The 15 best sights in Kotka

Kotka is a popular city that is located on the shore of the bay. It is partly located on an island, and there are ancient ruins of a Swedish fortress. The city can be called distinctive because it is here that the influence of the Russian and Scandinavian peoples is least felt. For those tourists who wished to visit the city, our experts decided to make a rating of the best sights.

Rating of the best sights in Kotka

Best architectural sights in Kotka

Maretarium

Rating: 5.0

The largest exhibition aquarium is a trademark of the city, for which it deservedly got the first position in the ranking of attractions in Kotka. This is how visitors are greeted in a settlement whose residents take pride in its cleanliness and eco-friendliness. Every Finn will honor nature and cherish all kinds of animals and fish.

This is why the Maretarium was created, with more than 60 different taxonomic units that live near the Baltic Sea, as well as freshwater fish and crustaceans. The giant aquarium took less than 1 year to build, and opened in a large, modern-style building in 2002. There are 22 thematic departments that allow you to study a particular type of fish. The main feature of the building can be called a large number of sharp angles and glazing.

Fort Elizabeth

Rating: 4.9

This fortress is the oldest defensive structure on the territory of the city. Earlier it was a part of the fortification system of Rochensalm castle, and it was named after one of the rulers of the Russian Empire – Elisabeth the First. It is located on the shore of the bay and has a very unusual shape. Previously, it was one of the main defensive structures on the territory of Kotka, defending the city from the sea.

It was finally destroyed during the war by the British, and then partially rebuilt. Currently considered a local architectural landmark, which is also a place for picnics and recreation. Nearby you’ll find a large beach and an area for games and outdoor activities, great views of the straits, including an ethnic restaurant.

Kyminlinna City Fortress

Rating: 4.8

The fortress, which was to protect the city from land invasions, was built in the XVIII century by the Russian army. In charge of the construction was one of the most famous generals, Alexander Suvorov. The main purpose of the construction was not only to prevent the advance of the Swedish troops on the territory of the capital, St. Petersburg. In fact, it was the penultimate line of defense of the northern part of the Empire.

Over its long existence, the fortress has served many functions, including a refuge for refugees, as well as protection from various armies. At the moment, you can get inside the city fortress Kyuminlinna only during a tour. Fortunately, it’s easy to find a huge number of guides who are willing to take you there. The site is quite well preserved, which makes it one of the most historically valuable.

Kotka Church

Rating: 4.7

In the rating of architectural sights got quite an important religious – the Lutheran Cathedral of Kotka. It belongs to the appropriate branch of religion, and is the main church of the city. At the same time, it is the main sight of the city center, which was built in 1899. Blessed it almost immediately after construction. The main architect and creator was Josef Stenbeck.

This is one of the most famous masters, who is the author of the largest church in Karelia. Lutheran Cathedral is built in unconventional neo-Gothic style, and red brick was used for its construction to blend in with the look of Kotka as much as possible. The landmark is set on an elevated site, and a solid foundation of stone was used to improve its durability. The cathedral is 54 meters high.

St. Nicholas Church. St. Nicholas

Rating: 4.6

This religious landmark is one of the most famous churches in the whole country. It was built between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, when the local architect Jacob Perrin, commissioned by the authorities, quickly erected a new cathedral. The church, dedicated to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, was built in the popular Neoclassical style. It is therefore possible to find columns at the entrances to each of the naves.

The central part of the façade is where the sculpture of Mary of Purple is placed. This landmark is often used for celebrations and weddings. The main highlight of the church in Kotka can be called that the interior is painted by local craftsmen, and the decorations have been preserved. The most valuable icon depicts Nikolas the Wonderworker against the background of the sea.

Kimi Church

Rating: 4.5

Architectural and historical sights of Kotka is one of the oldest in the entire city. It was opened to the congregation in 1851, when the local authorities decided to erect and bless a new cathedral in the city. Bells from another monastery were used for the consecration. The building is almost entirely made of stone, but it also includes a considerable number of decorative elements made of wood.

The interior decoration is a highlight of the structure. The church building is designed for simultaneous preaching to more than 790 people. You can enjoy the beautifully painted vaults and ornamental chandeliers and candlesticks. In addition, there is a cemetery in the backyard, which has become a resting place for soldiers who died during various battles.

The best cultural sites in Kotka

Langinkoski

Rating: 5.0

The first position of the rating of cultural attractions in Kotka is a large green area Langinkoski, which is a local natural highlight. In fact, it is a series of rapids included in the park-reserve. The total area reaches almost 28 hectares. There are many hiking trails through the area, and it is also a very important attraction for locals.

It is not uncommon to spend a night fishing here. The fishing, according to the assurances of experienced anglers, is excellent in this place, which turns the park into a Mecca for anglers. The largest fish caught in these waters was 35.5 kilograms. Later a private cottage was built here for the recreation of the royal family. It has now become a museum and another local landmark, which will be discussed below.

