Sea and archipelago

The sea is in the deepest roots of Kotka – its people love the sea! The wind brings the sense of the sea to many places even if you cannot actually see it. But the sea is also visible: The centre of Kotka together with many other parts of the town are built on islands. You get the best idea of this if you climb up the Haukkavuori Lookout Tower and have a look around you. And if you do not own a boat, you can sail on the sea from Sapokka. That is the starting point of the regular boat services to the islands of Varissaari, Lehmäsaari and Kaunissaari. Some of the islands are also accessible by regular boat services in the winter. Timetables of archipelago traffic are available at the City Tourist Service and at the Sapokka quay behind Cafeteria Tulikukko. You can also rent a boat.

Archipelago traffic

Regular boat traffic to archipelago leaves from Sapokka archipelago traffic quay. Timetables www.henriettamediat.fi/saaristoliikenne (texts in Finnish)

Varissaari – Fort Elisabeth 60˚26.8’ N / 26˚57.5’ E

On the island of Varissaari, you can see remains of fortresses from the era of the Ruotsinsalmi naval battles. The sea voyage to this island located right outside the centre of Kotka only takes about 10 minutes. In the summer, the vibrant island offers services which include a summer restaurant, a secluded beach, barbecue sites and a volleyball court. Regular boat traffic in summertime, other times by order.

Haapasaari

Island Haapasaari lies at about 1,5 hours' sea voyage from Kotka Sapokka harbour. There is a connection boat MS Tekla I year around. See timetables 2012.
In summertime also traffic onboard MS Kajava on Mon, Wed, Thu and Sat at 9 and back from the island at 13.15. Kajava traffic until 31 Aug 2012..

Kaunissaari island

Kaunissaari Island lies at about 1 hour's sea voyage from Kotka Sapokka harbour and it belongs to Pyhtää Municipality. Timetables for Kaunissaari