Welcome to maritime Kotka

Kotka is situated on the southern coast of Finland and it is served by excellent traffic communications, only one and a half hours' drive from Helsinki. Kotka boasts a fascinating history on the border of Russia, which lies 65 kilometres away from Kotka. The distance to St. Petersburg is less than 280 kilometres.

The Maritime Centre Vellamo, built in a genuine harbour environment in 2008, is an abstract interpretation of a wave and is in itself an attraction.

In Kotka, maritime archipelago idyll, charming nature, verdant parks and unique architecture maybe enjoyed. The archipelago is one of the most beautiful parts of the Gulf of Finland.

Maritime Centre Vellamo hosts the Maritime Museum of Finland, Museum of Kymenlaakso, and Information Centre Vellamo. The museums put new perspectives into maritime history and the past of the Kymenlaakso region. Kotka Maretarium is Finland's first aquarium that meets international standards. It pays tribute to the Finnish aquatic life. At Maretarium, one can come eye to eye with over 50 indigenous fish species.

Kotka is famous for its many beautiful parks. The Sapokka Water Garden is the most prize-awarded park in Finland. Sapokka is an old sea bay which has been rebuilt into a charming oasis. The Water Garden begins to blossom in the spring, and the display of colours continues until late autumn.

The unique Imperial Fishing Lodge in the Langinkoski Nature Reserve is the only building outside Russia built for the Imperial family. Tsar Alexander III of Russia visited Langinkoski located at the estuary of the river Kymijoki at the end of the 19th century.

Kotka is a new international cruise destination. From the beginning of 2008 Kotka has taken part in the Cruise Baltic project, which was established in 2004 with the intention of promoting the Baltic Sea Region as a cruise destination and increasing the number of cruise ship passengers in the region.Today Cruise Baltic includes 27 destinations in the countries surrounding the Baltic Sea offering them better visibility through co-branding and partnership in an outstanding network. The first cruise liner M/V Athena visited Kotka in August 2009. In May 2010 Kotka is waiting for M/S Alexander von Humboldt with 470 guests.

The Central Port of Kotka is right in the heart of the city and there is also plenty to see within walking distance.