12 Of The Best Things To Do In Kotka, Finland 2026

Kotka is a small coastal city in south-east Finland that’s often missed by international visitors, but it’s well worth adding to your itinerary. Located on the Gulf of Finland, around 90 minutes from Helsinki, the city is known for its pretty waterfront parks, strong maritime heritage and easy access to nature.

Which is why in this blog, I’m sharing my tried and tested recommendations for the best things to see, do and even eat in Kotka – from the city’s most famous sights to hidden gems.

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1. Explore Katariina Seaside Park with views out to the Baltic

The first must-see sight is Katariina Seaside Park (or Katariinan Meripuisto in Finnish) built on the ruins of Fort Katariin dating back to the late 1700s.

This corner of coastline with sweeping views out across the Baltic Sea was not only prized for it’s defensive qualities, but easy access to shipping lanes. By the 1950s, the area had become a bustling oil port with Shell leading a lot of the industrial expansion.

However, by the 1970s this all changed and the city’s main oil port was moved further away due to security and storage changes. It’s this history that makes this park such an interesting place to explore as while the majority of the park has been reclaimed by nature, remnants of the original fort and later oil works are still visible.

So take your time wandering through the park, soaking in the views, tracking down the remains of the gunpowder cellars, spotting old oil piers, and enjoying the public art. There are two main instillations to look out for.

One is a collection of models of Finnish lighthouses – after dark these light up too! The other is a tribute to the Russians and Swedes who lost their lives in the naval battle of Ruotsinsalmi in the 1700s just off the coast of Kotka.

The park is open 24/7 and free to explore.

GOOD TO KNOW: There’s a point at the very tip of the cape marked by a large anchor that’s actually an official area for scattering ashes into the sea. So if like us, you do see one of those ceremonies taking place during your visit, that’s what it is – and of course give the mourners space and always be respectful.

2. Explore pretty Sapokka Water Garden

The second most famous sight in Kotka is Sapokka Water Garden, and for good reason. This is one of Finland’s most celebrated parks – a old bay that’s been turned into an oasis with hundreds of blooming flowers, winding waterways, great views and its centrepiece – a 20m high waterfall.

This is a really lovely place to wander, especially at dusk or dawn and is completely free to enter and open 24/7. There’s also lots of cafés and restaurants nearby so if you’v worked up an appetite, now’s the time to stop for a bite.

TOP TIP: My favourite café just a short walk from Sapokka Water Garden is Marina Cafe Laituri. They serve delicious sandwiches, pastries and coffee with tables facing out onto the marina.

3. Visit Alexander III’s Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge

For a dose of history, head to Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge – the favourite summer residence of Tsar Alexander III (the father of the last Tsar of Russia).

The rapids here offer brilliant salmon fishing and after a visit to the area in 1880, the Russian royal family decided to build a fishing lodge on the river bank in 1889. At this time, Finland was part of the Russian Empire and Alexander III was also Grand Duke of Finland.

The family treated their time here as an escape from royal duties and a chance to cosplay as normal people – wearing simple clothing, eating less elaborate food, and even cooking their own meals (…how on earth did they cope?!).

But this didn’t last all that long. By 1917 Finland had won its independence and the Imperial Fishing Lodge was taken over by the Finnish government and by 1933 the lodge was restored and opened to the public as a museum.

Today, you can visit this picturesque spot and explore the rooms as they would have looked during Tsar Alexander’s reign. There’s also plenty of walking trails and a café on site so there’s plenty to see on a day trip.

Just note, the fishing lodge is only open from May to August and opening hours do vary during those months so it’s best to check here in advance. Entrance costs €10 per person.

4. Climb Ruotsinsalmi watch tower for sweeping views

For the best views of Kotka marina, head to Ruotsinsalmi watch tower. This is all that remains of a six-storey lighthouse that was once part of a Russian naval station built in 1798.

While the Russians had mostly been battling the Swedes in this area, it was actually the English who came to demolish most of the military targets in Kotka in 1855. All that was left was the base of the lighthouse which has been restored and fitted with a viewing platform – the perfect place to soak up the views.

Plus, this tower is open 24/7 and completely free to enter – we always love that 😂

5. Venture into a hidden herb garden

A hidden gem that’s easy to miss is Kotka’s herb garden. This little oasis is nestled in the remains of a small defensive fort and houses over 100 different herbs and medicinal plants.

