What is the population of Kotki in Finland? Kotka. Story. Katarina Marine Park

Kotka is a major industrial and cultural center of Finland. It is located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, in the south of Finland, and very close to the border. The distance to is only 279 kilometers. Throughout its existence, the city has been one of the main ports of Finland. It is not surprising that today Kotka is the largest export port of Suomi.

History of the city of Kotka.

But tourists are attracted to this place more by its unique sights and nature than by its rich history. And yet, we will begin with an excursion into the past. The history of Finland is in many ways intertwined with the history of Russia. Another confirmation of this is the history of the city of Kotka. The port city was founded in 1879 on islands near the mouth of the Kymi-Joki River, off the northern shore of the Gulf of Finland. It was Kotka that Alexander III chose to enjoy the tranquil beauty of northern nature.

History of the city of Kotka.

However, Empress Catherine the Great was the first to visit here. In 1791, the islands of Kotka, Kukosaari and Varissaari in the Gulf of Finland were part of the Russian Empire. During the war, Catherine II, understanding the strategic importance of this place, established a port here for the purpose of protection from the Swedes, who owned Finland in those years. The construction of the Rochensalm fortress and port continued until 1796, and Count Suvorov led this action. Forts Catherine, Slava and Elizaveta, military defensive fortifications and structures were erected, and a lighthouse was installed on the island of Kotka. But in 1809, when Sweden ceded Finland to Russia, Rochensalm's defensive purpose was lost. But the forts remained. And it’s worth visiting them at least for the views that open from them.

Imperial hut.

The main attraction of the city of Kotka is the Imperial Izba. Alexander III and his wife Maria Fedorovna chose a place in Kotka for fishing on the banks of the Langinkoski waterfall - a small wooden house was built in 1889. The royal family got here by water - by ship.

Imperial hut.

After the death of the emperor, Maria Feodorovna never came to the shores of Langinkoski again. After the revolution, the house was badly damaged and dilapidated, but the city residents, on their own initiative, did not allow it to collapse, and in 1933 a museum was organized here. The house and its decoration are the same as when the royal couple rested here. Next to the hut there is an Orthodox chapel built by the monks of the Valaam Monastery, as well as a small fishing house of the emperor. The waterfall with its rapids and the surrounding area have the status of a protected area. On the ground floor of the museum there is a living room, kitchen, dressing room of the empress and the study of the emperor. On the second floor are the chambers of the imperial couple. In May and September the museum is open from 10 to 16.00, in the summer from 10 to 18.00. Adult ticket – 5 euros, children’s ticket – 2 euros, group ticket – 4 euros.

Haukkavuori observation tower.

An unforgettable adventure for children and their parents - exploring the surrounding area from a height of 72 meters above sea level. The Haukkavuori observation tower is located in the very center of the island of Kotka. It offers views of the center of Kotka, the Gulf of Finland and islands, including the island of Gogland or Suursaari, located 40 km from Kotka. The Haukkavuori observation tower (in Finnish: Haukkavuoren näkötorni) was built back in 1920. At first it was a water tower. During World War II it was used for air surveillance, and in 1960 it was opened to tourists. The tower address is Keskuskatu 51. A ticket for an adult costs 5 euros, a child accompanied by an adult is free.

The main church of Kotka.

Walking around the city, one cannot help but notice the central church of Kotka, built according to the design of Joseph Daniel Stenback. The red brick church was built in the neo-Gothic style and was consecrated in 1898. Inside, the church is decorated with magnificent stained glass and rose windows, columns and masterfully executed wood carvings. The altarpiece was painted by Pekka Halonen. The church organ, made by Martti Portan, was installed in 1998. The church is a popular venue for concerts. Address: Kirkkokatu 26

Church of St. Nicholas.

The Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is located in the very center of the city. This is one of the oldest buildings made in the Empire style, not only in Kotka, but throughout Finland. One of the most famous icons of this church depicts the face of St. Nicholas on the island of Kotkansaari with the Battle of Ruotsinsalmi in the background. On the altar side of the temple there is an old cemetery where the remains of Russian sailors who died in the battle on the frigate Nikolai in 1790 are buried. Address: Pyhän Nikolaoksen kirkko Isopuisto, Kotkansaari, Kotka 48100

Komi Church.

