# Kotka

Kotka is the southeasternmost major city in Finland, an important port at the mouth of the Kymi river (Kymenjoki). It is part of the Kymenlaakso region. The port town heritage and associated folklore is central for its identity. The Maritime Museum of Finland is located here.

## Understand

The municipality has a population of around 52,000 (2020) and much of its area is made up of water. The name comes from the island Kotkansaari ("eagle island"), where the town was built and were most of its centre still lies. The former parish village Karhula, now a kind of a second centre with a number of shopping malls, is a few kilometres to the north, crossed by the E18 motorway.

### History

In medieval times, the rich fishing around the river mouth attracted people from elsewhere to settle here: mainly Tavastians, but also Savonians, Karelians and even Swedish, when the Vyborg (Viipuri/Viborg) castle had been built in 1293 and thereby Swedish rule had been established.
The Russian border moved west to the Kymi river in 1743, and after the Svensksund battle 1790 Russia built a fortress on the islands. The fortress sustained a mostly Russian population of some 8,000 – a major town at the time. When all Finland became a Russian grand duchy the fortress lost its importance; most of the fortress was destroyed in 1855, during the Crimean War, by a French-Brittish navy.
In the 1870s a strong sawmill industry developed, thanks to log driving along the Kymi river. One of the sawmills had a Norwegian owner and many Norwegians in the workforce. 1879 Kotka became a chartered town. The streets were laid out according to those of the former fortress town. 1890 Kotka got railway and its role as the main city of the area was cemented.
In 1907, the Second All-Russian Conference of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party was held in the city.
Historically the city had a substantial Swedish-speaking population, which declined during the 20th century, and today approximately 96% of the municipality's inhabitants are native Finnish speakers, only 1% native Swedish speakers (but there is still a Swedish school). The city's long history of industrialization is evident; paper and pulp mills have remained an important part of the regional economy.

## Get in
### By train

Acceptably quick local trains connect Kotka to Kouvola and Lahti where you can change trains to get to Helsinki and elsewhere.
* 60.46496126.9274391 Kotka railway station (Kotkan rautatieasema), Kotkantie 1. (updated May 2020)
* 60.46890326.9408682 $^{[deadlink]}$ Kotka harbor railway station (Kotkan sataman rautatieasema), Satamakatu 9. (updated May 2020)

### By car

Route E18 connects Kotka to Helsinki, Hamina and Saint Petersburg. Also highway 15 connects Kotka to Kouvola.

### By bus

There are frequent coach connections to Helsinki and other cities including Saint Petersburg in Russia. See Matkahuolto and Onnibus for the domestic services. Some bus routes, especially those which come from Lappeenranta and Russia and go towards Helsinki stop only at Karhula which is about 9 km away from Kotka center, local transport is available to travel between Karhula and Kotka center.
Coming via Tallinn or Stockholm, there may be a coach connection with arranged transfer from the port, mostly via Kamppi.
Services from Saint Petersburg are operated by Lux Express and Transgold.

## Get around

The centre of the city, the island Kotkansaari, is small enough to get around by feet. However if you need to go to other parts of the city, bus, taxi or a hire car may be more convenient.

### By bus

Check bus schedules from kotkanaikataulut.fi. You can use the route planner$^{[deadlink]}$ to seek local bus routes between given locations and addresses. Waltti mobile app can be used for ticket purchase. Matkahuolto Routes and Tickets app is able to first plan the route and after it sell the right ticket for it.
Asiointitaksi is a service open to everyone that complements public transport. The customer only pays the price of the bus ticket and the taxi route enables weekly transport, for example to the market. The trip is ordered from the driver no later than the previous day and can be picked up from any route where it is safe to stop the car. The car can also make a small deviation from the route and pick up the customer closer to home.

