Make an Easy Escape from Helsinki
Let the atmosphere of the beautiful seaside towns, archipelago and River Kymi entice you on a sunny day just one hour from Helsinki! Why not go for a picnic in the park, take a little bike trip to have a drink on a terrace or go boating out on the sea. Kotka, Hamina and Loviisa region in the East Coast of Finland is full of unforgettable experiences. Here are tips for you how to experience the magic of Finnish summer.
Enjoy the Archipelago of Eastern Gulf of Finland
Take a cruise from Sapokka Harbour to Tammio Island
Sapokka marina in Kotka provides a route to the unique and stunningly beautiful archipelago of the Eastern Gulf of Finland. Of course, Sapokka itself, with its water garden and marine atmosphere are worth experiencing, but the truth is, that the real adventure begins when you set out to sea.
Take a MeriSet cruise on the sea and be charmed by the authentic feel of Tammio fishing village, where lilacs smell so sweet and swallows fly way up high. On the way to Tammio Island you will have time to take a breath and admire the incredibly beautiful Hamina archipelago. On the phone-free island of Ulko-Tammio you can walk along a unique nature trail that takes you to see the island’s military history as well as diverse archipelago flora and fauna.
Kaunissaari was named The Beautiful Island for a reason
Kaunissaari is a true gem on the Eastern Gulf of Finland. The long sandy beaches, idyllic fishing village and restaurant delicacies will take your breath away and, before you know it, you are already planning your next trip here.
The community of the vibrant village organizes all kinds of leisure activities, for example live performances, karaoke nights and island outings for both the residents and visitors. Have a taste of the famous pike-perch at Café Mustikka caught by the local fishermen of Kaunissaari, or enjoy a delicious plateful of salmon soup at the restaurant Kaunissaaren Maja.
Why not spend the night in Kaunissaari? There are several accommodations and plenty to see. During the summer you can reach Kaunissaari by the free FinFerries connection that leaves from Kotka harbor six days a week.
Meet the Vikings in Rakinkotka Island
Another impressive destination for an overnight stay is the Rakinkotka Island off the coast of Hamina. It features an exceptionally beautiful nature and a Viking village.
Or spend the night on the island of Kuorsalo. It is a perfect destination for those who appreciate that warm and cozy “hygge” feeling. On these archipelago islands you will see sunsets and sunrises that you will never forget. Business owners will take you to the islands on their own boats and see to it that you have everything you need there.
If you just want to take a short break at sea, hop on board at M/S Klippan. The historic Fort Elisabeth – Varissaari just outside Kotka is a day full of stunning sceneries, delicious food at Restaurant Vaakku, bathing at a sauna ferry, playing beach volleyball and SUP boarding. This is a popular way for the locals to stretch their sea legs every once in a while and if the locals do it, you must try it as well.
Sail to Svartholma Sea Fortress From Loviisa
Visit the Sea Fortress Svartholma outside Loviisa which is a sister fortress to Suomenlinna in Helsinki. The fortress was blasted in the Crimean War, but since it has been restored under the supervision of the National Board of Antiquities.
You can get there by the regular water bus service from Laivasilta in Loviisa. You are welcome to dine in the Restaurant Svartholm while enjoying the unique sea fortress atmosphere or look at the breathtakingly beautiful seascapes on the nature trail around the island.
Fall in love with the old town of Loviisa
Make your day by spending the evening at the Laivasilta area in Loviisa or Bistro & Butik Kronan, and have a good night’s sleep at Loviisa Camping or Hotel Uninen. Take a look at Loviisa’s online Event Calendar to check the dates of the annual Loviisa Open Gardens and the Historical Houses of Loviisa events. And when in Loviisa, be sure not to miss Tuhannen Tuskan Kahvila (“The Café of a Thousand Woes”) and Loviisan Kappeli, another lovely café in Loviisa.
