www.kotka.fi/parks
Welcome to Kotka and its parks! The City of Kotka has been working in a determined manner to build its parks to a whole new standard. The Park to Park route of Kotkansaari, the centre of Kotka, encompasses two square kilometres of varied parks that are renowned throughout Finland. The parks included in this brochure are all individual in their own way and really worth a visit.
ern Kotka, the rapids of the river Kymijoki, the archipelago and the seascapes represent various aspects of natural sceneries in Kotka.
Kotka is also surrounded by a diverse natural environment. The wilderness areas of north-
Heikki Laaksonen Head of the Parks and Grounds Department
We hope that you enjoy your stay in Kotka and its parks!
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A Maritime Centre Vellamo
B Palotorninvuori Park
C Sibelius Park
D Sculpture Promenad
E Isopuisto Park
F Sapokka Water Garden
G Toivo Pekkanen Park
H Haukkavuori Lookout Tower
I Fuksinpuisto Park
J Herb Garden Redoubt
Further information on the parks of Kotka and their history is available on our website at www.kotka.fi/parks and www.facebook.com/Puistojen Kotka
ISOPUISTO PARK Ruotsinsalmenkatu 4
The oldest park in Kotka surrounds the Orthodox church of St Nicholas. The English-style landscape park is dominated by the terrain contours, magnificent trees and a diverse path network. In front of the church is an impressive planting area of over 1,000 square metres displaying especially perennials and bulb flowers.
SIBELIUS PARK Mariankatu 12
The Sibelius Park is an important meeting place of the people of Kotka, a “green living room” in the middle of Kotkansaari. Established in the 1930s, the Sibelius Park is a formal garden which is managed with a particularly caring hand.
Swimming Hall
RIVERSIDE PARK IN KARHULA KA
Water Tower
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ISOPUISTO PARK Maretarium
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Mansikkalahti Beach
Varissaari
Photos: Pekka Vainio Korppi Films Oy Anne Vilkki-Lanu Tarja Hernetkoski Heikki Laaksonen Text: Puistotoimi
Tourist Services in Kotka-Hamina Region info@kotkahamina.fi www.visitkotkahamina.fi +358 40 135 6588
Map: Seppo O. Vakkari / Printed by Painokotka Oy 2019
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KATARIINA SEASIDE PARK
PALOTORNINVUORI PARK Ruotsinsalmenkatu 23
The observation platform of the Palotorninvuori hill offers a great view over the Kantasatama Harbour, which houses Maritime Centre Vellamo and Finnish Wooden Boat Centre. The park has obtained its name from a fire lookout tower, which used to be located on the hill. The tower was destroyed by fire in 1911.
AWARD-WINNING PARKS 2015 Riverside Park – Environmental Structure of the Year 2012 Katariina Seaside Park – Environmental Structure of the Year – International Trend Award by the European Landscape Contractors Association (ELCA) 2004 Sculpture Promenade – Pro Sculptura medal 2001 Renovation of Linden Boulevard in Keskuskatu street – Environmental Structure of the Year 1996 Sapokka Water Garden – Best Stonework Project in Finland – Environmental Structure of the Year 1993 Sapokka Water Garden – Best Outdoor Lighting Project in Finland
SAPOKKA WATER GARDEN Tallinnankatu 11
The Sapokka Water Garden integrates the constructed environment into the natural surroundings in a superior manner. The Sapokka Water Garden has won more awards than any other park in Finland, and it offers many things to see in all seasons of the year. Interesting details and changing views beckon the visitors to come back again and again.
TOIVO PEKKANEN PARK Koulukatu 13
Park named after Toivo Pekkanen, the author who was born and raised in Kotka. In the spring, many cherry trees blossom in the park. The park is also part of the Sculpture Promenade.
FUKSINPUISTO PARK Puistotie 16 This small urban park is known especially for its large areas of planted azaleas. These originate from the trial planting by the University of Helsinki in 1996.
HERB GARDEN REDOUBT Haukkavuorenkatu 9
The Herb Garden was built in a fortress structure which used to be part of the Ruotsinsalmi fortress town that preceded the present Kotka. Almost 100 different herb and spice plants grow in the garden.
KATARIINA SEASIDE PARK Puistotie 32
The Katariina Seaside Park is a versatile park and recreation area converted from an oil harbour into a maritime green area. There are things to do and experience for people of all ages. The area also houses Fort Katariina, the central fortress of the former Ruotsinsalmi fortress town.
“Whoever has the sea, also has the sky.” Author Matti Paavilainen
RIVERSIDE PARK Urheilukatu 2
The modern urban park is located on the banks of the Korkeakoski branch of the river Kymijoki in Karhula. The heart of the park is a pond, where also waterlilies thrive.
KUMPAREPUISTO PARK Muuralankuja 57 The six-hectare open outdoor recreational area is located in eastern Kotka in Otsola. In the winter, the park offers the most popular sledging hill in the region.
Rhododendrons grow in the area between the Hiidenkirnuntie road and the hill.
SCULPTURE PROMENADE
This outdoor gallery in the heart of Kotka provides an opportunity to get to know versatile and high-quality sculpture art. Many of the approx. 30 artists represented in the Sculpture Promenade are among the foremost sculptors in Finland. The route of about four kilometres is marked on the map on the back cover.
NATIONAL URBAN PARK OF KOTKA
Park in the city, city in the park
The objective of national urban parks is to preserve the urban natural environment and constructed cultural environment as a comprehensive, harmonious whole. They are part of sustainable urban planning and building. The goal is to create a good, comfortable and safe living environment also for the future generations.
Scope about 2,675 hectares, of which 26% are land areas and 74% water areas.