### By bike

There is a bike sharing system using bluetooth and the Donkey Republic about €1.50/1 hr, €4/5 hr, €12/24 hr. For longer stays becoming a member is cheaper: €9 or €18/month covers all trips of less than 1 hr respectively 12 hr, also in other towns using Donkey Republic – but you need to register as member in the country of your card (available: most countries in western Europe and USA). Customer service info@kaakau.fi, ☏ +358 44 716 0644 daily 09:00–21:00. Several towns in south-east Finland use the same system, which is in use also elsewhere in Finland and abroad.

### By taxi

You can call a taxi from number ☏ 100 41 (in country only).
* Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi, Menevä, Taksini

## See

* 60.461226.95071 Maretarium Aquarium, Sapokankatu 2. An aquarium displaying almost all Finnish fish species.
* 60.457926.94562 Sapokka Park (Sapokan vesipuisto). Ponds, trees, flowers, a waterfall, a rock exhibition.
* 60.489226.88563 Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge and Nature Reserve (Langinkosken keisarillinen kalastusmaja), Keisarinmajantie 118 (Langinkoski is 7 km from the city centre), ☏ +358 29-533-6991, langinkoski@kansallismuseo.fi. Daily 10:00–16:00. This old fishing lodge was made of timber in 1889 for Russian Emperor and Grand Duke of Finland Alexander III. It is situated between the branches of the Kymi river, in beautiful surroundings with rapids, trees and small rivers. The area of the nature reserve is 28 hectares (60 acres). There is also a small Orthodox Chapel here. The museum is closed for the 2025 season, due to budget cuts. The entrance to the nature reserve is free and the entrance to the Fishing Lodge about €4 (children €2). (updated May 2023)
* 60.472626.94514 Maritime Centre Vellamo (Merikeskus Vellamo), Tornatorintie 99, ☏ +358 40-350-0497, info@merikeskusvellamo.fi. Summer (school vacations) M Tu Th–Su 10:00–18:00 W 10:00–20:00; winter Tu Th–Su 10:00–17:00 W 10:00–20:00 M closed, ships closed. The Maritime Museum of Finland, Kymenlaakso museum and Coast Guard Museum are located in this architectural masterpiece in the old port of Kotka. In addition to the exhibition, work, teaching and seminar facilities of the Maritime Museum of Finland, Kymenlaakso museum Coast Guard Museum, the building will house a 200-seat auditorium, museum shop, restaurant and an extensive library with emphasis on maritime topics. Ships on display includes the icebreaker Tarmo (built 1907) and Finland's last lightship Kemi (built 1901 and restored to its last lightship years in the 1960s and 1970s). €15/10, children under 18 years free; W 17:00– free; museum card valid; separate ticket for the ships €10, children free. (updated Feb 2024)
* 60.46526.93735 Orthodox Church of St Nicholas. The present Church of St Nicholas was built between 1799 and 1801 in accordance with drawings by Jakov Perrin, architect of the St Petersburg Admiralty. The columns at the three entrances together with the belfry and dome of this church representing Neoclassicism form an impressive façade. The icons and several objects inside the church are very beautiful. One of the most extraordinary icons depicts St Nicholas in Kotkansaari, with a view of the area of the Ruotsinsalmi naval battle behind him. Outside the church, there is a statue of Maria Purpur, who is reputed to have prevented the destruction of the church during the Crimean War. The church is the oldest building in today’s Kotka.
* 60.459726.92966 Haukkavuori observation tower (Haukkavuoren näkötorni), Keskuskatu 51. mid-June to mid-August:Tu-Sa 12-18. A former water tower converted to an observation tower where you can see all of Kotka and its surroundings, and if the weather is clear, all the way to Suursaari island. free.
* 60.4474426.938637 Katariinan meripuisto. A park in district of Katariina. The park of more than 20 hectares is on the island of Kotkansaari in the centre of Kotka. In the park are the ruins of Fort Katarina of the Maritime Fortress of Ruotsinsalmi. (updated Jul 2020)
* 60.46040226.9259848 Yrttipuutarha Redutti, Haukkavuorenkatu. An herb garden established in 2002 in the restored, small fortress structure of Ruotsinsalmi, where you can get to know about a hundred different herbs and medicinal plants. (updated Nov 2022)