Strömfors Ironworks is a beauty from 17 th century
While in the area, don’t forget to visit Strömfors Ironworks. Its unique environment and atmosphere are something you will never forget. Visit the Ironworks Forge Museum and catch a show at the Strömfors summer theater. Enjoy delicious meals in the area’s many restaurants or treat yourself at the local wellness services. You can go SUP boarding, paddling, hiking, go for a bike ride or take a yoga class. Check out the services of Wellsters and stay the night at Strömfors Bed & Bistro.
See Malmgård Manors unique Renaissance-style castle
Malmgård Manor and its internationally acclaimed organic produce are just a short drive away in a stunning rural scenery. The manor’s present two-storey main building, constructed in the 1800s and built of unrendered brick, draws its stylistic influences from French and Dutch Neo-Renaissance architecture. It is a private home that can be visited only on guided tours led by the host, Count Henrik Creutz. Book a guided tour of Malmgård
Stockfors Ironworks is the home of culture and science
Also pay a visit at the flourishing Stockfors Culture House in Pyhtää. In summer the Culture House and its edgy surroundings are filled with cultural experiences, such as concerts and exhibitions, but also various wellness events. In Pyhtää, you are welcome to stay in Pyhtää rental cottages, or Suomen Kotteria cottages.
Spend the night at the Hotel Seurahuone or at Santalahti Resort
It goes without saying that it is impossible to experience everything in one day. You should choose a place to stay overnight and go on day adventures around the amazing Southeast Finland. Spend the night at the Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone in Kotka in a spacious, stylish and comfortable room surrounded by all the city’s services. At Seurahuone, every vacationer is greeted with excellent service and friendly words. The hotel houses three quality restaurants.
The five-star Santalahti Resort in Kotka’s Mussalo right by the sea offers accommodation in all price ranges. You can take part in various activities, such as the sauna world and enjoy the beautiful nature around you. Other accommodation options in Kotka are the Hotel Jokipuisto, Hotel Merikotka or Gasthaus Wanha Merivartioasema. Choose a place to stay that fits your price range and start your holiday adventure around the area.
Enjoy Kotka’s magnificent Parks, Maritime Centre and Aquarium House
There is plenty to see and do in Kotka for many days. Take a tour in Kotka’s magnificent parks – the locals’ living rooms. Rent a bike and cycle along the seafront route from Sapokka to Katariina Seaside Park. Stop for a halfway break and take a dip in the sea at Mansikkalahti beach. After that nothing could taste better than a bite of ice cream!
Admire the beautiful sunset on the terrace of the Restaurant Keisarinsatama or enjoying a delicious meal on the terrace of VENN downtown. Don’t forget to visit the Moomins at Maritime Centre Vellamo and the finish fish at Aquarium House Maretarium, the Russian Emperor at Langinkoski and the beauty of nature at Siikakoski rapids. Enjoy a perfect salmon fillet burger at the à la carte restaurant Villa Munkholma in Siikakoski.
Experience the Fortress Town of Hamina
Hamina is only a short ride from the city of Kotka. Hamina’s magnificent Fortress Trail and Old Town are definitely worth the visit. Join a local guide for a free walking tour around Hamina during the summer season. Hamina has thousands of stories to tell and an eventful history with twists and turns that involve numerous unfortunate incidents and uniquely colorful personalities. The historic Hamina once was a real cosmopolitan melting pot.
Try Beach Life at Hamina Camping
Remember to visit the atmospheric Tervasaari harbor as well and enjoy a lovely lunch at the Kitchen & Lounge Rampsi. On a hot summer’s day, make a pit stop at the Hamina Camping. Enjoy refreshing drinks, ice cream and the beautiful sea views. Why not take a reviving dip in the sea? There is more than enough sandy beach for everyone.
Meet alpacas, sheeps and horses at country side
Get inspired by the charming countryside in Southeast Finland. If your thing is to enjoy the rural landscape by bike, we have plenty of routes for you. When exploring the countryside, you can stay overnight at inns, cottages or farms that offer a wide range of experiences. On the road you will meet alpacas, sheep and horse farms, try off-road rides, rock-climbing and various other activities and enjoy the endless beaches.
