Tame the rugged Rankki of the Kotka archipelago

If you want to know what the wellknown marine weather statement ”Kotka, Rankki - thin high clouds” means, or you simply want to explore one of the most interesting islands in the Eastern Gulf of Finland, hop on a connecting ferry from Kotka’s Kuusinen harbour and set off on a trip to the diverse, naturally beautiful Rankki island, home to dozens of stories. Bask for the day on the glacier-smoothed rocks, fall in love with the soothing old stone cairns, explore the bunker of the retired military island and the tsarist-era wooden barracks, and wander the island’s nature trails. Rankki will fascinate both ordinary travellers and the country’s top celebrities who are said to vacation on the island. Stay in the former barracks, in a terraced apartment or ask about accommodation. In Rankki, you can take a sauna by the sea as well as have lunch in an authentic Finnish soldiers’ canteen ”Sotku”.

Relax like a local at Varissaari

How about a romantic picnic admiring the sunset, or a joyous day floating on a sauna raft and spending time on the terrace with Vaakku’s rich restaurant delicacies and almost 360 degree sea views? Varissaari, located right in front of Kotka, is a longterm local favourite for both purposes because of the short 15 minute trip that runs every hour.

Tour the Varissaari nature trail and learn about the history of the island in the Svensksund Pavilion. Varissaari, once called Fort Elisabeth, together with the neighboring Kukouri (Fort Slava) Fortress Island, protected the Svensksund fortress city located on Kotkansaari. Some of the buildings and walls were already destroyed in the Crimean War, but the ramparts have been renovated in recent years.

Varissaari is quite the unique combination of history and relaxed summer vibes in landscapes where you can also enjoy snorkeling, beach volleyball and barbecuing.