Kotka is a coastal town and municipality in southeastern Finland, located in the Kymenlaakso region at the mouth of the Kymi River where it meets the Gulf of Finland. The name "Kotka" means "eagle" in Finnish, reflected in its coat of arms featuring a golden eagle. With a population of approximately 50,157 as of mid-2025, it ranks as the 21st most populous municipality in Finland and serves as a major port and industrial hub. The town spans islands like Kotkansaari and Hovinsaari, and is part of the Kotka-Hamina sub-region with around 79,000 residents. Known for its maritime heritage, award-winning parks, and cultural diversity, Kotka blends industrial activity with natural beauty and tourism, attracting visitors for its seaside charm and historical sites.
The center of Kotka is located on Kotkansaari. Another important
center is the former church village of Kymi parish and the center of
the Karhula town, which now belongs to the Karhula and Helilä
districts. The most significant apartment building suburbs are
Karhuvuori in the west and Sunila in the east. Kotka's city center
is divided into town districts. Outside the city center, there are
mostly rural, unplanned villages. Kotka has a land area of 277.77
square kilometers, of which 5.82 square kilometers are inland
waterways. The sea area is 671.99 square kilometers. The cityscape
of Kotka is characterized by the broken coast of the Gulf of Finland
with its archipelagos and the mouths of the Kymijoki River. The
largest of the islands are Mussalo, Kirkonmaa, Kuutsalo and
Kotkansaari. The outer archipelago of the Gulf of Finland is the
Haapasaari archipelago. Hovinsaari and Kolkansaari are peninsulas
protruding into the sea between the mouths of the Kymijoki River,
which can also be considered as islands, as the Kymijoki River
separates them from the mainland.
The Kymijoki river flows
into the sea as three branches in the city area, from west to east
listed Langinkoskenhaara, Huumanhaara and Korkeakoskenhaara.
Hovinsaari lies between Langinkoski and Huumanhaara and Kolkansaari
between Huuman- and Korkeakoskenhaara. There are several rapids in
the Kymijoki area in the Kotka area. The largest free-flowing rapids
are Pernoonkoski, Langinkoski, Siikakoski and Kultaankoski.
Hydropower plants have been built in Korkeakoski and Koivukoski.
There are only two small lakes in Kotka, about one kilometer in
diameter, and some ponds about 300 meters in diameter. Lake
Laajakoskenjärvi next to the Pernoonhaara of the Kymijoki River was
originally a river cove. As a result of the clearing and
straightening of Laajakoski and the consequent lowering of the water
level, it is now separated from the river by a narrow tributary.
Lake Rapakivenjärvi on the border of Kotka and Kouvola is an almost
overgrown lake, located along the branch of the ancient Kymijoki
River that led to the present Nummenjoki River. Laajakoskenjärvi and
Rapakivenjärvi belong to Natura 2000 areas.
The highest point
of Kotka is Suurivuori, located near the Hamina border, at an
altitude of 87 meters above sea level. Other high points are the
Kymi airport area (about 72 meters) and Pernoon Haukkavuori (69.1
meters). The bedrock is mostly rapa rock. On the east side of the
Kymijoki River there is a partly intermittent longitudinal ridge.
Along the Kymijoki and Nummenjoki rivers there is flat clay and
former marshes that have been cleared into fields. The most
significant of the natural marshlands is Mustanjärvensuo, located
near the border with Pyhtää, which belongs to Valkmusa National
Park.
The climate is particularly affected by the Gulf of
Finland near the coast, as a result of which the southern parts of
the city have features of a maritime climate. In the northern parts
of the city, the climate is already much more continental.
Kotka's history traces back to its establishment in 1878 when the Senate of the Grand Duchy of Finland separated the islands of Kotkansaari and Hovinsaari from the Kymi parish, granting it town charter on July 16, 1879. Previously part of the Kymi parish, the area saw early industrialization in the 19th century, with paper and pulp mills becoming key. During the Crimean War, the Kotka bridge was burned in 1855 amid naval conflicts in the Gulf of Finland. Swedish was the official language until 1902, with bilingual status until 1906; the Swedish-speaking minority has dwindled from 16% in the 1890s to about 1% today. Notable events include the Second All-Russian Conference of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party held there in 1907. Post-WWII, Kotka incorporated areas like Karhula and grew as an industrial center, though population has declined since the 1980s due to migration to Helsinki and factory restructurings. Recent developments emphasize tourism and sustainability, preserving sites like historic bunkers and Viking-era remnants in the region.
Kotka's economy is rooted in industry and maritime trade, with paper and pulp mills as longstanding pillars. Major employers include the City of Kotka, Kymsote (social and health services), and Steveco, a logistics firm. The Port of Kotka is a vital seaport handling Finnish and Russian trade, supporting global logistics via routes like the Finland Express (FLX) connecting to ports such as Bremerhaven and Hamburg. In 2004, social services (31.7%) and industry (21.9%) were top sectors. Unemployment has been a challenge, peaking at 22.2% in 2015 but improving with diversification into tourism and services. Municipal finances in 2006 showed expenditures over €370 million and an 18.75% income tax rate. Recent initiatives focus on green industries and efficient port operations to adapt to economic shifts.
Kotka excels in tourism with its maritime and natural offerings,
drawing visitors to its award-winning parks and cultural sites.
Key attractions include the Maritime Centre Vellamo, housing the
Maritime Museum of Finland, Museum of Kymenlaakso, and Coast Guard
Museum, with exhibits on seafaring history and an auditorium. The
Maretarium Aquarium displays over 60 Finnish fish species, complete with
a nature school and café. The Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge, built
in 1889 for Emperor Alexander III, offers insights into imperial history
amid scenic rapids. Parks are a highlight: Sapokka Watergarden features
water features and lighting; Katariina Seaside Park spans 20 hectares
with recreational areas and miniature lighthouses; Sibelius Park and
Isopuisto provide green spaces; and the Sculpture Promenade is Finland's
largest outdoor gallery. The Kymi River deltas and Eastern Gulf
archipelago enable boating, paddling, and island exploration. Annual
events like the Kotka Maritime Festival and the recent Waves! Festival
(a light show transforming the city) add vibrancy.
Seasonal
activities include summer festivals, autumn foliage viewing, and winter
outdoor pursuits. Practical info: Book experiences via local sites, with
the region offering historic buildings, alleys, and countryside in
nearby Pyhtää and Virolahti.
Kotka's culture reflects its coastal and diverse roots, with 88% Finnish speakers, 5.2% Russian, 1% Swedish, and others including Ukrainian and Estonian; over 30 languages are spoken, and immigration (11% foreign background) exceeds the national average. Religion: 59.9% Evangelical Lutheran, 37.2% unaffiliated. Lifestyle emphasizes nature and community, with residents enjoying parks, riverside walks, and seasonal events. Traditional foods include Baltic herring, salmon soup, and local pies. Sports thrive, with KTP football club (multiple championships) and KTP-Basket in top leagues; rugby and other activities add variety. The town promotes bilingual education and cultural events, fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Recent snapshots show autumn colors, sunny harbor views, and community gatherings, highlighting a relaxed yet active lifestyle amid Finland's east coast charm.