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Get an authentic glimpse of life in Kotka by browsing attractions that highlight the influence of the sea. The city is surrounded by water as it covers two islands in the Gulf of Finland at the mouth of the Kymijoki River. While strolling through Sappoka Water Garden, you will soon realize the calming effect of its central waterfall and many ponds and brooks. Kotka’s most iconic building is the Maritime Centre Vellama, a complex of museums within a modern façade that resembles a massive wave that reflects the colors of the sea. Its Museum of Kymenlaakso focuses on cultural aspects and presents a history of the Coast Guard. The complex’s Maritime Museum of Finland is even more comprehensive, as it holds everything from nautical charts to underwater archaeological artifacts to full-size ships. You will gain a different historical perspective at the 19th-century Kotka Church, which is known for its rose windows and for having the largest baroque organ in Finland.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Recognize how the sea has shaped Kotka while enjoying a panoramic drive around town. • Stroll through serene Sappoka Water Garden, the city’s most popular park. • Browse two marine-oriented museums within the Maritime Centre Vellama complex. • Behold the largest baroque organ in Finland at the Kotka Church.

Take in the natural and architectural beauty of Kotka before delving into Finland’s military history in Hamina, the country’s oldest garrison town. A leisurely walk through Sappoka Water Garden will offer a delightful respite from the urban atmosphere, as the popular park is extraordinarily serene. In contrast, the 19th-century Kotka Church enchants through its neo-gothic architecture, which features extraordinary stained glass, rose windows and ornate pillars. Another highlight is its baroque organ, the largest in Finland. The fortress town of Hamina will reveal much about the area’s military past, as it was fortified in the early 1700s after being destroyed in the Great Northern War. It was rebuilt following a rare circular town plan with a star-shaped fortress at its center. As you meander about, the guide will describe Hamina’s turbulent history, including the 18th-century wars with nearby Russia and the aerial bombing that destroyed much of the town during World War II.

Visit the imperial fishing lodge that Tsar Alexander III built on the outskirts of Kotka and then explore Hamina, a fortified town founded in 1653. After falling in love with the natural beauty of the Kymijoki delta toward the end of the 19th century, the tsar ordered the construction of a lodge befitting Russia’s imperial family on the river at Langinkoski. Beautifully restored with many of the original furnishings and personal effects, the wooden lodge perches above a series of rapids and you can almost picture the tsar fishing there without a care in the world. Life wasn’t quite so calm in Hamina, the oldest garrison town in Finland. Although the original town was leveled in the Great Northern War, it was rebuilt in the 1720s with defense in mind. During free time there, be sure to notice Hamina’s unusual circular town plan that features a star-shaped fortress at its center. There are also numerous historical wooden houses well worth a look.

Cruise down the free-flowing Kymijoki River in an open raft for an outdoor experience that will be spectacularly scenic and immensely pleasurable. The longest river in Finland, the Kymi as it is known more familiarly flows through the beautiful, forested countryside before emptying into the gulf near Kotka. Finland was part of Sweden from the 12th century to 1809, and the river formed the border between Sweden and Russia during that time period. Today, the Kymi attracts outdoor enthusiasts who love to canoe, kayak and fish. Chances are you will see anglers trying to catch salmon and sea trout as you raft down the calm waters. After an idyllic hour or so on the river, you will disembark for a lunch of flambéed salmon and traditional Finnish coffee, both prepared over a campfire. Finns drink more coffee per capita than anyone in the world. The drink is typically roasted lightly and somewhat acidic.

Race down the rapids of the wild Kymijoki River for an exhilarating, adrenaline-pumping adventure like no other. The guide will brief you on what to expect before you start rafting on the Kymi, as it is known locally. Being the longest river in Finland, it runs through all sorts of terrain, the majority of it heavily forested and undeveloped. You will begin rafting in an area where the waters are calm, so you can get a feel for how to best steer the raft and keep it balanced. In time, as the river narrows and the tranquil waters pick up speed, the real fun will begin. The guide will help maneuver the raft and offer paddling advice as you shoot the rapids. In the calmer water between the rapids, the guide will elaborate on the history of the Kymijoki River and the wildlife that you may spot along the riverbanks.

Zip through the Gulf of Finland in a Rigid Inflatable Boat and then relax on a beach-blessed island. The vessel, better known as a RIB, is fast but stable so it can tear through the water at speeds up to 40 knots yet still offer a remarkably smooth ride. From this unique perspective, you will enjoy sweeping views of Kotka and the coastline, as you race toward an island that Russia owns. Finland was a Russian grand duchy until declaring independence in 1917, and the proximity of the countries has left a lasting influence. Following a photo stop at the Russian island, during which you might ask the guide about its history, you will head for the recreational island of Kaunissaari on the other side of Kotka. Kaunissaari means “beautiful” in Finnish, and as you will discover it is an accurate description. Feel free to wander about the island, but leave time to enjoy a salmon sandwich and local beer for lunch.

Hike through beautiful Valkmusa National Park, following a circular trail through a natural bog that is teeming with wildlife. The Western Oasis trail loops around what is known as an ombrotrophic bog, a type of bog that contains few nutrients, making it difficult for most plants to grow. As a result, many of the plants found there are carnivorous and feed on insects that they trap. The sundews and pitcher plants are particularly interesting. The guide will elaborate on the bog’s unique biodiversity of the flora and fauna as you walk the raised duckboard path. Keep an eye out for birds such as ospreys, cranes and whimbrels. Typically seen in huge flocks, whimbrels are supposedly named for the sound of their call. It is likely that you will also spot butterflies and moths. The yellowish-purple Idaea muricata moth was chosen as Valkmusa’s symbol because it is only found in coastal areas in southern Finland.