Kotka
The city of Kotka lies in southern Finland, about an hour’s drive east of the Finnish capital, Helsinki on the coast of the Gulf of Finland, at the easternmost end of the Baltic Sea. Kotka is a relatively young city. It was founded while Finland was still part of Russia, around a military fortification built during the Crimean War. The fortress was destroyed by the British in 1855. The port began operating in 1872, and Kotka was granted city rights six years later. The city lies at the mouth of the Kymijoki River, where it flows into the Baltic Sea. Kotka was affected by fighting during the Second World War, and large parts of the city were destroyed. Today, Kotka’s port is Finland’s most important export port.
Blick auf Kotka an der finnischen Ostsee im Winter
Photo: © visitfinland.com
Things to see on a Baltic Sea holiday in Kotka
The Tarmo, the world’s oldest surviving icebreaker, is moored in the port of Kotka. Built in 1907, it remained in service until 1970 and can now be visited as a museum ship. The new town hall was built in 1934, while the imperial fishing lodge, built for Tsar Alexander III, dates from 1889. The Maretarium, a large aquarium, is another popular attraction. The annual summer Sea Days have grown into a popular festival, especially for younger generations.
Holidays in and around Kotka
The natural surroundings provide ideal conditions for an action-packed active holiday in and around Kotka. Activities include water sports, excursions to the offshore rocky islands known as skerries, fishing in the Baltic Sea or the Kymijoki River, which is also suitable for rafting trips. Signposted nature trails are a great way to explore Kotka’s attractive surroundings independently during the summer season. Several marinas also give recreational boaters the opportunity to discover the skerry landscape off Kotka. Boat trips take visitors to the sites of historic naval battles fought off the city. Between Kotka and its eastern neighbor, Hamina, there are excellent opportunities for downhill skiing in winter, including for beginners.
With its attractions, wide range of opportunities for family-friendly active holidays on the Baltic Sea, and many accommodation options, including hotels and holiday-home complexes, the city of Kotka on the Gulf of Finland is an ideal destination for a Baltic Sea holiday in Finland.
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