The Kymijoki river flows through our area into the sea with the strength of five forks. Each of them has its own unique delta that offers a great setting for nature experiences; whether you’re looking for peace and quiet, adventures amidst nature, fishing or watersports, you’re guaranteed to find it in the nooks and crannies of Kymijoki.
Kymijoki is the river mainstream of southern Finland that flows into the sea through five forks. Large parts of the river have remained in a natural state, and there is much to see and experience along its banks. The scenery varies from completely wild lands to grain fields and idyllic village landscapes. Along the banks lie impressive parks, nature reserves and many different layers of history. Everything is crowned by the mighty, foaming rapids.
As the river mainstream of southern Finland, Kymijoki was part of industrial development. Some of the rapids in the river were harnessed for energy production, which enabled industrial development along the riverbanks. Since the 1980s, the river has recovered for recreational use and water quality is high, which is exemplified by the natural proliferation of salmon and trout.
Kymijoki has served several times as a border river. At times we have been under Swedish rule and at times under Russian rule. This has brought many kinds of dignitaries to the banks of Kymijoki from the King of Sweden to the Tsars of Russia. There is a fishing hut in Langinkoski that was built for tsar Alexander III where the Imperial court spent its summers at the end of the 19th century.
Kymijoki is the most important salmon river in southern Finland. Thousands of fishers visit the river every year. The catch is good, and on a global scale, Kymijoki salmon are fairly large. Several different fishing zones have been created for fishers, equipped with different service structures. The best time for salmon fishing is August-September. At other times, one can catch fish like zander or pike.
There are also many areas suitable for canoeing and rafting. The most popular sites for rafting are the Pernoonkoski rapids and Hirvikoski. For touring canoeing, Kymijoki offers several impressive routes of different lengths. All routes are relatively easy, especially if one skips the largest rapids by carrying the canoe. You can embark on a canoeing trip on your own or by hiring a canoeing guide.
One can also run the rapids on inflatable rafts. There are several rafting companies operating along the river. They offer groups of customers an effortless way to experience the foaming rapids. The companies offer both short and long river trips that can be combined with other services such as meals or sauna. There is also an opportunity for guided rapids swimming.
The Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Hut is the most famous sightseeing destination along Kymijoki. It was built in the late 19th century at the request of the Tsar of Russia. Today, the fishing hut acts as a museum. The museum is surrounded by a nature reserve.
https://www.kansallismuseo.fi/fi/langinkoski
There are two fine parks along the river, of which the Karhula River Park has won several awards at various park contests. The River Park is also a Green Flag certified park. The Siikakoski Rapids Park, created in 2020, has a network of hiking routes snaking around the nature reserve in addition to the park areas.
The rapids of the Kymijoki downriver as a whole are a must-see sight. You can also explore the rapids along a cycling route that starts from Kotkansaari and circles through all the rapids. The length of the route is 24 km.
One way to enjoy the nature of Kymijoki is to wander along the shores of the river and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Everyman’s right is in effect in Finland, allowing free roaming in nature as long as no damages are caused and private property isn’t trespassed on.