The Historic Kymi River

The Kymi River has acted as a border river on several occasions. Sometimes our area was under Swedish rule and sometimes under Russian. This has brought quite a variety of important figures to the shores of the Kymi River, from the King of Sweden to the Tsars of Russia.

Have you ever stopped to think why there is a village called Pyhtää on the east side of the western branch of Kymi River and a village called Ruotsinpyhtää (Swedish Pyhtää) on the west side? Yes – you guessed right. In the beginning, they were the same area, but under the Peace of Turku in 1743 the border between Russia and Sweden separated the regions. Discover this area more in the Strömfors Ironworks and in Stockfors.

Strömfors Ironworks is one of the oldest ironworks in Finland. In 1695, the ’free lord’ Johan Creutz founded the first blacksmith’s workshop in the village of Petjärvi. The location along the westernmost branch of Kymi River was chosen since the water power of the rapids provided an abundant driving force in all seasons. In addition, there were extensive forest areas nearby. The setting created by the past generations has remained almost unchanged to the modern day, as a strongly distinctive, attractive entity.

Choose the peace of the wilderness, the exciting landscapes of flowing water, adventures in the heart of nature, kayaking, fishing, rapids swimming, or rafting. Or maybe even all of this?

Discover untamed rapids and tributaries. Let nature’s diverse works of art amaze you. Then smell the intoxicating roar of the touch or the peace of water flowing like a smooth ribbon.

The Kymi River, which have witnessed significant turning points in the history, flows down to the Eastern Gulf of Finland with five branches. Large parts of the river have remained natural while the landscapes vary from wilderness nature to grain fields and rural village sceneries.

Visit the wonderful parks and nature reserves along the Kymi River and get to know the history of the region. For fishermen and those looking for new experiences, the Kymi River is a treasure trove, because where else in Southern Finland can you go both rafting and salmon fishing?

The versatile Kymi River offers something for everyone. Enjoy a relaxing picnic day at Siikakoski Rapids Park, visit the imperial fishing lodge, bike along the rapids, paddle by Strömfors’ ironworks scenery, or try salmon fishing or rafting.

Discover the imperial atmosphere of Langinkoski

The Emperor of Russia to be, Alexander III, chose Langinkoski as his vacation spot. At the imperial fishing lodge, salmon were caught and atmospheric dinners were held. Today, the fishing lodge functions as a museum and is part of the National Museum of Finland.

Be enchanted by both the original historical appearance and the unique museum area. Choose the most charming souvenirs from the museum shop for yourself or as a gift. In the Langinkoski nature reserve, you can go on a refreshing nature trip just five kilometres from the centre of Kotka. The area around the rapids is also a permanent favourite of fly fishermen.

Take in the River Kymi’s sparkling rapids and beautiful riverside environment, or hike or cycle the nature reserve’s trails. If you’re looking for the perfect fishing spot, why not try your luck from the long casting piers at Siikakoski.

Riverside Parkjust like a Monet!

In the river park you’ll find yourself in the middle of a painting by the French impressionist Claude Monet! The handsome granite walls, water pools and spectacular plants of the park located in Karhula, Kotka, form a wonderful whole and have received several awards. Jokipuisto is a great place for a picnic and its playground attracts children of different ages to play.

Sail from sea to river

Take a river cruise and spend a unique summer day in wonderful scenery! On the same trip, experience the award-winning parks, the open seascape, the green riverside landscapes of the Kymi River. With Meriset, you can cruise from Kotkansaari’s Sapokka marina through the seascapes, along the river to the riverside park Jokipuisto and back. Alternatively, you can easily get to Langinkoski aboard the Tuula ship from Katariina Seaside Park.