The stone church of Kymi was consecrated back in 1851. The building was built in the Empire style according to standard drawings by K. L. Engel. The church is located on a mountain, among pine trees, in the center of the cemetery in Karhula. The height of the chapel reaches 34 meters, and the bells used in it were produced already in 1736, originally for another church. The huge altar candlesticks were donated to the church in 1901 by workers from the Karhula glass factory. And the oldest chandelier in the church, located closer to the altar, was made in 1790. Address: Suntionkatu, Helila

Maritime Center Vellamo.

This museum opened only in 2008, but now it is one of the most popular in all of Finland. Most of the exhibitions in the center are devoted to information about the regions of Kotka and Hamina, as well as the history of shipbuilding in Suomi. You can also visit the century-old Tarmo icebreaker museum, moored at the Vellamo pier (the center is located in the port of Kantasatama on the Baltic Sea). This icebreaker was built in 1907 in England and is one of the oldest icebreakers in the world. In addition to museums and exhibitions, on the territory of the Vellamo Maritime Center there is a cozy restaurant Laakonki and a souvenir shop Plootu. During the summer, Vellamo hosts outdoor exhibitions and events. Address: Tornatorintie 99 48100 Kotka

Sapokka Water Park.

The city has many beautiful places: Isopuisto Landscape Park, Sibelius Park, Fuchsia Park, Monument and Sculpture Park on Keskuskatu Street. However, the most interesting is the Sapokka water park. The territory of the park is surrounded by a bay, similar in shape to a boot, hence the name of the park. This park is literally made of water: water flows through the park in streams, tiny lakes and even in a 20-meter waterfall on the southern slope of the park. At the top of the waterfall there is a garden of granite stones. In the spring, thousands of tulips, crocuses and daffodils bloom in the park, and azaleas and alpine roses bloom in the summer. In the evening you can admire the fantastic lighting in the park. The park welcomes guests all year round.

Aviation Museum.

It is also worth visiting the aviation museum located at the Kymi airfield. Here you will see 15 aircraft, including rare Harakka training gliders, a Fouga Magister, a MIG-21F fighter and the world's only operational World War II Glouster Gauntlet fighter.

The city has two centers: Kotkansaari on the island of Kotka, and Karhula on the mainland to the north. It is a major Finnish port, the second largest export port and the largest transit port in Finland. Although the city's rights were only granted in 1878, Kotka has a rich history and played an important role in many battles, especially at sea, between Sweden and Russia. The appearance of the city is largely determined by the Kymijoki River, the Baltic Sea and the archipelago around it - most of the city is occupied by water.

Received relatively late - by decree of Emperor Alexander II in 1878. However, these places entered the history of Russian-Swedish relations much earlier. The water area adjacent to present-day Kotka bears the characteristic and rather mysterious name ‘Ruotsensalmi’ - ‘Ruotsensalmi’ or, as they used to say in the old days, ‘Rocensalmi’, i.e. ‘Swedish Strait’ or ‘Svenkssund’.

The surroundings of Kotka were forever connected with the history of the Russian fleet during the penultimate Russian-Swedish war of 1788-1790. This was another attempt by the Swedes to win back everything that Peter captured from them during the Great Northern War. And the main, but, alas, not very successful attempt of Gustav III, who was then reigning in Sweden, to join the ranks of the great warrior monarchs, such as Charles XII or Gustav II Adolf. In addition to ground forces and naval fleets, small or skerry fleets - the so-called archipelago fleets - took part in that war. Two battles between the Russian and Swedish skerry fleets took place in the Rocensalmi Strait in 1789 and 1790. In the first of them, the Russian fleet under the command of the Prince of Nassau-Siegen was victorious. But in the second, the victory remained with the Swedes. The Russian galley fleet was almost completely destroyed. Catherine said that Russia had not received such a slap in the face since the defeat at Narva. This victory came as a surprise to the Swedes and allowed Gustav III to make peace with Russia without damaging his own authority.

