The park capital of Finland offers memorable moments all year round

Parks in Kotka

A hardcore 2-day park excursion - for the love of the game

Welcome to Kotka, the Park Capital of Finland, which has transformed from a quaint smokestack town into a city-sized park experience over the past few decades. This transformation hasn’t happened by chance; it’s the result of a strong vision and determined action. Leading this change has been landscape architect and city gardener Heikki Laaksonen, who has been at the helm since the early 1980s until recent years. Under Laaksonen’s leadership, the city’s park department evolved into a top-tier environmental construction unit. But as a park enthusiast, you probably already knew this?

Over the course of two days, you’ll get to see all of the city’s parks. We’ll focus on park planning, construction, and maintenance from various perspectives. The itinerary is fascinating not only for industry professionals but also for those interested in greening their own balconies and gardens. Throughout the journey, you’ll learn about bold landscape construction, with examples such as Sapokka Water Park and Katariina’s Sea Park, and receive tips on creating various exotic spaces. You’ll also learn to recognize the possibilities of combining art and green construction by exploring the Kotka Open-Air Gallery formed by sculptures.

There’s history too: You’ll see numerous restored landmarks from the era of Ruotsinsalmi Fortress Town. Most of the park destinations will be toured with guides. Additionally, you’ll receive instructions for a self-guided tour of Kotka’s sculpture promenade.

The hardcore park excursion serves as an energizing experience, a professional excursion, and an enlightening urban journey. You’ll witness how parks add character and diverse pathways to this traditional industrial and port city.

BOOK NOW!FROM 290 EUR / PERSON

Themed and guided park tours

Experiential dinner at Restaurant Vausti

Accommodation at Gasthaus Vanha-Merivartioasema

Sculpture promenade

Suitable for

Park and garden enthusiasts and hobbyists
Nature admirers
Fans of local culture and history
Urban explorers

(groups of 10–25 people)

Includes

Introduction to Kotka’s parks at Restaurant Meriniemi
Park tours with a guide
Self-guided park tour, Art in the Parks – Kotka Sculpture Promenade
Lunch, coffee, and dinner experiences
1-night accommodation at Gasthaus Vanha-Merivartioasema

Book your two-day "Kotka Parks” package here!

Select a travel package and proceed with the booking. Online payment through mobile payment, bank payment, or Visa, Visa Electron, or Mastercard card payment. The payment intermediary service provider and payment service provider for online payments is Finnish Paytrail Oyj.

Parks in Kotka

Themed and guided park tours

Restaurant Vausti

Gasthaus Old Coast Guard Station

Sculpture promenade

The group travel package includes: themed and guided park tours, an experiential dinner at Restaurant Vausti, accommodation at Gasthaus Old Coast Guard Station, and a sculpture promenade.

Make a group offer inquiryGroup size 10-25 persons

2-day

Parks in Kotka

Day 1

The day begins at Restaurant Meriniemi, where we’ll have a general introduction from the guide to get acquainted with the Park Capital of the North. After this inspiring briefing, our journey commences, and we’ll have the opportunity to experience these magnificent parks! Kotka Island boasts numerous park-like areas, which we’ll explore thematically and one piece at a time.

The theme for the first day is the transformation of landscapes and the role of water in parks. After the general briefing, we’ll explore Katariina’s Sea Park. Guided by our instructor, we’ll take a park tour and visit a natural alder forest. This forest is popular not only among joggers but also among nature photographers! From the Sea Park, we’ll walk along the coastal route back to Meriniemi for lunch. After lunch, we’ll get to know Sapokka Water Park. Sapokka’s stunning cliffs with water features are extremely photogenic! From Sapokka, we’ll take a bus to Karhula River Park. You’ll experience and witness the incredible transformation of the riverside landscape into a blooming garden.

From the River Park, we’ll walk to Karhula Market Square to enjoy coffee with local sweets at Kat’s Café. After coffee, we’ll take a bus to Koskipuisto by the Kymijoki River, where we’ll explore the arboretum and learn about the history of Siikakoski. There’s still one more park destination for the day: we’ll head to Langinkoski before returning to Kotka Island.
On Kotka Island, the guide will provide instructions and guidance for self-guided exploration of Kotka Sculpture Park. Kotka’s open-air gallery features around 30 artworks. You can follow the entire route or pick and choose the artworks that interest you. At the end of the day, we’ll gather for an experiential dinner at Restaurant Vausti!

Day 2

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll gather at an observation point at the top of Sapokka Waterfall and take a short tour of the Katariina district. The district is known for its lively community and beautiful wooden houses. Katariina is bordered by two hills, one of which is known as “Tobacco Mountain,” and the other as “Pooki.” Those interested can climb the Ruotsinsalmi observation tower on top of Pooki. The tower offers a view far out to sea and is built on the ruins of the former lighthouse.

From Katariina, we’ll hike through Pionipuisto and Fuksinpuisto parks to Palski, our second observation point of the day. The total length of the journey is about two kilometers. From Palski, we’ll head to lunch. There are several alternative places nearby. After lunch, you’ll have some free time and receive directions to visit the Redoubt Herb Garden.

The guide will meet the group at Isopuisto, from where we’ll proceed to Sibelius Park in the city center. Finally, before heading home, we’ll gather for a glass of wine at the Jolla wine bar or the ambiance of Bistro V.

Gasthaus Vanha-Merivartioasema ilmasta kuvattuna.

