I’ve visited Kotka many times, and every time I’m impressed by how well-organised life is in this industrial town. No, it’s not a resort – there’s a port, warehouses, an oil terminal, and pulp, paper, and cardboard factories. But despite all that, living and strolling around Kotka is surprisingly enjoyable.
Kotka’s parks hold the title of some of the most beautiful in Finland, and that’s not just something journalists say – it’s an official designation. Some years ago, granite monuments (they look a bit like tombstones) went up around the city to mark Kotka as a National Urban Park.
The best time to visit these parks is from late May to early June when the azaleas and rhododendrons are in full bloom. And yes, this happens in northern Kotka! It might not be Italy or France, but years ago, Finnish scientists developed frost-resistant varieties that now thrive here.
Kotka is a small city with a population of around 50,000, and it boasts ten parks, each with its own unique landscape design. Around 30 years ago, when the city started its greening project, the locals were furious, accusing the authorities of wasting money on plants they believed wouldn’t survive here – azaleas, pear trees, and laburnum. But now, everything grows and blooms beautifully, bringing joy to both locals and tourists. And the best part? All of Kotka’s parks are free to visit.
Of course, the parks alone wouldn’t be enough to make Kotka special. The city is also home to many museums, landmarks, and fascinating spots. I’ll highlight the key attractions that are worth visiting specifically in the summer.
9 places in Kotka I recommend visiting in the summer
1. Sapokka Water Garden
Sapokka Park isn’t very big – you can easily explore it in about half an hour.
The clusters of azalea bushes reminded me of Italy, but this is northern Finland!
As I wandered through the park, I couldn’t resist taking pictures of every flower.
Visitors enjoy the challenge of finding and photographing the sculptures scattered across the park.
At the top of the man-made waterfall, you’ll find an exhibition of stones quarried in Finland.
My favourite park in Kotka has to be the Sapokka Water Garden (Sapokan Vesipuisto). You can’t miss it – it’s right in the city centre, next to the Maretarium. I’m always amazed by the ever-changing landscape, the rocks, and of course, the waterfall.
In June, the park looks like a tropical garden, with dozens of azaleas, rhododendrons, and even golden laburnum hanging down – plants you’d expect to see in southern Europe or Asia, not Finland. Around the same time, purple and yellow irises bloom, creating a stunning display.
Everything in the park is done with such care and taste. In the summer, they even host concerts here, with a stage set up by the pond. And a fun fact: there are 13 cute bronze animal sculptures hidden throughout the park, created by Finnish sculptor Hannele Kylänpää. Keep an eye out for the seal, the squirrel, the rabbit, the pheasant, and more.
There’s also a beautiful waterfall cascading down a rocky hill, with a stone path that leads up to the top. At the top of this man-made waterfall, you’ll find an exhibition of stones quarried in Finland. Some even resemble eagles, which is fitting since ‘Kotka’ means ‘eagle’ in Finnish.
Address: Tallinnankatu 11, Kotka
2. Maretarium Aquarium
Some fish eagerly approach you, while others swim away if you get too close. /Photo: Harri Tarvainen, Visitkotkahamina
Even though I’ve lived near the Baltic Sea my whole life, I only discovered the local fish species after visiting Maretarium. /Harri Tarvainen, Visitkotkahamina
When I arrived, I was expecting to see tanks filled with colourful tropical fish. Not quite! Maretarium focuses on fish and crustaceans that live in Finland’s waters. At the entrance, I grabbed a pencil and a list of 80 fish species (all with their English names) and started ticking off the ones I spotted.
Some fish were a bit shy – the flounder didn’t seem to care for my attention, but others, like the halibut, were more sociable. My personal favourite was the greenish eelpout – a cute, perch-like fish that’s also said to be quite tasty.
The main attraction at Maretarium is a 7-metre-deep aquarium (that’s two floors!) filled with the main species of the Baltic Sea, including herring and sprats. The guide shared plenty of fun facts, including this one: you’ll never see two pikes in the same tank – one will always eat the smaller one!
There’s also a small gift shop with plenty of fish-themed items, including postcards.
