Relax in the summer paradise of Kaunissaari

Make the most of the summer on Kaunissaari. Since the 1950s, the summer paradise of Pyhtää Kaunissaari has attracted sun worshipers and sea adventurers looking to enjoy the island atmosphere. Its long sandy beaches, peaceful pine trees and picturesque fishing villages will charm all visitors.

Enjoy the legendary fish soup for lunch at restaurant Kaunissaaren Maja, hike in the island’s wonderful nature, dip from the warm sandy beaches into the sparkling sea and take the chance to listen to top artists in Cafe Mustikka at Kaunissaaren Lomamökit (holiday cottages). In both places, you can fill your stomach and stay in comfort overnight. If you’re still up for singing, at Maja’s karaoke night you can set your inner artist free in the sweet seascapes of the Finnish summer. The busiest time on the island is in the summer months, but if you come in May or September, you can easily find a quiet jetty for some island atmosphere, and you might even get to watch the local storks and otters frolicking. It is worth booking accommodation for several nights at once, because the charm of Kaunissaari is irresistible.

You can go to Kaunissaari from the Kotka Kuusinen harbour by ferry all year around or from Kotka Sapokka by taxi boat or by locally run cruises. In addition, the traditional sailing ship Österstjernan sails to Kaunissaari from the Loviisa Laivasilta area.

Discover Haapasaari - in the middle of the sea

Disembark onto the double horseshoe-shaped island of fur seals, maritime surveillance and harbour pilots in the sheltered natural harbour of Kylänlahti, around which an idyllic fishing village sleeps in a timeless atmosphere. In front of Finland’s smallest cooperative store, which has been serving the island since 1907, summer guests can have a coffee while the boats come and go, enjoying the summer without a care. You can also easily reach Haapasaari by connecting ferry from Kotka’s Kuusinen harbour or by locally run cruises from Kotka’s Sapokka.