Helsinki -Kotka-Hamina

Travel program

Day 1 | Arrival Helsinki (L)

Welcome to Helsinki – the capital of Finland! Meet and greet your guide at arrival hall, proceed to your bus (short walk) and transfer to Helsinki city centre.
Guided city tour in Helsinki
A walking tour of Helsinki is a fantastic way to explore the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Tour includes all the main attractions; Senate Square, Market Square, Uspenski Cathedral, Esplanadi Park, Desing District, Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church), Kamppi Chapel of Silence, Helsinki Central Library Oodi. Helsinki has over 600 Art Nouveau buildings, making it a treasure trove for architecture enthusiasts.
Lunch break included. Guided tour by ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. Suomenlinna, originally named Sveaborg, was constructed in the mid-18th century by the Swedish to protect against Russian expansion. It later fell under Russian control and eventually became part of Finland. Suomenlinna is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique military architecture and historical importance. The fortress spans six islands and showcases a blend of Swedish, Russian, and Finnish influences. Suomenlinna is not just a tourist attraction; it is also a vibrant residential district with over 300 homes. The community includes a school, daycare centre, library, and various services, making it a unique living environment.

Overnight in Helsinki.

Day 2 | Loviisa – Kotka (B/L)

Today starts with heading east from Helsinki with bus and guide. The first stop in Malmgård Mansion in Loviisa. Mansion offers a unique blend of historical charm, architectural beauty, and sustainable farming practices. Malmgård dates to the early 17th century and has been owned by the Creutz family for 13 generations. The two-storey building is constructed from uncovered brick and boasts sumptuous wall and ceiling paintings in various historical styles. Malmgård Estate is known for its organic farming practices. It was one of the first certified organic farms in Finland, specializing in organic flours, ales, and other local foods. The mansion is a private home but welcomes pre-booked visitors from May through September. The estate shop and brewery pub are open year-round, offering beer tastings and light meals. Next stop is in Strömfors Ironworks village, one of the best-preserved ironworks communities in Finland. Established in the 17th century, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s industrial heritage. Strömfors is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, making it a great destination for nature lovers. Lunch break in Strömfors.

Tour continues to Langinkoski, Imperial Fishing Lodge: One of the most notable attractions built for Emperor Alexander III of Russia in the late 19th century. The lodge, designed by architect Magnus Schjerfbeck, served as a summer retreat for the imperial family. Today, it is a museum where visitors can explore the well-preserved interiors and learn about the history of the Russian imperial family.

Overnight in Kotka

Day 3 | Kotka (B/L)

Kotka is renowned for its beautiful and diverse parks, each offering unique experiences for visitors. Today we make guided walking park tour in Kotka and get to know more of award-winning city parks. Merikeskus Vellamo is a maritime center and is named after Vellamo, the goddess of water and the sea in Finnish mythology. Vellamo houses several museums, including the Finnish Maritime Museum, the Kymenlaakso Museum, and the Coast Guard Museum. These museums showcase Finland’s maritime history, regional heritage, and the history of the Finnish Coast Guard. The building itself is an architectural marvel, designed to resemble a wave. Its modern design and spacious interiors provide a unique setting for the exhibitions. Visitors can explore historic ships docked at the center, such as the icebreaker Tarmo and the patrol boat Telkkä.

EXTRA OPTION: Sunila is a historic industrial community located in Kotka, Finland, designed by the renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. Sunila was developed between 1936 and 1939 as a pulp mill and residential area. It represents one of Alvar Aalto’s largest and most comprehensive projects. The area is known for its modernist architecture, which includes the pulp mill, residential buildings, and various community facilities. Aalto’s design integrates the industrial and residential areas harmoniously with the surrounding natural landscape. Today, Sunila is protected by law due to its architectural and historical significance. The residential buildings include a mix of single-room and two-room apartments, with amenities that were considered advanced for their time.
Overnight in Kotka.

Day 4 | Hamina-Porvoo-Helsinki (B/L)

Hamina is only 30 km away from Kotka, but totally different with unique circular town plan. This design is based on Central European and Italian Renaissance concepts and is centred around the star-shaped fortress. Guided walking old town tour will talk more about Hamina’s historical charm and culture as military town. Visit in the Salpalinja Museum, a fascinating military history museum located in Miehikkälä. The museum is dedicated to the Salpa Line; a defensive fortification built during World War II to protect Finland from potential Soviet invasion. The Salpa Line is one of the largest construction projects in Finnish history. The Salpa Line was never used in combat, as the front lines did not reach the area due to the truce of September 5, 1944, and the Moscow Armistice of September 19, 1944. The museum is set in a scenic area with rocky terrain and lush forests, making it a great destination for nature lovers as well.

The lunch and beer tasting will be in Takatalo & Tompuri Brewery local farm. Takatalo & Tompuri prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients. The barley and oats used in their beers are grown on their own fields, and the water comes from their own well. They also smoke some of their malt using a traditional cold smoking process. The brewery produces a variety of craft beers, with a focus on lagers. Their beers are known for their high quality and unique flavors, which reflect the local terroir. Some of their popular beers include Kaski Pils and various smoked beers. The brewery emphasizes sustainable practices, from growing their own grains to using renewable energy sources. This commitment to sustainability is a core part of their operations. On the way back to Helsinki, could be a stop in Porvoo Old Town for shopping and walking. The guide talks more about Porvoo history and gives some time to explore the town yourself.

Overnight in Helsinki

Day 5 | Departure (B) 

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer back to Helsinki airport.

Note: program indicative, activity days may vary. 

B=Breakfast | L=Lunch | D=Dinner