City: Kymenlaakso
Top Things to do in Kymenlaakso
What to do and see in Kymenlaakso, Finland: The Best Places and Tips
Kymenlaakso (literally Kymi Valley) (Swedish: Kymmenedalen) is a region in Finland. It borders to the regions Uusimaa, Päijänne Tavastia, Southern Savonia and South Karelia. Its name means literally The Valley of River Kymijoki. Kymijoki is one of the biggest rivers in Finland with a drainage basin with 11% of the area of Finland. The city of Kotka with 55,000 inhabitants is located at the delta of River Kymijoki and has the most important import harbour in Finland. Other cities are Kouvola further in the inland which has after a municipal merger 88,000 inhabitants and the old bastion town Hamina.
Restaurants in Kymenlaakso
1. Repovesi National Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By KLsWanderlust - Houston, Texas
I have never walked in a forest so wild and wonderful. Stone outcrops, lakes and streams, utter silence or just the sound of the wind in the trees. Absolutely wonderful! We saw many birds and butterflies and I was mesmerized by the echoing of the cuckoo calls through the trees. Bliss! Some areas are being 'maintained' ... harvested. Bring your wonder and your stamina as there are long trails and much to see and enjoy.
2. Sapokka Water Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By niinan2 - Nurmijarvi, Finland
A nice city park in Kotka. There are lots of places you can sit and admire the lush green park or just walk around it. There is also a waterfall. The rhododendrons and azaleas will bloom in the end of June and they are just beautiful.
3. Maritime Centre Vellamo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By Maari100 - Helsinki
This is a very modern building in Kotka. The exhibition is very nicely prepared and tells about the sea/maritime history, our ships, travelling by boat, big sailing boats whatever. There is also a Kymenlaakso museum and a good museum store and excellent restaurant with perfect sea view
4. Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By lmsk2014 - Helsinki, Finland
The fishing lodge is situated amidst breathtakingly beautiful nature: forest, white rapids...
The imperial fishing lodge itself is a beautiful wooden building - with associated buildings such as a chapel and a warden' lodgings, all very charming. You can take a walk on the grounds, enjoy the amazing nature, sit down for a coffee (there are two cafes) - and have a relaxed time.
You only need to pay entrance for the actual fishing lodge, otherwise you can walk about for free of charge!
5. Katariina Seaside Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By J J A - Turku, Finland
The newest one of the many parks in Kotka. The area used to be in control of oil industry, ugly and with restricted access. After the old industry area was demolished and cleaned it has been renovated into into a great and beautiful recreational area. It's still under development and there's something new being constructed here all the time.
There's something for everyone. Playgrounds for kids with lots of different stuff, skate park, ruins of historical fort, Gardens, fitness equipment, many good places for grilling / picnic etc...
It's usually windy so take enough clothes.
6. Kouvola Model Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
The largest model railroad exhibition in Finland with engines using real whistling sounds. The museum also features a wooden steam train, one of the three existing trains with Masson engine, running through 3 rooms on rails over 2.5 meters high! Visitors have an opportunity to act as engineers for the model trains, and see the development of railroad history. The cafe Onkapannu has always fresh ground coffee and delicious pastries. Museum is loca- ted right next to the railway station
Reviewed By JariJK - Kouvola, Finland
Kouvola Model Railroad Museum is situated in the city center, only 100 meters from the railway station, in an old wooden school building (built in 1897). However, it may be a bit difficult to find it, because the entrance is from the inner ward of a block.
This is a wonderful place to see interesting model Railways. Children may hold the steering-wheel of trains or even run her or his own engine on the track.
There is also a cafe named Onkapannu in the same building. You get coffee, tea, homemade pastries, sandwiches and salty pastries there.
7. World Heritage Site - Verla Groundwood and Board Mill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
You can visit Verla Groundwood and Board Mill is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: 2 May - 30 September Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00 From midsummer until the end of July open daily 10:00-18:00. (Closed in midsummer on Friday and Saturday.) Guided tours only: Tours in Finnish begin every hour on the hour. The last tour of the day is at 17:00 or 18:00. Tours in other languages (swedish, english, german, russian) are available by arrangement. Admission: Adults € 10 Concessions € 8 Groups (min. 20 persons) € 8/ person Children under 18 free entrance.
Reviewed By Pepromene - Helsinki, Finland
Verla was simply amazing. Situated by beautiful lakes and rapids, this late 19h century industrial milieu has frozen in time and offered our family a truly special journey to the beginning of industrial revolution. There are also arts and crafts stores, a wine and cider store, a bread store which were very nice. The exhibition with a one-hour guided tour was very good. An ideal place for a day trip.
8. Tykkimaki Amusement Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By Eric_PAQUAY - Helsinki
Tykkimaki is an familial amusement park. Mostly designed for young children. Several rides for teenagers are available, but don't expect the super-duper-roller-coaster that will make you throw-away.
It's quite, and queues are nearly inexistant (yes, a dream today !!!).
Some attractions will bring back some souvenirs to the parents who will recognise refurbished ones from Linnanmaki (Helsinki).
The park is clean, and secure. With a good weather, you (and your kids) won't regret the day.
9. Kotka Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
10. Sibelius Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By mishmishapricot - Casablanca, Morocco
Every town in Finland seems to have a Sibelius Park and Kotka is no exception. Kotka's park has been renovated recently to adhere to the original plans and to allow it better to cope with the crowds of "Meripaiva" (the sea festival). It's a popular place with locals and the day we went, there were many people around taking advantage of some sun after some grey days.
There is a famous sculpture on a large column in the central part of the park called “Kotkat” (Eagles) by Jussi Mäntynen. "Kotka" is "Eagle" in Finnish. Another thing we didn't miss was the part of the park down by Kirkkokatu where part of an old cobbled road was rediscovered. It has been repaired and there are some interesting noticeboards giving the history of the area. There's also an old well at the far corner from the cobbles that has been reconstructed after excavations found the opening that had been covered.
The park is relatively small, but there's lots of history here. We had a nice time simply sitting there for a while and Reading the notices and looking at the features mentioned above. It's certainly worth a visit during a day's exploration of the city. Now that the park is part of the "Sculpture Promenade" (Veistospromenadi) it makes sense to take in all of the attractions (including here) along the route of the Promenade which is what we did.
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