Gasthaus Old Coast Guard Station

Accommodation

“Gasthaus Vanha-Merivartioasema” in Kotka’s Pookinmäki area offers accommodation for ordinary people in an extraordinary building where coast guards have worked, studied, eaten, lived, and carried out their daily routines. The place served as Kotka’s coast guard station for a remarkable 70 years. In addition to its history, the gasthaus fascinates those who love the beauty of nature, fresh air, and tranquility.

The location provides almost limitless opportunities to enjoy nature. A short walk takes you to the seafront, a swimming beach, and a guest marina. Guests have access to shared lounge and dining areas, a fully equipped communal kitchen, a sauna, and a barbecue area. There are also two different meeting rooms with all necessary equipment. Guest services include free parking.

Kat`s Cafe

Cafe

Lunch Restaurant

Kat’s Cafe is a café and lunch restaurant located on the outskirts of Karhula Market, founded and operated by two Kats. This popular establishment is known for its high-quality products and delights events with its colorful sales cart and splendid catering services. The company is renowned for its savory and sweet cakes, as well as their excellent mini pastries. At Kat’s Cafe, you can also enjoy an architecturally inspired dining experience designed by the architect couple Aino and Alvar Aalto. This menu offers a taste of Italian culinary culture, beloved by the Aaltos, as well as recipes from Finnish and, of course, Kotka’s cuisine.

Ravintola Vaustin vaalean sävyinen miljöö.

Restaurant Vausti and Winebar Jolla

Restaurants

Winebar

The restaurant exudes the elegance of bygone eras with a modern twist. Located in the Kotka Concert Hall, Vausti aims to honor the spirit of the venue by transforming it into a lively and carefree 1920s-style dining experience. Vausti holds dear values such as genuine Kotka heritage, excellent food, heartfelt service, and providing something new with each visit. The same company operates Viinibaari Jolla, serving as an expert in wines and sophisticated evening experiences in the outdoor circle of the Pasaati shopping center.

Ravintola Meriniemen rakennus kuvattuna ilmasta. Taustalla venesatama.

Restaurant Meriniemi

Restaurants

Located in Kotka’s Sapokka, Meriniemi is a building owned by the Kotka Yacht Club, offering a stunning panoramic view of the sea and the harbor. The restaurant operations at Meriniemi are managed by Suomi Sisters Oy. Meriniemi holds a significant place in Kotka’s history and in the hearts of its residents. The villa of Meriniemi was built in 1898. The house was completed as the official residence of Alexander Gullichsen, the manager of Gutzeit’s Kotkansaari factory. He and his family lived in Meriniemi until 1917. Subsequently, the building was occupied by factory managers and their families until 1962 when Enso Gutzeit relinquished ownership.

The historical villa of Meriniemi houses various spaces for different events and gatherings. The magnificent seascape in the restaurant hall inevitably captivates the visitor’s attention, and the extensive terrace area provides sheltered seating options.

Bistro V

Restaurants

The cozy Bistro V serves as a lunch spot and evening hangout near the Kotka City Theater, located at the corner of Sibelius Park. The restaurant’s menu features hearty salads, flavorful pastas, and bowls with various tastes. For starters, guests can choose from small pintxos paired with wine.

Tips for other attractions in Kotka

Experience Kotka

Kotka’s newest delight and a splash of color for the summer is the enchantingly beautiful Peony Park. Established in collaboration between the City of Kotka and the Finnish Peony Society in 2020, the park features stunning peony plantings. The city’s park department constructed the planting beds, while the Peony Society oversees the maintenance of the entire area. The peonies were obtained through donations from the main sponsor, Peony Shop Holland, as well as from the society’s partners and numerous other contributors.

The Wooden Boat Center rises gracefully as a captivating landmark in Kotka’s main harbor. If wooden boats are your passion, then you should definitely visit here. The Wooden Boat Center was established to preserve Finland’s wooden boat heritage, where not only traditions are upheld but also new creations are brought to life. Within the building, the Redsky Shipyard builds gems of the new generation alongside restoration work. Visitors can observe the stages of craftsmanship up close from the building’s lofts. The café at the Wooden Boat Center is a popular lunch spot as well.

The Uusikuva Gallery, located at the base of the Wholesale House on Satamakatu Street, is an excellent destination for art enthusiasts. The gallery, run by the Kotka Artists’ Association, offers a diverse range of exhibitions featuring works by local and contemporary artists. Typically, the gallery showcases the works of two or more artists simultaneously, providing visitors with a varied artistic experience. Additionally, visitors can explore the offerings of the art lending library. For information on current exhibitions and gallery opening hours, please check Uusikuva’s social media channels or website.

Marina Cafeessa takkatulen äärellä mies juo kahvia ja lukee päivän lehteä.

The small and traditional Marina Cafe Laituri serves visitors at Sapokka Marina, next to Restaurant Meriniemi. The café is a must-visit destination, with its display cases filled with savory and sweet treats. Laituri is a perfect stopover along the popular coastal routes of Kotka Island. The walking tour around Kotka Island along the shores is a magnificent hike, stretching approximately eight kilometers in total.

A hardcore 2-day park excursion - for the love of the game

Suitable for

Includes

Book your two-day "Kotka Parks” package here!

Themed and guided park tours

Restaurant Vausti

Gasthaus Old Coast Guard Station

Sculpture promenade

Parks in Kotka

Day 1

Day 2

Gasthaus Old Coast Guard Station

Kat`s Cafe

Restaurant Vausti and Winebar Jolla

Restaurant Meriniemi

Bistro V

Experience Kotka

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