Alexander Roslin. Portrait of King Gustav III of Sweden (24/I-174612/II-177129/III-1792)

The war ended in a draw; neither side made any territorial gains. However, the need to protect St. Petersburg from a possible attack from Sweden became obvious to the Russian government. The so-called three-port defense system of St. Petersburg was being formed, according to which the city was to be defended by three lines of fortresses located on the territory of Russian Finland. To rebuild old Swedish fortresses and build new ones, Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov was sent to Russian Finland. He erected several fortifications in the area of ​​present-day Kotka, which became the main base of the Russian fleet in Finland. Subsequently, the coastal fortresses were seriously damaged during the Crimean War as a result of British bombing. The era of industrialization gave a new impetus to the development of territories located in the lower reaches of the Kymi-Yoki River. One of the main resources of Finland has always been forests. In the second half of the 19th century, massive logging began in the central part of the country. The felled timber was floated down rivers to the sea. In the lower reaches of the rivers - including on the numerous channels of the Kymi-Yoki - sawmills began to appear, and then more respectable wood-processing enterprises. This is how the prerequisites appeared for Kotka to become a city.

Monument to Hans Gutzeit (1836-1919) on Cape Meriniemi near Sapokka Park in Kotka. Sk. Markku Hirvela, 1999

The entrepreneur who turned the island of Kotkansaari into one of the largest industrial zones in Finland was Hans Gutzeit (1836-1919). Gutzeit was the son of a German immigrant, Friedrich Wilhelm Gutzeit († 1871), who founded the first steam sawmill in Norway back in the 1850s. Hans followed in his footsteps and became the largest organizer of the woodworking business in Finland, the founder of the Enso-Gutzeit company, whose history begins on the island of Kotkansaari. At the beginning of 1872 in Christiania (now Oslo), Hans founded the company “W. Gutzeit & Company", in the spring of the same year, sells off assets in Norway, in May loads cars and about a hundred experienced workers with their families onto the bark "Amazon" and heads towards Kotka. Already in August 1872, Gutzeit’s new “Norwegian sawmill” in Kotka was under roof, and on November 16, the grand opening of the enterprise took place, which became the most modern for its time in Finland.

Today's Kotka is a picturesque seaside town scattered on islands in the lower reaches of Kymi-joki and adjacent parts of the mainland. The city includes the village of Karhula, which stretches along the St. Petersburg - Helsinki highway. Kotka is a city of parks and fortresses.

Fortresses

The most significant of the fortifications of Kotka is Kyminlinna fortress , built at the intersection of the Royal Courier Road with the central channel of the Kyumi-Yoki River. In 1790, Suvorov erected a very small fortress with a diameter of 200 m on this site, which did not satisfy him at all. In frustration, Alexander Vasilyevich ordered the first fortress to be destroyed and the current, truly grandiose structure to be built in its place.

Kyminlinna Fortress. Curtains, bastion and main gate with a coat of arms resembling the coat of arms of Kotka. Only instead of crossed anchors and caduceus there are crossed cannon barrels

Kyminlinna is a bastion-type fortress. It is indeed very large, so much so that it is difficult to grasp it with the eye or capture it in a photograph. The territory inside the fortress still belongs to the military department. However, there is practically nothing to see there. But it’s definitely worth admiring the fortress wall stretching along the local highway and railway, coupled with the fortifications before the walls.

Ruins of Fort Elizabeth on the island of Varissaari

Two more fortresses are located right in the strait, on the islands, and protect the approaches to Kotka from the sea. This forts Slava and Elizabeth . In summer, they can be reached from the harbor by pleasure boat. Another sea fortress - Fort Catherine - was once located at the southern tip of the city. Like the island fortresses, it was badly damaged during the Crimean War, but - unlike them - it has not yet been restored. On the territory of Fort Catherine, one of the most unusual in Kotka - the Marine Park - is now being created.

Fort Catherine Battery

Another park, or rather garden, is located on the territory of another small coastal fortress - Redoubt Kotka . This is a garden of aromatic plants, adapted for visiting by the blind - because in the absence of vision, the world of smells becomes especially important.

Powder magazine of the late 18th century near Fort Catherine

To be continued.

