Overview
Over the years, Kotka has become known for its beautiful parks and has often been named the park capital of Finland. This reputation is the result of dedicated planning and hard work, largely thanks to landscape architect and city gardener Heikki Laaksonen, who has worked on park design in Kotka from the early 1980s until recent years. Depending on how you count, there are around 10 magnificent parks in Kotka, all enchanting with their detailed design and beautiful blooms. During this summer city break, you’ll have time to explore them all!
Distances in Kotka are quite short, even on foot, and what could be more enjoyable than strolling through the city while breathing in the fresh sea air and wandering from park to park? Discover Sibelius Park located in the heart of the city, climb to the Palotorninvuori Park viewpoint and admire the beautiful view of Kotka’s old main harbor. Enjoy the floral beaty of Sapokka Water Garden and admire the city of Kotka from a top the Sapokka waterfall!
The archipelago is also an essential and stunning part of Kotka. The historically significant Varissaari island, located just 10 minutes from the coast, is a popular summer destination for locals. You can relax on smooth seaside cliffs, sunbathe, and take a dip in the sea. When hunger strikes, head to the charming island restaurant Vaakku and enjoy a delicious dinner with breathtaking maritime views.
In addition to parks and the archipelago, Kotka offers a wide range of activities for the whole family. A visit to the Maritime Centre Vellamo takes you on an exciting journey into maritime history. The Finnish Maritime Museum, the Kymenlaakso Museum, and the Coast Guard Museum feature both permanent and rotating exhibitions, along with events for visitors of all ages. Vellamo’s interactive exhibitions invite you to engage all your senses—listen, touch, smell, play, and explore. The children’s play area, Leikkimö, is a favorite among young visitors, where little ones can even role-play as market vendors!
At the eco-friendly Aquarium House Maretarium, you can discover various fish species from the Baltic Sea. Maretarium is home to over 60 different fish species and small aquatic creatures. During your aquarium tour, you can also enjoy a nature photo exhibition, watch nature films, and engage in hands-on activities at the nature school. Don’t miss the fish feeding—it’s a must-see experience! If you’re feeling hungry afterward, drop by Merisydän Café inside the Maretarium, where you’ll find delicious snacks to satisfy both big and small appetites.
A visit to Kotka wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the legendary Kotka Market Square. Here, you’ll find the locals’ favorite treat—the posso! This doughnut-like treat is coated in sugar and filled with apple jam and is usually enjoyed with a cup of coffee. Sit down at the sunny market terrace, enjoy the summer day, and savor this mouthwatering local specialty.
Suitable for
Families
Groups of Friends
City Travelers
Lovers of Parks and Gardens
Archipelago Adventurers
Groups
Includes
Round-trip transportation to Varissaari Island, located just off the coast of Kotka
Dinner at the atmospheric Restaurant Vaakku
2–4 nights’ accommodation at Sokos Hotel Seurahuone Kotka in a family room or double room
Group size
Individual travelers and small groups
Itinerary
Day 1
You can arrive in the charming seaside town of Kotka according to your own schedule. Kotka is well-known for its festival Meripäivät, beautiful parks, and harbor. This gem of Finland’s eastern coast offers plenty to see and it delights every visitor with its maritime atmosphere. If you arrive around lunchtime, head to one of the local lunch restaurants or enjoy a picnic in one of the city’s parks.
Explore Kotka’s beautiful parks at your own pace. Head up to Palotorninvuori—known by locals as “Palski”—and admire the stunning sea view over the Kantasatama harbor. The park gets its name from an old fire tower that once stood there, which was destroyed in a fire in August 1911. Palski is also a fantastic spot to watch the sunset. Stroll around the city and enjoy its relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.
Kotka offers great and atmospheric restaurants for an enjoyable evening. The city’s maritime character is also reflected in some of the restaurants. For example Wanha Fiskari, offering a variety of fish dishes.
Check-in at Sokos Hotel Seurahuone is available from 3:00 PM.
Day 2
Start your second day with the hotel’s delicious breakfast buffet. After breakfast, you can head towards Sapokka, where the ferry to Varissaari departs. You are free to choose what time you’d like to travel to Varissaari (within the ferry schedule) to spend a relaxing day before dinner.
