Overview
Welcome to Kotka, the Park Capital of Finland, which has transformed from a quaint smokestack town into a city-sized park experience over the past few decades. This transformation hasn’t happened by chance; it’s the result of a strong vision and determined action. Leading this change has been landscape architect and city gardener Heikki Laaksonen, who has been at the helm since the early 1980s until recent years. Under Laaksonen’s leadership, the city’s park department evolved into a top-tier environmental construction unit. But as a park enthusiast, you probably already knew this?
Over the course of two days, you’ll get to see all of the city’s parks. We’ll focus on park planning, construction, and maintenance from various perspectives. The itinerary is fascinating not only for industry professionals but also for those interested in greening their own balconies and gardens. Throughout the journey, you’ll learn about bold landscape construction, with examples such as Sapokka Water Park and Katarina Seaside Park, and receive tips on creating various exotic spaces. You’ll also learn to recognize the possibilities of combining art and green construction by exploring the Kotka Open-Air Gallery formed by sculptures.
There’s history too: You’ll see numerous restored landmarks from the era of Ruotsinsalmi Fortress Town. Most of the park destinations will be toured with guides. Additionally, you’ll receive instructions for a self-guided tour of Kotka’s sculpture promenade.
The hardcore park excursion serves as an energizing experience, a professional excursion, and an enlightening urban journey. You’ll witness how parks add character and diverse pathways to this traditional industrial and port city.
Suitable for
Park and garden enthusiasts and hobbyists
Nature admirers
Fans of local culture and history
Urban explorers
(groups of 10–25 people)
Includes
Introduction to Kotka’s parks at Merisydän Cafe
Park tours with a guide
Self-guided park tour, Art in the Parks – Kotka Sculpture Promenade
Lunch, coffee, and dinner experiences
1-night accommodation at Gasthaus Vanha-Merivartioasema
Group size
10-25 persons
Fascinating Parks in Kotka
Day 1
The day begins at Merisydän Cafe located in Sapokka, where we’ll have a general introduction from the guide to get acquainted with the Park Capital of the North. After this inspiring briefing, our journey commences, and we’ll have the opportunity to experience these magnificent parks! Kotka Island boasts numerous park-like areas, which we’ll explore thematically and one piece at a time.
The theme for the first day is the transformation of landscapes and the role of water in parks. After the general briefing, we’ll explore Katarina Seaside Park. Guided by our instructor, we’ll take a park tour and visit a natural alder forest. This forest is popular not only among joggers but also among nature photographers! From Katarina Seaside Park, we’ll walk along the coastal route back to Meriniemi for lunch. After lunch, we’ll get to know Sapokka Water Park. Sapokka’s stunning cliffs with water features are extremely photogenic! From Sapokka, we’ll take a bus to Karhula River Park. You’ll experience and witness the incredible transformation of the riverside landscape into a blooming garden.
From the River Park, we’ll walk to Karhula Market Square to enjoy coffee with local sweets at Kat’s Café. After coffee, we’ll take a bus to Koskipuisto by the Kymijoki River, where we’ll explore the arboretum and learn about the history of Siikakoski. There’s still one more park destination for the day: we’ll head to Langinkoski before returning to Kotka Island.
On Kotka Island, the guide will provide instructions and guidance for self-guided exploration of Kotka Sculpture Park. Kotka’s open-air gallery features around 30 artworks. You can follow the entire route or pick and choose the artworks that interest you. At the end of the day, we’ll gather for an experiential dinner at Restaurant Vausti!
Day 2
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll gather at an observation point at the top of Sapokka Waterfall and take a short tour of the Katariina district. The district is known for its lively community and beautiful wooden houses. Katariina is bordered by two hills, one of which is known as “Tobacco Mountain,” and the other as “Pooki.” Those interested can climb the Ruotsinsalmi observation tower on top of Pooki. The tower offers a view far out to sea and is built on the ruins of the former lighthouse.
From Katariina, we’ll hike through Peony Park and Fuksinpuisto Park to Palski, our second observation point of the day. The total length of the journey is about two kilometers. From Palski, we’ll head to lunch. There are several alternative places nearby. After lunch, you’ll have some free time and receive directions to visit the Redoubt Herb Garden.
The guide will meet the group at Isopuisto, from where we’ll proceed to Sibelius Park in the city center. Finally, before heading home, we’ll gather for a glass of wine at the Jolla wine bar.
Services included in the package
Merisydän Café
Merisydän Café is a charming café nestled in a beautiful setting at the Sapokka marina, right next to the Maretarium Aquarium. This delightful café offers daily changing lunch, a wide variety of delicious pastries, freshly brewed coffees, and refreshing salads.
During the summer, the sunny terrace invites you to enjoy a refreshing drink, such as sparkling wine or cold beer, while admiring the lively marina traffic and the soothing sound of the sea. Merisydän Café is the perfect place to relax and unwind, whether you’re alone, with a partner, or in a group.
Restaurant Vausti and Winebar Jolla
The restaurant exudes the elegance of bygone eras with a modern twist. Located in the Kotka Concert Hall, Vausti aims to honor the spirit of the venue by transforming it into a lively and carefree 1920s-style dining experience. Vausti holds dear values such as genuine Kotka heritage, excellent food, heartfelt service, and providing something new with each visit. The same company operates Viinibaari Jolla, serving as an expert in wines and sophisticated evening experiences in the outdoor circle of the Pasaati shopping center.
Gasthaus Old Coast Guard Station
“Gasthaus Vanha-Merivartioasema” in Kotka’s Pookinmäki area offers accommodation for ordinary people in an extraordinary building where coast guards have worked, studied, eaten, lived, and carried out their daily routines. The place served as Kotka’s coast guard station for a remarkable 70 years. In addition to its history, the gasthaus fascinates those who love the beauty of nature, fresh air, and tranquility.
The location provides almost limitless opportunities to enjoy nature. A short walk takes you to the seafront, a swimming beach, and a guest marina. Guests have access to shared lounge and dining areas, a fully equipped communal kitchen, a sauna, and a barbecue area. There are also two different meeting rooms with all necessary equipment. Guest services include free parking.
Kat`s Cafe
Kat’s Cafe is a café and lunch restaurant located on the outskirts of Karhula Market, founded and operated by two Kats. This popular establishment is known for its high-quality products and delights events with its colorful sales cart and splendid catering services. The company is renowned for its savory and sweet cakes, as well as their excellent mini pastries. At Kat’s Cafe, you can also enjoy an architecturally inspired dining experience designed by the architect couple Aino and Alvar Aalto. This menu offers a taste of Italian culinary culture, beloved by the Aaltos, as well as recipes from Finnish and, of course, Kotka’s cuisine.
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