RADIANT COLOURS IN AWARD-WINNING PARKS

Kotka is called Finland’s park capital, and not without reason. Kotka’s parks, which have benefited from systematic investment, have become one of the city’s unique attractions. Breathe the fresh air, look around, listen, exercise, fish, or take a seat at Finland’s largest picnic table. The splendid and award-winning parks of Kotka-Hamina provide opportunities to enjoy a wide range of experiences.

Park tour in Kotka

The Kotkansaari Park Trail is 8.2 kilometre s long. You can pop into the parks you like, or travel the entire route on foot or by bike. The tour includes the Sapokka Water Garden, Katariina Seaside Park, Sculpture Promenade, Jokipuisto Park, Haukkavuori Lookout Tower, Palotorninvuori Park, Sibelius Park, and Redutti-Kotlka Herb Garden.

Sapokka hosts a marina and has been renovated into a lovely green area. Water is the predominant element in the park. In addition to the sea, water flows in small streams, ponds, and the almost 20-metre high waterfall cascading down the southern slope of the park. Seven pieces by Eero Hiironen are on display around the plaza named after the sculptor.

Katariina Seaside Park is an extensive outdoor recreation area created amid the ruins of the Ruotsinsalmi fortress. The park hosts a large meadow area and amazing picnic spots. One of them is a stone table for 50 people by the sea, which is said to be the largest picnic table in Finland. A meditation labyrinth modelled after the medieval Chartres Cathedral, with a 525-metre route to its heart, has also been built in the park.

The Sculpture Promenade is an over two-kilometre route running through the centre of Kotka. The lime alley along Keskuskatu and the other two related parks, Toivo Pekkanen Park and Sibelius Park, form a magnificent sculpture park featuring contemporary art. It has received an environmental structure award (2001) and the Pro Sculptura Medal (2004).

Jokipuisto Park in Karhula is located at the southern end of the Korkeakoski fork of the Kymi River. The park’s impressive granite walls, lily ponds, and spectacular flower beds form a magnificent whole. The paved paths enable unobstructed movement in the area.

In the wilderness-inspired Koskipuisto park, you can admire the sparkling rapids of the Kymi River and the beautiful natural scenery on the riverside. Located in the Koivula district, the park starts at the Koivukoski dam and power plant to the north and continues southwards along the river to Kokonkoski, where the river forks. The long fishing piers running along the shore and the rest areas with barbecue shelters make Koskipuisto park a dream destination for fishermen. Some of the piers are accessible to all. You can also enjoy refreshments in the café Villa Munkholma.