous private houses in addition to public open spaces.
AUTHENTIC ARCHIPELAGO OF KOTKA – HOPPING ON THREE ISLANDS
You will onboard an idyllic boat enjoy a pleasant cruise in the authentic Finnish archipelago, listening to the silence of the sea and experiencing the rough beauty and diversity of the islands.
At first you will be taken to the island of Fort Slava, which used to be a fortress over 200 years ago, built to protect the seaways to St. Petersburg. During this time Finland was a territory of Russia, and the location was optimal at the time. The tour continues to the historic islands of Rankki and Varissaari. You will dive into the stories and characters of the biggest naval battle in the Baltic Sea, which took place at the open sea in front of you. Russia and Sweden fought at this location twice, in 1789 and 1790. After this catastrophic battle, Katherine the Great decided to build a fortress town close to St. Petersburg, Svensksund, the predecessor of the city of Kotka. The island is exhaled with history.
EXPERIENCE THE FORTRESS TOWN HAMINA
You begin your tour with a boat trip bringing you to one of the most history-filled towns in Finland. Your boat will take you from Kotka to the fortress town Hamina (est. 1653) by the Russian border. The strategic location has always played an important role for the history of Hamina. Vehkalahti county, of which Hamina was a part of, was first mentioned in documents in 1336. The main sights of the town are, amongst others, the town hall, the town museum, the reserve officer school, and the Hamina fortress. Behind the gates of the old wooden city houses, you are going get to dive into the fascinating past of the fortress town Hamina with all its historically fascinating characters. The owners of the houses and gardens welcome you in their gardens. Experience the old-world city-life and take a short walk around to get to know the unique circular town of and its famous star-shaped fortress.
FINNISH MARSHLAND EXPERIENCE
Experience Finnish marshland nature and explore the Valkmusa National Park. The three hours walking tour, offers you a mind healing moment in the authentic nature with its wellbeing items. Versatile nature in the marshlands of the park takes you to the silence, peace and freshness of nature, relaxation and maybe even tastes of Finnish healthy berries.
Valkmusa’s extensive natural open bogs give visitors a chance to wind down and see, hear and smell, and even taste nature all around. You can look out for wetland birds and fluttering marshland butterflies, especially in spring and summer. Maybe also find some berries growing around the moss to eat, depending on your time of visit. The nature around you hugs you independent of the season.
FISHING EXPERIENCE BY THE KYMI RIVER
A coach will bring you to the Kymi River which is the largest river in southern Finland, being one of the best salmon-fishing rivers in the country. The river, which back in history marked the border between Sweden and Russia, offers also a haven for calm and relaxation.
The Siikakoski fishing area is upstream from the mouth of Kymi River. It includes countless excellent fishing spots for those in search of salmon, rainbow trout or sea trout. Siikakoski is the most popular location in the area, thanks to its accessibility and the relative ease of catching fish there
PARK CAPITAL BIKE RIDE OR WALK ABOUT
Join the route of 5 km on and around the Kotka island and experience the lushness of the National Urban Park neckless. Dive into the beautiful, rich and abundant flower gardens, historic and cultural athmospere from park to park. You can pop into the parks you like, or travel the entire route on foot or by bike. The tour includes Sapokka Water Garden, Katariina Seaside Park, Sculpture Promenade, Haukkavuori Lookout Tower, Palotorninvuori Park, Mansikkalahti, Sibelius Park, and Redutti-Kotka herb garden. All the parks have an own significant authenticity and history.
RIVER CRUISING OR RIVER RAFTING EXPERIENCE
Experience the power of the fast-flowing and unspoilt River Kymi and savour traditional Finnish food on this exciting tour. As you travel down the river, you will experience at close hand some of the miracles that the wild River Kymi has to offer. The free-flowing stream, peaceful inlets, trees hanging over the river, fishermen waiting for their catches, idyllic fields and the vibrant sounds of nature: all of these will remain on your mind for a long time. Before your journey, enjoy a delicious lunch by the riverside. You will get to taste traditional salmon flambé and traditional Finnish coffee prepared right over a campfire. This is a ‘back to nature’ experience that you absolutely have to try.
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.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch
Port of HaminaKotka Ltd
Petra Cranston
Project Manager, Cruise Business
Port of HaminaKotka Ltd
Marjukka Kettunen
Marketing Assistant