Czar’s Dacha

Rating: 4.9

The second position of the top cultural attractions is a museum complex, perfect for all visitors from Russia. Where else can you learn about everyday life and other peculiarities of life of Russian Emperor Alexander III. Tourists who are interested in history will find something to amuse them in the large exhibitions, and they can also take a walk in the park.

In 1880, a prince of Tsarist Russia visited the area and subsequently ordered the construction of a large fishing lodge, which was completed in 1889. Emperor Alexander III spent a lot of time here, according to historians’ calculations, almost 7 months. After his death, the tsar’s dacha gradually fell into disrepair, but thanks to local craftsmen, restoration was carried out and a collection of items belonging to the family of the rulers of the Russian Empire was collected.

Vellamo

Rating: 4.8

The huge Vellamo maritime center, which is located on the shore of the bay, in the port is considered one of the most important local attractions. The huge complex, which is part of the modern architecture, was opened in 2008 and has become one of the most popular places. Only in the 12 months since its opening among the inhabitants of the small country, it was visited by about 100 thousand people.

The architects wanted to give the area a unique character, so the museum complex was built in the style of a sea wave. Wood, glass and other materials were used for the construction, and in the evening the lighting creates a beautiful impression of the complex. In addition, Vellamo is adjacent to one of the oldest icebreakers “Tarmo”, which has been moving through the area since 1907.

Aviation Museum

Rating: 4.7

For those tourists who are keen on aviation, not far from Kotka, there is an aeronautics museum, which is a very interesting attraction. It is located in a huge forest, and one of the largest hangars was used to house. Each of the samples installed in the museum complex is fully operational and able to take off.

Both traditional single-seat planes and supersonic fighters are presented for tourists. For example, among them are the legends of the Vietnam War, MiG-21 modifications F and BIS, which are also in working order. In addition, for connoisseurs of history may be a real highlight – the only Gloster Gauntlet preserved in the world after the end of operation during World War II. This biplane is still capable of flight.

Kotka’s best natural attractions

Sibelius’s green area

Rating: 5.0

One of Finland’s oldest parks and a natural landmark in Kotka was laid out in the central part of the city in the 1930s. The interwar period was the heyday of the settlement, so it was actively ennobled. The park area was dedicated to the famous composer of Finnish descent, Jan Sibelius. In addition, inside the green area there are many sports grounds, on the territory of which competitions were often held.

During the war with the Soviet Union, the park was often used to train soldiers and was also used for planting vegetables. A brief history of the green area is inscribed on the memorial stone at the entrance. And the main highlight and attraction is the huge sculptural fountain in the center of the park.

Weistopromenade

Rating: 4.9

A large alley and walking route through the central district of Kotka is also considered a local landmark. This open-air gallery is one of the most important in the entire city. It was erected between 1996 and 2001. Master stonemasons and architects have done a lot of work to lay tiles to make it easier for tourists and locals to navigate the paved paths.

Most of the monuments and sculptures are created by masters from Finland. They began installing them in 2001 and have continued to do so ever since. The main and one of the first was a figure made entirely of bronze called “Looking at the Sun”. Despite its small size, the park area is a local landmark, making it important culturally. You can get here from the train stations and also visit with a guide.

Catherine Marine Park

Rating: 4.8

The southern part of the island of Kotkansaari is one of the youngest parks in Kotka, the Sea. The total area is 20 hectares, and it was laid out at the beginning of the 21st century to create a new green space as well as a recreational area for rare species. Throughout the 12 months, people, animals, and plants remain active here. Large lawns are great for play areas.

In addition, there is a large table in the park, which can hold a party for up to 50 people at a time. It is made entirely of granite. Children will be interested to visit the play areas, and play volleyball, and fishermen can find many places. Tourists can easily get to the small island, which is connected to the shore by a bridge of metal. In addition, there is a memorial in honor of the sailors who died in the XIX century.

Water Park

Rating: 4.7

The next position in the category of the best natural attractions in Kotka is a small park, which has a pleasant appearance, well maintained, which allowed it to become the pride of local residents. Sapoca is a boat port that provides access to the bay’s many islands, as well as other locations. Interesting enough that the park is shaped like a woman’s boot.

In the 20th century the Kotka Bay fell into disrepair, and as Finland was one of the first countries to embrace eco-friendly ideas, it was decided to renovate the bay and turn it into a local landmark. Since then, many objects have been created, transforming the area into a true natural wonder. At the end of 1994 completed work on the park, and since then he pleases both tourists and local residents. Our experts recommend that you visit it at the end of your stay in Kotka.

National Park

Rating: 4.6

Located near the city, the green space, which was created in 1996, ranks next. The marshy terrain is quite unconventional for a southern part of the country, which makes the park unique in the province. The total area reaches 17 square kilometers, and there are a huge number of animals, birds, and butterflies to be found here.

For example, the birds often stay here for the winter or before flying to more southern areas. To be guaranteed to find all the interesting places in Valmkusa Park, you need to visit it regularly in different seasons. But it is quite far from the city, and the difficult terrain is not favorable for a long stay. Therefore, only the last position.