On May 21, 1878, the Senate of the Autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland decided to found the new city of Kotka (translated from Finnish as “Eagle”) on the island of Kotkansaari. At the moment, the area of ​​the city is 274 square meters. kilometers, and the population is approximately 55 thousand people.

Kotka is one of the largest seaside cities in the south-eastern part of Finland, which is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. It is the second largest export port after Helsinki, and the first Finnish transit port in terms of cargo volumes. The city's highly developed light and heavy industries make it a very significant industrial center in Finland.

In the northern part of the city, on the embankment, there is a rather unusual building that resembles a giant wave, shimmering with the whole palette of colors of the sky and sea. It houses the Vellamo Maritime Center, which also combines the Kymenlakso Museum and the Maritime Museum under its roof. On the pier near the museum you can often see various ships, the history of which is also quite interesting.

One of the main attractions of the city of Kotka is the giant Maretarium aquarium, which is the only aquarium in Finland that displays the inhabitants of the local deep sea. In it you can track the intricate route of fish movement from mountain streams northern Lapland, to the large lakes of central Finland, passing into the waters of the Gulf of Finland. The museum has 22 aquariums, and the largest of them is 7 meters deep. They are home to more than 50 species of fish, and other amphibians such as snakes and lizards can also be found. The aquariums are filled with sea water taken right off the coast of Kotka, so the life of the aquarium inhabitants is as close as possible to the natural one, with its time and natural cycles. In the Maritarium, scuba divers feed the sea creatures, and the process itself turns into an unforgettable show, which numerous tourists and locals come to watch.

Not far from the city, among untouched nature, in the town of Langenkoski, there is an old imperial fishing house (the unique royal estate of Alexander 3), which is now a museum. Here you can find out almost reliably how representatives of the Russian imperial family rested. Pristine interiors, a large number of utensils, photographs and other exhibits tell better than any textbook how the Russian Emperor was conquered by Finnish nature. Keisarinsatama (or translated into Russian as “Tsar’s Harbor”) is the name given to the mouth of the Kymi River, where the museum is located, along which Emperor Alexander 3 loved to get to his beloved estate.

Kotka's parks, as in many Finnish cities, make an unforgettable impression and have often received various awards. I would especially like to mention the Sapokka water park with its coastal area, transformed by skilled specialists into a delightful flowering area with a beautiful local landscape. The bay juts out from the sea into the island of Kotkansari, forming a miniature bay in the center of the city. The main element of the park is water, the murmur of which can be heard everywhere here: in small streams flowing from the tops of the hill, and in a huge waterfall, the waters of which crash against the rocks near the shore. At the very top, at the foot of the waterfall, there is a composition of more than 20 samples of local natural stone, processed and turned into bizarre blocks, arranged in a chaotic manner. The park's organizers made sure that all the plants that grow in it bloomed in turn, starting in spring and ending in autumn. When darkness falls, the park turns on special, skillfully selected lighting, and it appears in a completely new, mysterious light. In terms of the number of awards, this park has surpassed any other park in Finland. We definitely recommend you visit this place when.

Catherine's Marine Park (Ruotsinsalmi Fortress) used to be the main defensive structure of the city, built back in the 18th century, and equipped with artillery batteries. The name "Catherine's Fort" comes from its founder, Empress Catherine the Great. In the 30s of the twentieth century, an industrial oil port was built here, which was subsequently (in the 90s) moved to another location (Mussalo port), on the opposite bank. In 2002, large-scale cleanup work was carried out on the cape, after which, with the help of designers and craftsmen, a plan was drawn up, and then the current park with a total area of ​​20 hectares was built. Due to its location, it is almost always sunny, and autumn storms are best observed from this windy peninsula.

The second most important park in Kotka is Sibelius Park, which is located right in the city center, re-opened in 2000. During its existence, it has seen a lot, and during the latest reconstruction, a section of the city wall was found, which was partially restored, and now it decorates part of the park, reminding residents of its history.

There is also the Isopuisto park (approximately 8 hectares) - perhaps the oldest park in the city, in the center of which stands the Church of St. Nicholas, which, like the Admiralty in St. Petersburg, was built according to the design of the architect Jacob Perrny, in 1801. The English style of the park has preserved elements of the natural landscape, several natural lawns and a small rock, and a huge flower bed with perennial flowers laid out nearby, planned so that the plants planted on it would bloom from spring to autumn, fits very well into the overall picture.

