Kotka-Hamina
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KOTKA-HAMINA FINLAND 2020 PRODUCT MANUAL FOR TOUR OPERATORS Version 1: January 2020 KOTKA-HAMINA REGION - THE REAL FINLAND KOTKA-HAMINA REGION the recent past and ages further back in the to one another. Hamina and its history can be Kotka-Hamina region is situated on the mists of time. The colourful history of the bor- viewed more broadly from the ramparts of the southeast coast of Finland, on the shores der region takes you on a dizzying adventure fortress surrounding the centre. Hamina Bastion of the Baltic Sea within only 1 hour drive through the centuries from numerous nations' used to be the central bastion of the fortress. from Helsinki area and 3 hour drive from St. perspective, from the courts of Swedish-ruled Petersburg. Kotka–Hamina is an attractive Finland to the Russia of the czars. BORDER REGION WITH HISTORY Our area is located in a crossroads of east seaside region offering more than 100 kilome- and west, north and south. During the centu- tres of coastline with a laid-back islander lifes- FOUR SEASONS FOR NORDIC ARCHIPELAGO All four seasons in Finland are different, and there ries national borders have crossed our lands, tyle and a strong maritime culture. Its rugged is no better place to get the unique feel of them changing their place regularly and left the area shorelines and authentic fishing village loca- than our archipelago. It is an area of extremes, with history full of fascinating details behind. Some tions can be visited with one’s own boat or by a garden of rocks shaped by centuries of water of the remains are more visible than the others, a regular boat service. The beautiful, unique and changing weather. but if you look carefully, you can sense the past and award-winning parks in different parts of and present together, in a perfect harmony that Kotka city are attractions that always charm There are several unique destinations along our stretches over the centuries. the visitor. The region is a compact yet diverse archipelago like Kaunissaari, Rankki, Tammio, Ulko-Tammio or Rakinkotka, each of them per- area offering untouched wilderness in a natural KYMIRIVER DELTA AND RIVERSIDES environment and two National Parks: Valkmu- fect for enjoying the contrast of weather and Kymiriver flows through our area to the sea with sa National Park in Pyhtää and Gulf of Finland shelter, nature and local atmosphere & heritage, five different streams. Each one of them is dif- National Park in the breathtaking archipelago. with or without something to do. ferent and delivers countless opportunities for There is no need to trek into nature; you are WALKABOUTS – WONDERS IN WALKING relaxation, fishing, water sports and outdoor ex- already right in the middle of it. The beauty of DISTANCE periences. the waterways is dazzling, and there are also Enjoy exploring Kotka Urban parks by walking. With its dense history, Kymiriver delta has served special sites of fascination for hikers, anglers Kotka is well-known as the capital of parks as a pathway for Vikings and fishermen and as and bird-watchers, with countless alternatives, in Finland. Located on an island Kotkansaa- a national border from 1743 to 1809. This vast from shooting rapids at speed to gentle walks ri, the city centre features 9 different parks all history is still very visible in buildings and ruins and tranquillity amidst fantastic scenery. The within walking distance. When in Kotka, make along the riversides. River Kymijoki, which back in history marked sure to visit the most awarded park in Finland – Today Kymiriver delta is famous of its varying na- the border between Sweden and Russia, of- Sapokka Water Garden, and enjoy the sea ture and atmosphere, that changes through sea- fers a haven for calm and relaxation and is also breeze in Katariina Seaside Park. sons. While some stretches have more current, the best salmon river in Southern Finland. The sights along the circular streets of the old others are almost still and full of life, making every The region offers also brilliant insights into town centre and fortress of Hamina are all close twist and turn of the river a unique experience. Highlights A tour around Kotka city parks: Katariina Summer Activities: hiking, canoe- Seaside Park, Herb Garden Redoubt ing, (mountain) biking, camping, Kotka, Sapokka Water Garden, Karhula fishing, birdwatching, golf, skydiving, rock Contact Kotka-Hamina Riverside Park climbing, rafting, cruises, cottage living, Cursor Hamina old center: Hamina's city centre, sauna and swimming in lakes, sea and Kotka-Hamina Region based on a unique circular town plan, is ponds. Sanna Nikki one of the region's most fascinating sights. Winter Activities: cross-country ski- Spend a leisurely Tourism Manager Unforgettable Islands: ing, downhill skiing, skating, ice fishing, summer day or an active winter escapa- Tel. +358 40 190 2585 snowshoeing, sauna, winter swimming. de on the islands of the Eastern Gulf of [email protected] Finland. Airport: Helsinki (HEL), Lappeenranta www.visitkotkahamina.fi (LPP) Hamina Museums: Four different muse- instagram.com/visitkotkahamina ums in Hamina tell about the history of Train station & bus stop: Train station youtube.com/user/Kaakko135 the city, its countryside and the Reserve 0.5 km from city centre, bus station in city #visitkotkahamina Officer School. centre. 