Kotka is a lively seaside city on Finland’s southeast coast, known for its maritime history, beautiful parks and archipelago. Both Kotka city centre on Kotkansaari Island and Santalahti Resort on Mussalo Island are surrounded by the sea.
There is plenty to see and experience in Kotka. Explore the city’s award-winning parks, visit Maritime Centre Vellamo or Maretarium, discover the Imperial Fishing Lodge at Langinkoski or head out to the beautiful islands of the Kotka archipelago.
Kotka is also home to one of Finland’s UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Sunila residential area designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto is part of the UNESCO-listed Aalto Works.
Santalahti Resort is an excellent base for exploring Kotka. The city centre and many of the area’s attractions are also easy to reach by bike.
Explore Visit Kotka-Hamina regionKotka’s beautiful and nationally awarded parks are one of the city’s greatest attractions. Sapokka Water Garden, Katariina Seaside Park, Fuksinpuisto, Redutti Herb Garden and Karhula Riverside Park each offer their own combination of nature, landscapes and garden design.
The parks are easy to explore on foot or by bike, and many are also great destinations for families with children and visitors travelling with pets.
Kotka National Urban Park brings together the city’s parks, built cultural environment, the Kymijoki River, archipelago and history into one extensive landscape.
Explore Kotka´s parks
In Kotka, you can discover one of the remarkable architectural environments created by Finland’s internationally renowned designers Aino and Alvar Aalto.
The Sunila residential area is part of Aalto Works, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2026. The World Heritage property consists of 13 sites representing the work of Alvar Aalto and his architectural practice in different parts of Finland.
In Sunila, architecture, nature and Finnish industrial history form a unique whole. The white residential buildings are carefully placed among pine trees and adapted to the natural terrain, creating an outstanding example of human-centred modern architecture.
Sunila is not a museum district but a living residential environment. The area also includes Kantola, the former residence of the factory manager, designed by Alvar Aalto.
You can also cycle from Santalahti to Sunila along a ready-made cycling route.
Did you know that there are more than 400 islands off the coast of Kotka? A sea trip to the islands or the Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park is a wonderful way to spend a summer day. Some of the islands can be reached by scheduled boats departing from Sapokka harbour near Kotka city centre.
At Santalahti Resort, you can also head out to sea aboard our Targa 32 Kotka Charter boat. A sea trip can be combined with accommodation, dining, a meeting or a sauna experience.
Explore Santalahti sea trips
Maritime Centre Vellamo is one of Kotka’s most fascinating year-round attractions. Inside its striking wave-shaped building you will find the Maritime Museum of Finland, the Museum of Kymenlaakso and the Vellamo Information Centre.
The exhibitions tell stories of seafaring, boats and ships, Kotka and the Kymenlaakso region, and the importance of the sea to Finland and its people.
Vellamo also features Museum Shop Plootu and Restaurant Laakonki.
Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge is located in a beautiful setting beside the rapids of the Kymijoki River.
Russian Emperor Alexander III had the fishing lodge built in 1889, and the imperial family spent summers there fishing and enjoying a simpler life away from the formalities of the imperial court. Today, the lodge is a museum where visitors can see original furniture and belongings used by the imperial family.
The surrounding Langinkoski area is also a wonderful place to enjoy the river landscape, nature and walking trails.
You can also cycle from Santalahti to Langinkoski along one of our ready-made cycling routes.
Explore Langinkoski
Discover the underwater world of Finland at Maretarium in the centre of Kotka.
Maretarium is a unique aquarium specialising in Finnish fish and aquatic nature. Its natural-style aquariums introduce visitors to dozens of native Finnish fish species, from small schooling fish to large predatory species.
Maretarium is a fascinating destination for the whole family and a great place to visit whatever the weather.
Explore MaretariumMany of Kotka’s best attractions can easily be reached by bike directly from Santalahti Resort.
Rent a bike or electric fatbike from Bistro Santalahti and choose one of our ready-made cycling routes:
Santalahti – Kotka city centre and parks – Maretarium – Maritime Centre Vellamo – Santalahti
Santalahti – Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge – Kotka city centre – Santalahti
Santalahti – Sunila – Kymijoki River – Santalahti
Santalahti – Koivukoski – Koskipuisto – Kyminlinna – Langinkoski – Kotka city centre – Santalahti
