Fall in love with the parks of Kotka. The Kotkansaari park trail is five kilometres long. You can pop into the parks you like, or travel the entire route on foot or by bike. The tour includes Sapokka Water Garden, Katariina Seaside Park, Sculpture Promenade, Haukkavuori Lookout Tower, Palotorninvuori Park, Mansikkalahti, Sibelius Park, and Herb Garden Redoubt Kotka.
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Sapokka Water Garden, nestled in Kotka, is a beloved oasis renowned for its water features, including streams, ponds, and a striking 20-meter waterfall. Bursting with life from spring to late autumn, the park showcases a vibrant display of tens of thousands of blooming bulbous plants and dazzling azaleas and rhododendrons in early summer. Its award-winning lighting creates a mesmerizing ambiance after sunset, making it a must-see for visitors all year round.
Located at the southern tip of Kotkansaari Island, Katariina Seaside Park is a versatile park and recreational area, bustling year-round. At the highest point lies Fort Katariina, the central fortress of the Svensksund fortress city, where Kotka city originated. Besides stunning cliffs and seascapes, the Seaside Park offers plenty to see and experience.
Complete with playgrounds, the park named after the famous Finnish composer has sophisticated design language, old trees and beautiful flower beds create a visual treat, and as you walk along the gravelled paths, you can image being in a bygone era. Sibelius Park is located at the start of Lehmuspromenadi, and is part of the Kotka Sculpture Promenade.
Looking for ideas you can use in your own garden? In that case, Fuksinpuisto is the place to see plants species and their varieties that are adapted for home gardens. The park is best known for its azaleas, which are at their most beautiful in early summer.
Isopuisto is the largest constructed park on Kotkansaari island, serving as a relaxed gathering spot for locals on warm summer evenings. Situated at the heart of Kotkansaari, it surrounds Kotka’s oldest building, the historic Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, which witnessed life during the Svensksund fortress city era.
Located within the restored, small fortress structure of Redutti-Kotka in Svensksund, the Herb Garden exudes an old-world ambiance. Explore around a hundred different herbs and medicinal plants, offering delights for all senses with their varied shapes, colors, and scents.
Palotorninvuori Park is named after the fire tower built in 1895, which burned down in August 1911. From the park’s observation deck, you can enjoy excellent views of Kotka’s legendary main harbor.
Riverside Park resembles a painting by Claude Monet, with its stunning lily ponds, and lush plantings. Ideal for picnics, its playground attracts children of all ages, while paved pathways ensure easy accessibility for all visitors.
Kotka’s newest addition, Whitewater Park, completed in 2020, showcases the stunning Kymi River rapids and scenic riverside landscapes. With long fishing piers, barbecue shelters, and Villa Munkholma café, it’s a dream destination for anglers.
The absolute best sledding spot is found in Kumparepuisto Park. Grab your sled and enjoy a hefty dose of winter fun!
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