Address: Sapokankatu 2, Kotka
3. Catherine’s Park
The park features different areas for a variety of activities.
The lighthouse sculptures, taller than people, are replicas of real Finnish lighthouses!
Anchor Island serves as a resting place for the ashes of loved ones, but you wouldn’t know that just by looking at it.
I spent an hour and a half exploring the park, but if you’re short on time, you can enjoy a quicker visit.
Catherine’s Park (Katariinan Meripuisto) is the largest in Kotka, just 2 km from the city centre. It used to be an oil terminal, but after the soil was fully cleaned in 2004, the transformation into a beautiful park began.
Mostly, this park is designed for locals who come to relax, take a walk, or have a barbecue. But there are a few things that are interesting for tourists too.
As someone who loves the sea, I’m a big fan of the Lighthouse Village – replicas of navigational structures from different parts of Finland. It’s worth a visit, even if just for the photos!
There’s also a special spot in the park called ‘Anchor Island’. You’ll recognise it by the anchor with candles always placed nearby. This area was set aside for memorial ceremonies, where friends and family scatter the ashes of their loved ones into the sea, if that was their wish (around 100 people each year). There are no fences or formalities – just nature, conversations, and farewells, all together in harmony, as the Finns do.
Although there aren’t any official beaches in the park, you can take a dip if you feel like it. Plan to spend about one to two hours exploring Catherine’s Park.
Address: Puistotie 32, Kotka
4. Maritime Centre Vellamo
The architecture of the Maritime Centre Vellamo blends perfectly with its surroundings.
If you’re into boats, this is the place for you.
The Vellamo Maritime Centre (Merikeskus Vellamo), shaped like a giant ocean wave, shimmers in the evening light. Some people love it, while others look at it with scepticism. Personally, I’m a fan. It’s unique, and it fits surprisingly well into the surroundings.
Vellamo houses two museums. The first is the Kymenlaakso Museum, which focuses on the region’s history and culture. It contains displays that show what the locals did in the past and what they do now, from the tools they used to everyday objects like canned meat and a tube of Pepsodent toothpaste.
The second museum is the Maritime Museum of Finland, which is all about Finnish seafaring history. You’ll find everything from ancient navigation instruments to modern ones.
One of the highlights in the boat hall is a small wooden boat called Victoria, which is about 60 years old. Tove Jansson, the creator of the Moomins, used this boat to travel to her summer house on a tiny island called Klovharun in the Gulf of Finland.
Don’t miss the souvenir shop either – it’s full of interesting items for sea lovers, like postcards, stamps, mugs featuring lighthouses and sailing ships, and more.
Address: Tornatorintie 99, Kotka
5. Isopuisto Park
An unusual pairing: a beautiful Orthodox church surrounded by vibrant azaleas.
Many visitors come in late May and early June to admire the azaleas in full bloom.
Isopuisto is a large park right in the centre of Kotka. It has a classic English garden vibe, with big trees, natural granite boulders, and wide green lawns. Locals love coming here for a stroll, whether it’s the weekend or just after work.
The park is famous for its bulbs, azaleas, and several varieties of hoya. A large flowerbed holds over 50 species of plants that bloom from April through to November.
Isopuisto is Kotka’s oldest park and surrounds the beautiful Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, completed back in 1801.
Address: Ruotsinsalmenkatu 4, Kotka
6. Jokipuisto Riverside Park
Claude Monet’s garden-inspired paintings influenced the design of this dreamy space. /Photo: Niclas Valpola
‘The Log Floater’ sculpture shows a worker guiding logs down the river – a traditional method once used for timber transport. /Photo: Jukka Hesselgren
You’ll need at least half an hour to explore Jokipuisto Park /Photo: Niclas Valpola
Ah, Claude Monet! His famous garden in Giverny, France, left such an impression on the gardeners of Kotka that they decided to create their own pond with water lilies – and they nailed it!
This lush riverside park Jokipuisto, packed with beautiful details and flowers, was opened in May 2013. The park is built on several levels, with water running throughout – from the upper level, through two ponds, and down to the river. There’s even a small waterfall framed by blooming plants, which is a real treat for the eyes.