On Varissaari, you can enjoy your day sunbathing on the smooth coastal cliffs and swimming in the refreshing sea. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks or, if you prefer, purchase food at Restaurant Vaakku. A three-course dinner at Restaurant Vaakku at 6:30 PM is included in the travel package. Enjoy the fresh archipelago air and stunning sea views during the dinner.
You can choose your own return time to Kotkansaari, depending on which ferry suits your schedule. The last ferry departs at 11:00 PM.
Day 3
This day is full of culture and an introduction to the fish species of the Baltic Sea and other marine life! After a healthy breakfast, you can head towards Kotka’s old harbor, where the Maritime Centre Vellamo is located. A visit to Vellamo will take you on an exciting journey through maritime history. The Finnish Maritime Museum, the Kymenlaakso Museum, and the Coast Guard Museum offer both permanent and rotating exhibitions, as well as various events for visitors of all ages. Younger visitors will enjoy the Leikkimö, a children’s play area where they can pretend to be market vendors or explore other fun roles!
After your visit, head to Restaurant Laakonki, located within Vellamo, to enjoy a delicious lunch or a weekend brunch. At this point, a little rest in your hotel room, or perhaps in one of Kotka’s lovely parks, would be perfect.
In the afternoon, dive into the world of Baltic Sea fish species at the Aquarium House Maretarium in Sapokka! During your aquarium tour, you can explore a nature photo exhibition, watch nature films, and engage in hands-on activities at the nature school. You might even get to see a diver feeding the fish! (Day 3 activities are voluntary and paid in location).
Day 4 - 5
If you’ve booked several days in Kotka, there’s plenty to do! Enjoy relaxing beach days at Mansikkalahti or Santalahti beach. In Santalahti, you can also enjoy other activities. How about a round of mini-golf, an adventure on the scenic nature trails, electric biking, or even SUP-boarding? Santalahti also offers an 18-hole golf course for those looking to hit the greens!
If you’re more interested in exploring the archipelago of the eastern coast, you can hop on a ferry to the Kotka archipelago and explore the stunning coastal nature further. One of the islands worth visiting is Kaunissaari, located off the coast of Pyhtää! On Kaunissaari, you’ll find a restaurant, a unique archipelago museum, and an archipelago shop.
Don’t forget to visit the Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge. Built by Russian Emperor Alexander III at the end of the 19th century, this fishing lodge is a must-see. Today, the fishing lodge and other historical buildings in the Langinkoski area form a fascinating and beautiful museum complex. There are also several easy hiking trails nearby. (Day 4-5 activities are voluntary and paid in location).
Services included in the package
Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone
Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone is ideally located in the heart of Kotka, making it a perfect base for a city break.
Its central location ensures a smooth and convenient stay, with easy access to various attractions. Kotka’s award-winning parks, the famous market square, and the charming Sapokka boat harbor are all within walking distance.
At Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone, you’ll stay in high-quality twin or family rooms. All rooms are bright, stylishly decorated, and equipped with a bathroom, TV, and air conditioning. The hotel features three restaurants and a nightclub. A generous buffet breakfast is served in one of the hotel’s restaurants, Frans & Rosalie Bistro.
For relaxation, guests can enjoy the hotel’s sauna and gym—both included in the stay.
Restaurant Vaakku
Restaurant Vaakku serves high-quality, delicious food in a stunning seaside setting in the Kotka archipelago. Only 10 minutes from the coast by ferry and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Kotka’s most beautiful island scenery.
Everything is made from fresh and high-quality ingredients, dishes are are not only delicious but they also look great—complemented by the charming maritime atmosphere. Enjoy the finest cuisine while taking in the breathtaking archipelago views around you!
Park Tour of Kotka
Kotka is Finland’s most well-known park city and has been awarded several times for its beautiful parks. On a guided tour, you’ll get to see the most beautiful parks in Kotka and admire the magnificent flower settings that bloom from early spring into autumn. Sapokka Water Garden is the most awarded park in Finland — and for a very good reason. It enchants visitors not only with its stunning flowers but also with its impressive waterfall, nearly 20 meters high.
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