It’s a lovely quiet place to wander, read a good book or just take a minute to relax. Again, it’s free to enter and open 24/7.

6. Try local sweet treats at famous Kotkan Leipä – Turkia Bakery

To experience the best authentic local sweet treats, head to Kotkan Leipä – Turkia Bakery where they’ve been hand-making classic Finnish pastries for over 60 years.

The main things to try are posso (traditional flat donuts), lihis (deep fried meat pies), and cinnamon buns (just always good!).

The bakery itself is quite small so it’s often easier to get your sweet treats to takeaway and enjoy them on the walk to your next stop.

The bakery is open Monday to Friday from 6am to 1:15pm and on Saturday from 6am to 1pm. Just note, they are closed on Sundays.

7. Explore the architectural Vellamo Maritime Center

The best museum in the city has to be Vellamo Maritime Center. Not only does this museum have plenty of interesting maritime exhibits, but it’s an architectural marvel built to resemble a literal wave.

So even if you don’t want to pay to enter the full museum, it’s worth stopping by just to admire this place from the outside.

If you do choose to enter, you’ll be rewarded with great exhibits on major naval battles and life at sea, the chance to step aboard an icebreaker ship built in 1907 and a lighthouse ship from 1901, and access to the museum rooftop offering sweeping views of the area.

There’s also an on-site restaurant and coffee shop serving everything from snacks and lunch to sparkling wine and brunch.

Entrance to the museum costs €15 and opening hours do vary throughout the year, so be sure to check the latest timings here.

8. Enjoy panoramic views from Haukkavuori Watch Tower

Kotka’s other famous view is actually from its highest point sat 72 metres above sea level at Haukkavuori Watch Tower.

While originally built as a water tower in 1920, this spot was soon put into action during WW2 when it became an air observation post for the Lottas (women who served in the auxiliary paramilitary unit).

But by the 1960s, the beautiful Art Nouveau building was converted into a sightseeing tower and exhibition space which is open to the public for free during the summer months.

The best place to check the latest opening season hours is their Facebook page here. Outside of the summer months, it’s still worth stopping by to admire this historic building and enjoy the view from the bottom of the tower.

9. Stroll through leafy Isopuisto Park to the historic Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas

My next recommendation is actually two sights in one – Kotka’s largest and oldest manicured park – Isopuisto, and the city’s oldest building – St. Nicholas’ church.

If you’re craving a little more nature, the park is a beautiful place to wander with plenty of leafy walkways, blooming flowers and lush grass for picnics. At the centre is the striking orthodox church dating back to 1799. It served as the main place of worship for Russians serving at the Ruotsinsalmi fortress and the small cemetery next to the church houses graves of some prominent Russian officers.

The church is open to visit Monday to Tuesday from 9am to 12pm, Saturday 4pm to 7pm, and Sundays between 9:30am and 12pm.

10. Stop by blooming Sibelius Park

Kotka really is such a green city with so many pretty parks to explore and the next is no exception. This park, named after Finnish master composer, Jean Sibelius is the most formal with an elegant design, promenade and fountains.

Like all of Kotka’s parks, it’s free to explore and open 24/7.

11. Admire the picturesque Church of Kotka

To see one of the most beautiful buildings in Kotka, head to the city’s Lutheran church built in 1898. The red brick building has so many interesting design details including large stained glass windows shaped like roses, a 54m high tower, and a very impressive organ.

Just note, the church is currently undergoing renovation so you can’t visit inside but you can still admire the structure from the outside.

12. Learn about local sea life at the Maretarium

Last but by no means least, to learn more about life in Kotka under the sea, head to the Maretarium. Here you can explore 22 different tanks replicating the Baltic Sea and Finnish lakes with over 60 different species of native fish.

It really is a celebration of local wildlife and your chance to see eels, salmon, lamprey and more up close.

The aquarium is open every day from 10am to 7pm and tickets cost €18 per person.

That’s a wrap – those are my top recommended sights to see in the coastal city of Kotka. I hope you enjoy your time here as much as I did and if you have any questions or tips of your own to add, please let me know in the comments box below. Happy travelling!

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