One of the main attractions in the park is the sculpture ‘The Log Floater’ (Tukinuittaja in Finnish). It’s a bronze statue from 1952, which replicates a plaster sculpture made in 1890 by the famous Finnish sculptor Emil Wikström. If you’ve ever seen the iconic stone figures holding lamps at Helsinki’s central railway station, those are also his work.
Keep in mind, Jokipuisto is located in the Karhula district, about 9 km from Kotka’s city centre. It’s easiest to reach by car or bus.
Address: Urheilukatu 2, Kotka
7. Redutti-Kotka Herb Garden
This picture shows nearly half of the garden. /Jukka Hesselgren Photography
Not far from the Haukkavuori Observation Tower, in an old redoubt (a type of fortification used for all-round defence), sits a fragrant herb garden hidden behind brick walls.
This apothecary garden has over a hundred different plants from around the world, many of which we use for cooking.
On warm days, it’s the perfect spot for a bit of aromatherapy. Rosemary gives off a sweet, camphor-like scent, similar to pine. Rubbing the leaves of lemon balm releases a fresh, lemony fragrance, while mint, rich in menthol, has a strong scent. Giant hyssop adds a hint of anise to the air.
Address: Haukkavuorenkatu 9, Kotka
8. The Imperial Fishing Lodge
Although the museum visit won’t take long, the surrounding area is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Inside the museum, you can see the emperor’s study, living room, kitchen, and bedroom.
The Kymi River rushes wildly through this stretch. I spent two hours here, but next time I’ll stay longer.
Just 4 km from Kotka’s centre lies the Imperial Fishing Lodge at Langinkoski – a favourite summer retreat for Emperor Alexander III of Russia and his wife, Maria Feodorovna (formerly Princess Dagmar of Denmark).
This two-storey lodge, built in 1889 on the banks of the Kymi River, was the perfect escape for the royal couple, who loved Finland’s wild nature, fresh air, and tranquillity. Alexander III spent a total of 213 days here during his reign, enjoying simple pleasures like fishing and chopping wood. Meanwhile, Maria Feodorovna’s favourite activity was cooking at the lodge, making their stays feel like a down-to-earth getaway.
The lodge is open to visitors from May through September. The interiors are simple, almost humble – especially for a royal residence, and particularly compared to the grandeur typically associated with Russian emperors.
The surrounding area is beautiful and peaceful, so it’s worth setting aside at least half a day to enjoy the nature reserve and the lovely scenery. After touring the lodge, you can take a walk along the river or explore the forested trails nearby.
The Langinkoski Rapids are also a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts, where you can catch sea trout, salmon, and whitefish.
The lodge is about 5 km from Kotka’s centre – a scenic one-hour walk along the water, or you can hop on a bus.
Address: Keisarinmajantie, 118, Langinkoski.
9. Sunila District
This area is a must-visit for anyone passionate about architectural history.
The factory director once called Kantola House home.
You can enjoy a beautiful view from the window of Kantola House
Sunila is Kotka’s most unique residential area, located along the coast of the Gulf of Finland. It’s not often mentioned in tourist guides, but I highly recommend it for anyone interested in functionalist architecture, which follows the principle of ‘form follows function’.
The Sunila district was designed by the renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. He’s famous for his work in functionalist architecture, and Sunila is considered one of his most important residential designs. Construction began in 1937 near a pulp and paper mill, and today, Sunila is essentially an open-air museum.
The white two- to four-storey buildings with honeycomb-like apartments (a two-room flat is 45 m²), terraced houses, a sauna, and utility buildings all feature simple, functional forms.
Nearly 90 years ago, Sunila represented remarkable progress in Finland’s social development, and the factory workers were proud to live in such comfortable conditions.
Around 1,000 people live in Sunila today. What I particularly love about the area is how peaceful it is – surrounded by forest. You can step right out of your house and pick berries and mushrooms.
Address: Sunila, Kotka
One last thought: It would take at least two days to see all these attractions, but if you’re short on time, you can still get a glimpse of Kotka with a day trip from Helsinki. Summer is the perfect time to visit – you can even take a swim! Just don’t forget to bring an umbrella, just in case.
