Kotka Travel Guide, Finland

The Harbor Town Of Kotka, Finland. The lack of adequate information has kept tourists away from the harbor town of Kotka, Finland. Situated in the south it is a transit point from where one can undertake a day trip to the Iron Curtain countries through Talini in Estonia LocationLocated in Southern Finland in Europe, Kotka covers an area of 750 sq km. of which 478 sq km is water. With a population of over 55,000,it is the biggest town in the Kymenlaakso area and the city center is located in the island of Kotkansaari. AccessibilityVantaa airport of Helsinki is 134 km from Kotka. Though Kotka is not on the fast intercity train route, there are frequent bus services to the capital and even to St. Petersburg. Route E18 and highway 15 connect Kotka to Helsinki and Kouvola respectively. The city center or Kotkansaari is a small and you can cover it on foot. For other parts you should either take a bus or a rented car. Dial 10041 for a cab or log onto www. kotka.fi/aikataulut for buses starting from Ruukinkatu terminal. Culture Kotka can boast of rich cultural heritage. The 1930s saw the emergence of The Harmony Siosters.Lyricist and singer Juha “Junnu” Vainio is well known. The municipal theatre is a venue for many amateur plays. Jazz infiltrated Finland through the ports, Kotka being the first among them. Kairo, Fennia and Seurahuone are well known music restaurants frequented by sailors and stars. The “jazz by the sea” is a very popular event. Economy

Kotka, with the three estuaries of the Kymijoki River, is an important business center. It exports pulp, phosphate, lumber cellulose and imports petroleum. Its flourmills and sugar refineries and sawmills add to the economy. Fishing is also important, particularly fly-fishing in the shallow and rocky rapids.

 Places of interestThe harbor town of Kotka has a vibrant waterfront with many saloons, the Kairo being one of them. At the Maretarium Aquarium one will find almost all species of Finnish fish. The Sapokka Park, with its waterfall, flowers pond trees and rock exhibition is impressive. Other places of interest are Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge and Nature Reserve, the architectural masterpiece Maritime Center Vellamo, The church of St Nicholas the oldest building in Kotka.

Cruises to Tammio, Kaunissaari (gem of the eastern gulf of Finland), Haapasaari and Ulkotammio are enjoyable. A visit to the Ruotsinsalmi fortress, reflecting Kotka’s history is a must. There is ample scope for outdoor recreation in the nature park and the various paths Like Santalahti path, Raski- Karhvuori, Catherine’s path, windmill and riverside paths.

The Finish equivalent for Eagle, The harbor town of Kotka, Finland has lots to offer to all, be it tourists, enterptreuners, artists or those who are looking for some adventure.