Uncover the Military History at Salpalinja-Museum
Spend the night at Harju Manor in Virolahti, and remember to visit the Salpa Line, the largest construction project in Finland’s history. Learn more about its history at Virolahti Bunker Museum and the Salpa Line Museum in Miehikkälä. The area is also perfect for hiking and fat biking. Stop at Klamila harbor and treat yourself to a refreshing drink, the atmosphere of a summer harbor market and delicacies on the terrace.
Believe or not, the Finnish East Coast has plenty more to offer. Your next adventure is just around the corner! There are lots of other fun things to see and do. Let’s enjoy the summer!
Frequently asked Questions
How far is the East Coast of Finland from Helsinki
The east Coast of Finland is easy to reach by car. From Helsinki the driving distances are:
Helsinki-Kotka 130 km (1 h 20 mins)
Helsinki-Loviisa 90 km (1 h)
Helsinki-Hamina 140 km (1 h 30 mins)
How to get to the East Coast of Finland by bus and train?
It takes only about 90 minutes to get to the East Coast from Helsinki by buss. The busses take you to the center of Loviisa, Kotka and Hamina. You can also reach us by bus from Lappeenranta, Tampere, Lahti and Jyväskylä. Check the schedules at matkahuolto.fi/en.
You can get to Kotka also by train from several different cities. Take a train first to Kouvola and then a local train to Kotka. Timetables and tickets: vr.fi/en
Which towns are located on the East Coast of Finland?
We have six towns in our region, the East Coast of Finland. Due to the fact that Finland is a bilingual country, some tows have also names in Swedish, so don’t let that confuse you. The towns from west to east (and their Swedish names are Loviisa (Lovisa), Pyhtää (Pyttis), Kotka, Hamina (Fredrikshamn), Virolahti (Vederlax) and Miehikkälä. Kotka is the biggest city, followed by Hamina and Loviisa, all three by the Baltic Sea.
How to fly to the East Coast of Finland?
The main airport in Finland, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is about an hour’s drive west of our region. You can also fly to a smaller airport in Lappeenranta(opens into a new window) north of our region and rent a car to explore the region. Sometimes this small airport has some good bargains!
There are car rentals and taxi services at the airports. Parking in our region is almost invariably free of charge. From the ParkMan app, you can conveniently check available parking spaces and pay for your parking.
How to get to the East Coast of Finland by boat?
The Kotka-Hamina region also invites tourists arriving by boat. Our seaside towns have guest marinas with many services for boaters. Also sea cruises are organized to Kotka and Hamina harbors annually during summer months. The Port of HaminaKotka allows the docking of big cruise ships and tours are orgainzed for the travelers arriving at harbors.
Where to Find Tourist Information on the East Coast of Finland?
Here(opens into a new window)(opens into a new window) are brochures and maps to help you get around. You can also call(opens into a new window)(opens into a new window) or email(opens into a new window)(opens into a new window) our tourist information service and pick up more brochures at these locations around are region:
- Maritime Centre Vellamo, Tornatorintie 99, Kotka(opens into a new window)(opens into a new window)
- Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone, Keskuskatu 21, Kotka(opens into a new window)(opens into a new window)
- Infopoint Ruori, Keskuskatu 6, Kotka(opens into a new window)(opens into a new window)
- Maretarium, Sapokankatu 2, Kotka(opens into a new window)(opens into a new window)
- Spahotel Hamina, Sibeliuskatu 32, Hamina(opens into a new window)(opens into a new window)
- Miehikkälä Salpa Line Museum, Säästöpirtintie 70, Miehikkälä(opens into a new window)(opens into a new window)
- Laivasailta, Laivasilta 11, Loviisa
- Loviisa Camping, Kapteenintie 1, Loviisa
- Strömfors Ironworks, Ruukintie 11, Ruotsinpyhtää
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