Immersed in Maritime History

Cruise to Kotka, Finland

Cruises to Kotka, Finland, give you the perfect first impression of Finland if you've never been and a wonderful reminder of why you love it if you're a repeat visitor. This major port city has nature, culture and history waiting to be discovered. The short hike up to the Haukkavuori Lookout Tower offers a stunning view of Kotka city with the blue Baltic Sea gleaming in the background. A visit to the Maritime Center Vellamo is a window into the art and craft of boat building, something Kotka is well-known for. Nature is never far from you on your Kotka, Finland, trip, even in the heart of the city — you can literally relax next to a waterfall in the peaceful Sapokka Water Garden. Sit down for a meal to discover the underrated deliciousness of Finnish cuisine, or make a couple of passes through Kotka Market Square to take care of last-minute souvenir shopping.

National Language Finnish, Swedish

Currency Accepted Euro (EUR)

Things To Do in Kotka

The City Of Kotka. Finland. Haukkavuori Lookout Tower. Bird's-eye view.

Perfect Panorama

Start your Kotka, Finland, vacation by gaining a higher perspective. Walk just a few minutes from the port area to Haukkavuori Lookout Tower for a view of the entire seaside city. Look straight down to preview some of the other attractions you'll be exploring during your trip or straight out to see the blue Baltic shining back at you.

Two-masted old wooden sailing ship moored moored on pier.

Dive Into Maritime Culture

Learn about boat building when you go to Kotka, Finland. Make a visit to the Maritime Center Vellamo, where detailed exhibits explain the importance of shipbuilding in this busy port city. Then dive deeper with a visit to the Maretarium, home to more than 60 Finnish fish species, including ones from parts of the country far from the sea.

Falls in the landscape park Sapokka in Kotka, Finland

Zen Out Amid Waterfalls

Round out your Kotka, Finland, trip with some time in nature. Prioritize the Sapokka Water Garden, which, as its name suggests, is designed around relaxing water features. Bring a book or snack with you, and sit down by the park's waterfall, which is the perfect place to reflect on your vacation or dream about coming back.

LOCAL CUISINE

When you visit Kotka, Finland, stop in at any of the many local restaurants to sample traditional Finnish food dishes, such as reindeer steak or Lohikeitto, a creamy soup made with fresh-caught salmon. For more seafood, most restaurants offer a catch of the day.

Cloudberry jam in a jar on a wooden tableKotka, Finland

SHOPPING

Kotka Market Square makes for a fun afternoon. There's a fresh market on the first Thursday of the month and other goodies the rest of the month. Pick up a jar of cloudberry jam and posso, a fresh doughnut snack, or pick up sauna supplies like towels and oils to give your home bathroom a minimalistic, Finnish feel.