And finally, the Kumparepuisto park is a beautiful small green island located on three hills, at the top of one of which there is an observation tower almost fifty meters high. From such a height you can see almost the entire city, and spend a long time watching the seagulls frolicking near the seashore. At any time of the year you can find something to do here: in winter it’s skiing and sledding, and in summer it’s hiking and barbecuing. green lawns.

But the most important place that attracts tourists visiting this city is, perhaps, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, which was built in 1898 and is located in the very center of Kotka. Its height is 54 meters. It is operational and can accommodate 1,500 parishioners. The new organ, installed for the church's 100th anniversary, sounds great, highlighting the amazing acoustics of the building.

Come to the green city by the sea...

We also want to remind you that "Abis Tour" offers you one-day and multi-day tours.

Located on the very shore of the Gulf of Finland, the city of Kotka annually welcomes thousands of tourists from all over the world. Rich history and incredibly beautiful northern nature are what attract travelers here.

Residents of St. Petersburg also often visit Kotka, purchasing European products in local stores, due to the city’s close location to the Russian border.

A trip to this place will be especially interesting for our tourists - these lands were part of the Russian Empire, there was a fort and fortress built here by order of Catherine II. And Alexander III loved to spend time here, enjoying the local landscapes.

At the end of the 18th century, Valaam monks erected an Orthodox chapel on the shore of the Langinkoski waterfall, and from that moment the history of this place began. Having visited here, Alexander III fell in love with the local nature and ordered the construction of a dacha for relaxation with his family. With his wife and children, the king loved to walk through the forest, pick mushrooms and berries, and fish on the picturesque banks of the Kymijoki River.

Today, tourists have the opportunity to touch the life of the royal couple by visiting the museum, or stroll through the territory of the dacha, enjoying the natural beauties of the Finnish land. Here you can also see a multi-stage picturesque waterfall, have a license to go fishing, and visit a cafe that has been open since 1926.

The entrance ticket to the museum costs 6 euros, and you can walk around the territory of the dacha for free.

The Maretarium is a unique building, it is a museum - an aquarium, on the basis of which there is a research center. All representatives of Finnish marine life are collected here, and the main exhibit is a cylinder with a height of 7 meters- an aquarium introducing us to the hydrobionts of the Baltic Sea.

The uniqueness of the Maretarium lies in the fact that water for aquariums is supplied directly from the Baltic Sea, imitating natural living conditions under which fish spawn as in natural reservoirs.

Visitors can get a closer look at marine life by visiting the museum; children will be interested in watching educational films and taking part in educational performances dedicated to the marine fauna of Finland. You can also buy original souvenirs in the museum and try cocktails and desserts at the Kristina cafe.

Location: Sapokankatu - 2.

The Vellamo Maritime Center is an interactive, modern museum complex where you can experience Finland in a variety of ways: visually, auditorily, tactilely, smelling and through play. The museum complex also has a scientific center, library, and archive.

By paying 10 euros for a ticket, you can immerse yourself in the educational atmosphere of this unusual place for the whole day; it will be interesting for both groups of friends and families with children. The center also has Russian-speaking guides, discounted tickets, and free admission for children under 18 years of age.

Location: Tornatorintie - 99.

The large hangar at the Kymi airfield houses an interesting collection of various aircraft. Their main feature is that all machines can be flown to this day, even a fighter from the Second World War. Next to the museum there is an airstrip from which private flights take place.

Some aircraft have access to the pilot's cockpit; children will enjoy turning the knobs and clicking the buttons. The museum will be of interest to all aircraft lovers.

Location: Lentokentäntie - 234.

Art gallery long 800 meters open-air, is a linden alley decorated with sculptures of various Finnish authors of our time. This unusual landscape structure offers visitors a closer look at contemporary art. In winter, the promenade turns into a fairy-tale place with a special Christmas atmosphere thanks to special lighting.

