Kotka

Kotka Essentials

Kotka serves as a hub for Finnish maritime history and horticulture. The city is defined by the wave-shaped Maritime Centre Vellamo, which houses the National Maritime Museum and the historic icebreaker Tarmo. Visitors can explore the 18th-century ruins of Fort Elisabeth and the star-shaped Kyminlinna fortress. The urban landscape is characterized by award-winning green spaces like Sapokka Water Garden and the Maretarium, which showcases native Finnish fish species. Neogothic and Empire-style churches reflect the region's long architectural heritage.

Sapokka Water Garden

Award-winning park known for its 20-meter waterfall and extensive use of stone and water. It features a diverse collection of plants, including a notable azalea garden.

Merikeskus Vellamo

A maritime center housed in a wave-shaped architectural landmark. It contains the Maritime Museum of Finland and the Museum of Kymenlaakso, focusing on seafaring and regional history.

Maretarium

An aquarium dedicated to native Finnish fish species. It houses over 50 species in tanks designed to replicate their natural habitats, including a deep Baltic Sea tank.

Kyminlinna

Kyminlinna is a fortress located in the northern part of island of Hovinsaari in Kotka, on the south coast of Finland.

Tarmo

Tarmo is a Finnish steam-powered icebreaker preserved in the Maritime Museum of Finland in Kotka. Built in 1907 by Sir W.G.

Kymin kirkko

An Empire-style stone church completed in 1850. Designed by P.W. Lohrmann, it is located in the Helilä district and serves as the central church for the Kymi parish.

Wredebyn kartano

A historic manor house along the Kymijoki river, owned by the Wrede family since the 18th century. The estate includes a private airfield and traditional residential architecture.

Majakat

Lighthouse-themed sculptures and maritime navigational markers situated along the waterfront near the Sapokka area.

Fort Elisabeth

Ruins of an 18th-century Russian sea fortress on Varissaari island. It formed part of the defense system protecting the eastern border and St. Petersburg.

Kotkan kirkko

A Neogothic red-brick church built in 1898. Designed by Josef Stenbäck, the building features a 54-meter spire, intricate wood carvings, and decorative stained glass.