Facts about Kotka
Kotka is a seaside town of 52 000 inhabitants in Kymenlaakso. Its rich history, unique attractions, beautiful nature, developed services and diverse leisure facilities make Kotka one of Finland’s most attractive cities for living and tourism.
- City status granted on 16.7.1879
- Total area 950 km²
- Surface area 272 km²
- Two centres: Kotkansaari and Karhula
- Nature: the Gulf of Finland and the River Kymijoki.
- Distances to Helsinki 136 km
- Length of coastline 170 km
- Number of islands 400
Kotka as a city
Kotka, a maritime city, is centrally located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland and in the Kymijoki River estuary. The city is known for its beautiful parks, industry and Maritime Days. Kotka is also a versatile school and cultural city. Kotka has around 53 000 inhabitants. Of Kotka’s population, just under 5 000 (9.3% of the population) are foreign-language speakers. After Finnish, the main language groups include Russian, Estonian, Arabic, Kurdish, Persian, Farsi, English, Somali, Turkish, Thai, Albanian and Tigrin. There are over 3 000 foreign nationals living in Kotka.
Find out more about Kotka and the Kotka region on visitkotkahamina!
Public transport in Kotka
Local transport
In Kotka you can easily get around by bus. In the Kotka region’s public transport, it is recommended that you pay for your journey primarily with a Waltti card or mobile ticket. If necessary, the trip can also be paid in cash.
Buses in the Kotka region use the Waltti card. The card is personal or holder-specific. Waltti travel cards are valid as a means of payment in public transport in the Kotka region on buses marked with Waltti symbols.
The Waltti Mobile app makes it easy to buy public transport tickets. The mobile ticket is either shown to the driver when you get on the bus or read by the card reader. The ticket displays a QR code and the remaining validity period. You can buy more than one ticket at a time. You can also use the app to access the route guide. The service locates your position and tells you the nearest lines, stops, routes and timetable information.
Long distance
You can buy long-distance bus tickets from Matkahuolto’s online shop, mobile app and Matkahuolto service points. You can buy train tickets from VR’s online shop or VR Mobile, from station ticket offices or ticket machines, from R-kiosks or travel agencies, and by phone from VR Customer Service.
Decision making
The decision-making power of the municipality is exercised by the council. The council decides on the long-term objectives of the municipality’s activities and finances in its municipal strategy. Councillors and deputy councillors are elected every four years in municipal elections. Citizens can participate and influence the city’s affairs by voting in these municipal elections. They can also take initiatives, answer questions, take part in debates and give feedback to officials.
Influence and participation
This article is still in the making, the content will be updated soon!
Welcome to make a difference, it is the right of every Kotka citizen!
Kotka’s urban strategy has set out a strategic focus on a Common Kotka, a city of doing things together and good-humoured encounters. A shared Eagle inspires action and supports the well-being of all. Effective opportunities for participation and influence play an important role in promoting well-being in Kotka.
The aim is that
– it is easy for residents to participate and take action on their own initiative
– the urban environment supports a sense of community
– lively and open dialogue between decision-makers, officials and residents
There are a number of measures to achieve these objectives and we are actively promoting new ways to get involved.
Please note! This page is machine translated. We apologise for any errors.