## Do

* 60.4603426.950441 Cruises to Kaunissaari and other islands. Kaunissaari (literally Beautiful Island) Island is a traditional, small but still lively fisherman village. Boats from Sapokka Harbour (in front of Maretarium Aquarium) about 2–3 times a day in the summer. Tickets are sold on boats. On the island you find a very small museum, a restaurant (good fish dishes) and accommodation. Remember to taste extremely delicious salmon pastries which are sold at a kiosk near the museum. There are also cruises to the islands of Tammio (only one permanent inhabitant!), Ulkotammio and Haapasaari (10 inhabitants, 25 km from Kotka). Ferry schedules are available at the Finferries website.
* 60.28472227.2738892 Gulf of Finland National Park. Hundreds of islands and islets in the Baltic Sea outer archipelago in front of Kotka and Hamina, some of which can be reached by the above mentioned cruises. See also Boating in Finland.
* 60.557326.76643 Valkmusa National Park (buses from Kotka to Vastila and Hirvikoski have a stop 200 m from the park, with car there are several options). Extensive open bogs. Bird site. Butterflies, cranberries. Bird watching tower, day hut, campfire site.
* 60.45666226.9389924 Uimala Katariina, Puistotie 9-11. A public swimming hall with lido.
* 60.45138726.9474635 Mansikkalahti. A beach located in the Katariina district, which is divided into two parts: a stone-bottomed main beach and a smaller children's beach next to it.
* Football: KTP (Kotkan Työväen Palloilijat) were promoted in 2024, so they now play soccer in Veikkausliiga the top tier. Their home ground Arto Tolsa Areena (capacity 4800) is 1 km south of town centre. The playing season is April-Oct.

### Festivals

* Kotkan Meripäivät: . The free-of-charge city festival ("Kotka sea days") in late July is the biggest happening in Kotka. It may be difficult to get a guest marina quay during this week-end. (date needs fixing)
* Dark River Festival: . The Dark River Festival is a metal and hard rock festival in Kotka and Honkala in mid-August. (date needs fixing)

## Buy

* 60.466626.94441 Pasaati shopping centre, Keskuskatu 10. A large mall in the centre of Kotka. It has shops for every taste and is particularly full of Russian shopping tourists.
* 60.505926.91592 Jumalniemi, Jumalniementie 7-10. Jumalniemi shopping area can be found next to the E18 freeway. You can find many different shopping malls in the area.

## Eat

There is a list of lunch offers for each day.

### Budget

Cheap places to eat include:
* 60.4625326.936361 Erkan Kebab, Keskuskatu 35. Standard-issue Finnish-style kebab.
* 60.4647726.941852 Hot dog stand, at the corner of Keskuskatu and Kaivokatu. As traditional Finnish night food as it gets. Try Lihapiirakka kahdella nakilla (small meat pie with two frankfurters).
* 60.4638526.93963 Efes Pizzeria, Keskuskatu 29. Kotka's staple pizzeria/kebab house. Budget, no frills. Go for Kebab ranskalaisilla for gyros meat and fries.
* 60.45980926.9633544 Kuusisen Kalamaja, Juha Vainion katu 95, ☏ +358 500-559625, kapa.lampinen@gmail.com. Summer: 9:00-18:00; Winter: 9:00-16:00. A café restaurant, where, among other things, salmon soup and salmon bread are offered. Possibility to rent for private events.
* 60.52691626.9670415 Otsolan Pizzeria, Hiidenkirnuntie 53 (in Karhula), ☏ +358 5 268 8866. Daily 12:00-22:000.

