Home of Meripäivät, one of the largest annual festivals in Finland. Many comfortable parks for tourists enjoying outdoor activities. The sea plays a major role in local cuisine and sights. Had a rough weekend in Kotka during Meripäivät? Kotka is one of the few Finnish cities whose event has become a meme-worthy concept on social media. You can go on a trip to Kotka during Meripäivät (or “Maritime Days”) but the coastal city has a lot to offer at other times as well. On this holiday in Finland, OnniBus takes course towards a city that is all about the sea! Kotka with its slightly over 50,000 inhabitants may not be spoiled with size, but it boasts one of the largest festivals in Finland. At the end of July, the Kotka Meripäivät attracts more than 200,000 visitors to celebrate the city festival on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. It goes without saying, then, that considerable number of visitors arrive every year from outside Kotka specifically for this event. Not a big surprise because Meripäivät, which were held for the first time in 1962, have become an exceptionally well-established mass event. The event programme of Meripäivät could be described as the extreme application of the principle of "something for everyone" in practice. The opening parade launches a carnival-inspired celebration during which visitors can enjoy several concerts, the maritime market, sporting events, art exhibitions and other programmes. Although it is a Finnish joke that some people get a bit carried away with the celebrations during Meripäivät, the event also has a clear focus on attracting families with children. The Children's Maritime Days are part of an extended weekend event, and kids also get to enjoy all the festivities of the funfair open during the event. Kotka's marine spirit is evident and felt in more than just the city's most famous event. Kotka is the ideal destination for fish dishes, not only thanks to high-quality restaurants, but also due to the fish market held twice per year. Already had lunch but want to experience the sea from a different perspective? The Maritime Centre Vellamo, located in the mainport, offers an interactive museum experience full of viewing, listening and various games. Kotka is also a great destination for those looking for light exercise, as the city's many parks give opportunities for soothing outdoor activities. Perhaps the most atmospheric of the parks is the water park in Sapoka, the marina for visiting boats and yachts. Here, the full potential of water as an element is unleashed in ponds, streams, and in the elegant waterfall. After dusk, the park is one of Kotka's most romantic sites with great lighting setting up the mood, along with the sound of water flowing. In case Sapoka happens to be too crowded, you should also keep in mind other parks in Kotka, such as Sibelius Park and Isopuisto, meaning literally “big park” (it is 300 by 250 metres, give or take). OnniBus is the most comfortable way to travel to Kotka, one of the best Finnish coastal cities. Check out your calendar for a suitable day and book a trip to Kotka for a relaxing holiday!
