You can arrive in the charming seaside town of Kotka according to your own schedule. Kotka is well-known for its festival Meripäivät, beautiful parks, and harbor. This gem of Finland’s eastern coast offers plenty to see and it delights every visitor with its maritime atmosphere. If you arrive around lunchtime, head to one of the local lunch restaurants or enjoy a picnic in one of the city’s parks.

Explore Kotka’s beautiful parks at your own pace. Head up to Palotorninvuori—known by locals as “Palski”—and admire the stunning sea view over the Kantasatama harbor. The park gets its name from an old fire tower that once stood there, which was destroyed in a fire in August 1911. Palski is also a fantastic spot to watch the sunset. Stroll around the city and enjoy its relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

Kotka offers great and atmospheric restaurants for an enjoyable evening. The city’s maritime character is also reflected in some of the restaurants. For example Wanha Fiskari, offering a variety of fish dishes.

Check-in at Sokos Hotel Seurahuone is available from 3:00 PM.

Start your second day with the hotel’s delicious breakfast buffet. After breakfast, you can head towards Sapokka, where the ferry to Varissaari departs. You are free to choose what time you’d like to travel to Varissaari (within the ferry schedule) to spend a relaxing day before dinner.

On Varissaari, you can enjoy your day sunbathing on the smooth coastal cliffs and swimming in the refreshing sea. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks or, if you prefer, purchase food at Restaurant Vaakku. A three-course dinner at Restaurant Vaakku at 6:30 PM is included in the travel package. Enjoy the fresh archipelago air and stunning sea views during the dinner.

You can choose your own return time to Kotkansaari, depending on which ferry suits your schedule. The last ferry departs at 11:00 PM.

This day is full of culture and an introduction to the fish species of the Baltic Sea and other marine life! After a healthy breakfast, you can head towards Kotka’s old harbor, where the Maritime Centre Vellamo is located. A visit to Vellamo will take you on an exciting journey through maritime history. The Finnish Maritime Museum, the Kymenlaakso Museum, and the Coast Guard Museum offer both permanent and rotating exhibitions, as well as various events for visitors of all ages. Younger visitors will enjoy the Leikkimö, a children’s play area where they can pretend to be market vendors or explore other fun roles!

After your visit, head to Restaurant Laakonki, located within Vellamo, to enjoy a delicious lunch or a weekend brunch. At this point, a little rest in your hotel room, or perhaps in one of Kotka’s lovely parks, would be perfect.

In the afternoon, dive into the world of Baltic Sea fish species at the Aquarium House Maretarium in Sapokka! During your aquarium tour, you can explore a nature photo exhibition, watch nature films, and engage in hands-on activities at the nature school. You might even get to see a diver feeding the fish! (Day 3 activities are voluntary and paid in location).

If you’ve booked several days in Kotka, there’s plenty to do! Enjoy relaxing beach days at Mansikkalahti or Santalahti beach. In Santalahti, you can also enjoy other activities. How about a round of mini-golf, an adventure on the scenic nature trails, electric biking, or even SUP-boarding? Santalahti also offers an 18-hole golf course for those looking to hit the greens!

If you’re more interested in exploring the archipelago of the eastern coast, you can hop on a ferry to the Kotka archipelago and explore the stunning coastal nature further. One of the islands worth visiting is Kaunissaari, located off the coast of Pyhtää! On Kaunissaari, you’ll find a restaurant, a unique archipelago museum, and an archipelago shop.

Don’t forget to visit the Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge. Built by Russian Emperor Alexander III at the end of the 19th century, this fishing lodge is a must-see. Today, the fishing lodge and other historical buildings in the Langinkoski area form a fascinating and beautiful museum complex. There are also several easy hiking trails nearby. (Day 4-5 activities are voluntary and paid in location).