### Mid-range

* 60.469226.94276 Ravintola Kairo, Satamakatu 7, ☏ +358 5 212787, fax: +358 5 212787. Tu-Sa 13:00-late, W 13:00-02:00, F Sa 13:00-04:00. A "traditional seafarer's restaurant" in central Kotka.
* 60.464926.94227 Amarillo, Keskuskatu 21, ☏ +358 201234666. M-Th 16:00-00:00, F 16:00-02:00, Sa 12:00-02:00, Su 12:00-00:00. A Texmex-style chain restaurant close to the bus station.
* 60.464526.94198 Canttiini, Kaivokatu 15, ☏ +358 5214130. M Tu 10:30 - 22:00, W-F 10:30 - 23:00, Sa 12:00-23:00, Su 12:00-20:00.
* 60.49816626.847889 Sutelan Lounas ja Herkku, Sutelantie 303, ☏ +358 44 028 7881. (updated Jun 2022)
* 60.43654726.88350910 Cafe Neptunus, Merituulentie 424, ☏ +358 5 226 8108, muonaveijot@kymp.net. (updated Jun 2022)
* 60.47705426.89897511 Ravintola Keisarinsatama, Metsontie 41, ☏ +358 41 731 4763, kotka.keisarinsatama@restel.fi. (updated Jun 2022)
* 60.46166726.95027812 Ravintola Wanha Fiskari, Juha Vainion katu 2, ☏ +358 5 218 6585, ravintola@wanhafiskari.fi. (updated Jun 2022)
* 60.46938126.94599213 Kotkan Klubi, Kirkkokatu 2, ☏ +358 44 751 2786, info@kotkanklubi.com. (updated Jun 2022)

### Splurge

* 60.467126.944914 Rosso, Kauppakatu 5 (on the first floor of Pasaati shopping centre). Italian style chain restaurant offers mainly pizza and salad bar, some other plates as well.

## Drink

* 60.467826.94481 $^{[deadlink]}$ Ilon talo, Kirkkokatu 8, ☏ +358 20 7759 480. A classy nightclub with plenty of music, drinks and good company.
* 60.45716426.9349042 Music Bar Haukka, Kuusisenkatu 5, ☏ +358 44 975 8421.

## Sleep
### Mid-range

* 60.511426.93021 Karhulan Hovi, Ahlströmintie 26, ☏ +358 10 234 6710, karhulanhovi@nexthotels.fi. French-style manor in Karhula, 9 km from Kotka centre
* 60.5589127.004712 Hotel Leikari, Haminantie 261 (in Karhula, near the border of Hamina), ☏ +358 104 111 770, info@leikarihotel.com. Family room €80.
* 60.4685926.941243 Hotelli Merikotka, Satamakatu 9, ☏ +358 5 215222. Single room €55.
* 60.46914826.9854974 Rantakari Cottage, Seurakuja 6, Kotka, ☏ +358 400 868889, asiakaspalvelu@kotteria.com. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 12:00. Rantakari cottage is a cozy holiday home in Kotka. The cottage is designed for small families and for small peaceful meetings. it is equipped with all amenities and it is suitable for year-round holidays. Rantakari cottage is by the sea and there are large terraces and a private swimming dock in front of the cottage. Rantgakari cottage accommodates up to 7 people. (updated Apr 2019)

### Splurge

* 60.511526.919645 Hotelli Cumulus Kotka, Tiilikuja 9, ☏ +358 5 269 3100, fax: +358 5 269 3299, kotka.cumulus@restel.fi.

## Stay safe

You can go more or less anywhere in Kotka any time of the day. Although Kotka has its share of violence and drug use, violent crime happens mostly between addicts and criminals themselves. Robbings are very uncommon.
You might want to avoid jumping a line anywhere during the night, particularly at Finnish hot dog stands ("nakkikioski"). Drunken fights are not unheard-of.

## Go next

* Hamina — A historical fortress town, the easternmost sea port in Finland.
* Kouvola - The other big city in Kymenlaakso, best known as an industrial city and railway node.
* Russia — If you have a valid visa, the Russian border isn't far away.