The alley is recognized as “The best natural site in Finland”, here you can enjoy modern art and take photographs. This attraction of Kotka is a must-see.

The Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is one of the oldest buildings in Kotka, built in 1801. Occupies a place on a hill in the local Isopuisto park, impresses with its majestic appearance, built in the classicist style, reminiscent of St. Petersburg churches with its white columns and high spire. The church survived the bombings of the Crimean War and World War II.

When visiting the city of Kotka, be sure to take time to visit this temple and walk through Isopuisto Park.

Location: Kymenlaaksonkatu - 2.

The main church is located in the very center of Kotka. This magnificent neo-Gothic building from the late 19th century belongs to the Lutheran Church of Finland.

In 1998, an organ was installed in the church, today one of the best instruments in Finland. There are concerts available throughout the year, and in November there is an organ music festival for a whole week. The church is always open to parishioners and tourists; be sure to visit the main shrine of the city.

Location: Kirkkokatu - 28.

In the 18th century, the main military operations of the Russian-Swedish War took place on the site of the modern city of Kotka. Then, by order of Empress Catherine, a fort was erected here, and Alexander Suvorov himself supervised its construction.

The structure is part of the entire defensive complex “Catherine’s Path”; it is a platform for installing weapons and a resting place for soldiers.

“Elizabeth” is part of the “Catherine’s Path” defensive complex; unfortunately, only a small part of the fort has survived to this day in its original form.

Having visited here today, you can see fragments of the structure, guns from a frigate that sank during the battle, raised from the bottom of the sea. There is a picnic area on the territory and a beach where you can play volleyball. You can also visit the restaurant here, choosing a table overlooking the Ruotsinsalmi Strait and enjoying the beauty of this place.

The history of this fortress began in the 16th century - the castle of the Swedish king with defensive fortifications was erected on this site, and in the 18th century the Russian Empire took possession of the building. From 1922 to 1939, refugees from the Soviet Union were housed here, and then, until 2005, the fortress served as a garrison for the Finnish Defense Forces. During the restoration process, many burials from the 15th to 17th centuries were found.

Kyuminlina is a military monument; the fortress and castle are well preserved to this day. You can visit this place only accompanied by a guide, but everyone can freely walk around the adjacent territory.

Flower lovers should definitely visit Fuchsia Park; in spring and early summer there is a riot of colors and floral aromas. Finns are passionate about growing flowers, so here you can see plants such as fuchsias, perennial clematis and even azaleas, which are atypical for the local climate. The park also has a children's playground and an outdoor gym.

Sappoka Park is a favorite place for the residents of Kotka, its creator is the most titled gardener in Finland, and the park itself was recognized as an ecological complex of the year 1994.

Located near the city center, this beautiful park attracts visitors with its calming green energy. The central composition of the park is a waterfall running down the mountain; here, familiar local plants coexist with exotic decorative species, forming harmonious combinations. The plants bloom most of the year thanks to careful care - there are 35 employees and hundreds of volunteers and trainees.

The park is never empty. Locals love to spend their time here, enjoying the beauty of Sappoka's landscape. In the evening, the park becomes a more mysterious place thanks to the illuminations; concerts and various events are also held here.

When visiting Kotka, be sure to take time for a walk in this park, on your own or with a guide.

The Katarina Marine Park is located on the site of the fort of the same name. Its vast territory was designed by landscape designers and now local residents love to spend time with their families here. The park has activities for people of all ages - there are equipped playgrounds for children, adults have picnics on the seashore, walk along the paths, play sports in special facilities, and ride bicycles.

You may have to set aside a whole day to visit the park, but the time will not be wasted: here you can take beautiful photographs, enjoy the northern beauty and seascapes.

In winter, fans of skiing and snowboarding gather in Kotka. The Uuperi resort is equipped 6 descents, they will appeal to both professionals and inexperienced visitors; they will teach a person of any age how to snowboard or ski. There are also 4 lifts delivering to heights of up to 80 meters.

The resort offers its guests equipment rental, a shop, and free time from the slopes can be spent in a cafe with a cup of hot chocolate.

Stunning views of Kotka and the Gulf of Finland open from a height of 72 meters above sea level. The former water tower became a local observation deck after the city received running water. It also served as a temporary lighthouse for some time until a real one was built closer to the bay.