2 NordicMarketingDestination KOTKA-HAMINALEVI them have cottages for rent so you can stay overnight. To some of INSIDER TIPS the islands there is a regular boat connection and ferries leave from port in Kotka or Hamina. My favorite destination is Kaunissaari as JENNI it has old fisherman village and the best salmon soup in the region! The National Urban Park is spread around Kotka area with several unique and award winning parks such as Sapokka Water Garden MINNA and Katariina Seaside Park. Make sure to visit Langinkoski as well Hamina old town has a unique circular plan which is quite rare which is also a historical sight with its emperor's fishing lodge (see on a worldwide scale. Wander around the circular streets and en- p. 8), at Langinkoski rapids. The museum is open during summer joy the atmosphere of the fortress town while exploring bastions time. and wooden fortress houses. Hamina also has the largest Finnish flag in the world. A flag of a basketball field size fluttering on a MARKO 100-meter flagpole is best spotted when entering Hamina from is an attraction close to Kotka centre that Katariina Seaside Park the motorway. never fails to charm both new and frequent visitors. The park is a perfect spot for spending a beautiful summer day outdoors, as the TIMO area features a large lawn area, a volleyball court, playgrounds for Maritime Centre Vellamo (see p. 4) is not just a museum. The children and several picnic spots. The park's location is unique; centre hosts interactive exhibitions that will be interesting for both it has been built in place of an old oil port in the southern end of children and adults. Vellamo hosts national Maritime Museum Kotkansaari island's cape, and it is surrounded by the sea. of Finland, Kymenlaakso Region Museum and changing exhibi- tions. In summer, ice-breaker Tarmo (see p. 9), the second oldest PEKKA ice-breaker in the world, is also open for public. Make sure you Summer is the best time to visit one of the islands in the region’s climb to the roof of Vellamo and enjoy scenic views of Kotka. beautiful archipelago. There are hundreds of islands and some of KOTKA-HAMINA NordicMarketing 3 © Juha Kärkkäinen © Timo Vesterinen © Jussi Tiainen © Jussi Tiainen Founded MARITIME CENTRE VELLAMO 2008 The unique building of Maritime Centre lights are lit behind the glass panels. Languages Vellamo is located by the sea in the Kantasa- An essential element of the interior is oak – the English, German on request for groups. tama district in Kotka, surrounded by the his- building material for ships, which has been Season torical port of Kotka. The location could not be used in the ceilings, walls and floors. The All year-round more fitting. colours of Vellamo – lime, orange, deep blue Opening hours and dark grey – and the pictures and graphical Mon closed, Tue 10am – 5pm, Wed Vellamo houses several exhibitions about life at elements recur throughout the building. 10am – 8pm, Thu – Sun 10am – 5pm sea and local stories, seasonal art exhibitions, Maritime Centre Vellamo was opened to See extended opening hours for summer various meeting and event spaces, a restau- the public on 11 July 2008. It was designed on the webpage. rant and a museum shop. Most importantly, by Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects with Note Vellamo offers information and fun activities for architect and professor Ilmari Lahdelma as the Easy access: there's plenty of free parking everyone all year-round! main designer. space in front of the building. MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS CATERING Maritime Centre Vellamo is home to the Our restaurant Laakonki serves lunch during Maritime Museum of Finland, the Museum of weekdays and brunch on weekends. As a Kymenlaakso and the Coast Guard Museum – cafeteria Laakonki is open during Vellamo's all in one ticket. In addition to this, the building opening hours. For group events and parties, holds art exhibitions, a 200-seat auditorium, catering can be organized. seminar rooms, classrooms, a restaurant with Contact sea view, and a museum shop. In the summer SERVICES FOR VISITORS Maritime Centre Vellamo time, you can also visit the Museum Icebreaker • permanent and temporary exhibitions Anne Rommi Tarmo by the museum pier (see p. 9 for more • seasonal art exhibitions Tornatorintie 99 information). • guided tours 48100 Kotka • workshops for children Tel. +358 40 350 0497 UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE • conference facilities and event venues, [email protected] The modern building itself is built in a shape of auditorium www.merikeskusvellamo.fi/en a massive wave.