15 main attractions of Kotka

Kotka is a Finnish city located on the shores of the bay. It stands partly on an island, and in the past there was a Swedish fortress on this site. The influence of neighbors is felt only in minor details. The originality of Kotka has long supplanted the culture of other countries and peoples. Natural beauty is the main value of these territories. Since the city has a harbor and a fairly large port, additional tourism opportunities appear.

Natural parks often come complete with man-made attractions. For example, in Langinkoski, guests are expected not only by impeccable ecology and fishing, but also by acquaintance with the "Tsarskaya Dacha". And in Sibelius Park, you should pay attention to the fountain.

What to see and where to go in Kotka?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Langinkoski

This name was given to the water rapids that are part of the natural park. The protected area is 28 hectares. Several tourist routes have been laid. The area is known for its good nibbles. The largest fish was caught here in 1896. Her weight was over 35.5 kg. At the end of the 19th century, a fishing lodge was built in Langinkoski for the rest of Emperor Alexander III. Now it has been turned into a museum.

Museum "Tsarskaya Dacha"

Belongs to the Langinkoski territory. Local fishing and picturesque landscapes have also attracted the attention of the monks of the Valaam Monastery. Paul I allowed them to fish here. Alexander III ordered the construction of a fishing lodge, where he rested with his family. Subsequently, the building was restored, the internal interiors were partially preserved, partially recreated. Nearby there is an Orthodox chapel, a memorial stone, an old cafe.

Maritime Center Vellamo

It has been located within the port since 2008. The roof of an unusual building, specially built for the center, offers a panoramic view of the city. There are different types of vessels on display inside. The exposition of the Maritime Museum tells the history of navigation in the northern regions. Part of the premises is given over to the Kymenlaakso Museum. Its exhibits are related to the heritage of the region. Nearby is the Tarmo icebreaker, which has long become a museum.

Maretarium

The huge aquarium is divided into several zones, where representatives of the fauna of the Finnish inland waters and the Baltic Sea are kept. The excursion program is varied. One of the highlights is the performance in the maritime theater, when the employees of the Maretarium feed the fish in front of the audience while diving. On the basis of the aquarium, the School of Nature for schoolchildren was created. There is also a department with terrariums.

Karhula Aeroclub Aviation Museum

Based in a hangar near Kymi Airport. Rare aircraft are exhibited here. The Karhula Aeroclub is engaged in their repair, so all the exhibits are on the move. For example, the Gloucester Gauntlet fighter is the last such aircraft of the Second World War to be able to take off. The museum is open from late spring to early autumn. Admission is free, donations for the content of the collection are accepted.

Church of Kotka

The Evangelical Lutheran Cathedral was built in 1898. For the project, Josef Stenbeck chose a neo-Gothic style and a suitable red brick. The interiors are very spacious. More than one and a half thousand people can be present at the service at the same time. Features of decoration - ornaments on columns, carvings on wooden interior items, stained-glass windows. By its centenary, the church received an organ.

Church of St. Nicholas

Built at the turn of the 18th-19th centuries. The project was created by the architect Yakov Perrin in the neoclassical style. Each of the three entrances is decorated with columns. In front of the central part of the facade there is a monument to Maria Purple. This local resident saved the temple from destruction. The church is famous for its interior interiors, especially for icons. The most valuable one depicts St. Nicholas against the backdrop of a seascape.

Church of Kimi

The second oldest building in the city. The church opened its doors to parishioners in 1851. The bells were brought from another temple. The building is mostly made of stone, but there are also wooden inserts. The main hall is designed for 790 people. The interior decoration is rich, especially for the painting of the vault, chandeliers and candlesticks. There is a cemetery nearby. Traditionally, soldiers who died in battles were buried here.

Haukkavuori Observation Tower

The tower stands on a dais, and several stairs lead to it. In the past, Haukkavuori was a water tower. As soon as a modern water supply appeared in the city, it was transformed into a lighthouse, and then into a tourist site. There is a small cafe on the lower tier. To explore the city and the bay, you need to climb to the very top. The entrance is paid, the observation deck works in the warm season.

Kyminlinna

The city fortress of Kotka was built in the 18th century. Alexander Suvorov was personally responsible for the project. Defensive structures were needed not only to protect the Finnish city, but also to contain enemy troops on the way to St. Petersburg. During its existence, the fortress performed various functions, including being a refugee camp. Now you can get to Kyuminlinna only as part of an excursion.

Catherine's Marine Park

The youngest park in Kotka covers an area of ​​20 hectares. Playgrounds and recreation areas are scattered throughout its area. There are special stone tables, beach and children's areas, as well as a dedication to the lost sailors - a memorial anchor. The eastern part of the park is reserved for the reserved black alder grove of Catherine. Here are the ruins of fortifications that defended the strait in past centuries.

Sibelius Park

Broken down in the city center in the 30s of the last century. It was designed by the architect Paul Olsson. Dedicated to the Finnish composer Jan Sibelius. Sports competitions were held on the territory of the park, soldiers were trained and even planted potatoes during the war years. You can read briefly about the history of the park at the stand at the entrance. The main decoration of the territory is a sculptural fountain.

"Veistospromenadi"

Locals call this area an open-air sculpture gallery. The Lehmuseplanadi Alley was given its present look at the turn of the past and present centuries. It has become a popular walking route, the length of which is about 2 km. Since 2001, the Veistospromenadi project has been gaining momentum in stages. The installation of sculptures and monuments began. The bronze figure "Looking at the Sun" was one of the first.

Sapokka water park

In terms of ecology, it is one of the cleanest places in Finland. The principle of its creation is a competent combination of water, stone and light. The location in the bay and the abundance of green spaces made the park especially picturesque. During the warm season, concerts and performances are held on the open summer stage. The park is popular among lovers of walks, runners, couples in love. The park is beautiful in its own way in each of the four seasons.

Valkmus National Park

It is located near the city and is part of the province of Kymenlaakso. The swampy area is rather unusual in the south of the country. In total, researchers have identified about 30 types of bogs here. The national park was created in 1996 and covers an area of ​​17 km². Birds and butterflies are represented in all their species diversity. The birds not only live in the park on a permanent basis, but also make stops during their migrations.