There are only 2 people working on the tower, both speak Russian. Entrance ticket for an adult costs 5 euros. After enjoying the view of the northern lands, you can have a snack in the cafe on the first tier of the tower, and then take a walk through the adjacent picturesque park.

Sights of Kotka. The most important and interesting sights of Kotka - photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, websites.

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    Maritime Center "Vellamo"

    Kotka, Tornatorintie, 124

    On the shore of the Gulf of Finland in the port of Kantasatama, with a preserved port atmosphere, the Vellamo Maritime Center is located. This huge modern complex appeared in the very center of the Finnish town of Kotka in 2008 and instantly gained incredible popularity.

  • It is no coincidence that the Finnish city of Kotka is called a garden city. Hard-working Finns wisely took advantage of the natural gifts of these places, creating so many green parks, gardens, squares and alleys that all this can safely be called one of the main attractions of Kotka. Isopuisto Landscape Park is a real center of attraction for citizens and tourists. There are excellent conditions for active recreation and relaxing walks in the fresh air. This park also has its own attraction - the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The Sapoka Water Park is no less famous. Set around a bay in the Gulf of Finland and filled with flowing water, the park demonstrates the ability of Finnish landscape architects to highlight the beauty of the harsh local nature. In the evening, the lights turn on and the park is filled with hundreds of lights, turning it into a mystical fairy tale. It is pleasant to stroll through Sibelius Park with its well-groomed lawns and flowering flower beds, and in the Herb Garden, located in an ancient redoubt, you can enjoy the intoxicating aromas of rare plants.

    Museums of Kotka

    The museums of Kotka are very diverse and interesting; it couldn’t be any other way in a city with such a rich history. “The Tsar’s Dacha” is a place that a traveler from Russia simply cannot do without visiting. Once upon a time, the imperial couple in the person of Alexander III and his wife loved to relax here, now thousands of tourists come here to gaze at the country house of the monarchs and relax in the lap of nature. The fisherman's house in Langinkoski has been preserved in the same form as during the life of the emperor, which is why it is valuable.

    The hut museum houses amazing exhibits that take visitors back a century and a half and illustrate the features of royal life on vacation.

    It is interesting to visit the Aeronautics Museum, located on the territory of the Kymi airfield. The museum's collection includes 15 aircraft, and all of them are operational. Among them there are truly outlandish specimens, and the main highlight of the collection is the rare fighter aircraft from the Second World War Gloster Gauntlet.

    Kotka has a special relationship with the sea, and this reverent interaction is also embodied in museums. In the summer of 2008, the Vellamo Maritime Center opened in the city, built in the shape of a sea wave, with interesting exhibitions dedicated to the evolution of maritime affairs in Finland. The huge Maretarium aquarium will introduce its guests to the inhabitants of the rich underwater world of the Baltic Sea.

    Churches of Kotka

    The Cathedral, also known as the main church of Kotka, was built in 1898. The massive building with stained glass windows, decorated with stucco and carved elements, is deservedly considered one of the most important attractions of the city. By the way, already in our time an organ was created for the church, in the image and likeness of the Baroque organ of the cathedral of the German city of Freiberg.

    Although you can’t get to the Haapasaari Church with a tour, since there are no guides there, it’s still worth getting there: the temple is amazingly beautiful and located on a picturesque island in the Gulf of Finland.

    Another noteworthy temple in Kotka is the majestic Church of St. Nicholas in Isopuisto Park in the middle of the city.

    The main relic of this church is an icon depicting St. Nicholas on the island of Kotkansaari.

    • Where to stay: The capital status of Helsinki gives you every right to say that if you want to travel around southern Finland, you can base yourself here for your entire vacation. The benefit of hotels and inns - for any choice. Close to the capital, but quieter - this is about Espoo. Porvoo has a peaceful and intimate semi-rural atmosphere, and local hotels match the mood. Vantaa hotels are a good choice for those who are flying through Finland with a stopover for a couple of days, but have already been to Helsinki. Lohja - “the city of a thousand apple trees”. It's worth traveling here in September