Finnish Coastal Life – Kymijoki River & Rakinkotka Island

Rakinkotka Island – experience Finnish island life. From the River Kymijoki, our journey continues to the archipelago of Hamina and Rakinkotka – a beautiful 27-hectare nature island surrounded by the waters of the Eastern Gulf of Finland.

The island is reached by a short boat journey from the mainland. Yet within minutes, the atmosphere changes completely. Forest, rocky shores and open sea replace roads and city life, creating a wonderful setting for experiencing the Finnish relationship with nature.

Rakinkotka has been developed as an atmospheric island village, with traditional log buildings and accommodation close to the shoreline. Some of the buildings date back to the 19th century, while others have been constructed using old timber and wood from the island itself.

Stay overnight on a Finnish island

One of the best ways to experience Rakinkotka is to stay overnight.

Individual log cabins offer accommodation surrounded by forest and sea, allowing us to enjoy the island long after the day’s activities have ended. In summer, the long Nordic evenings and changing light over the Baltic Sea create a particularly beautiful atmosphere.

The island can accommodate groups, making it an excellent addition to a tailor-made journey, private group tour or special-interest programme in Finland.

Sauna, swimming and life by the sea

Rakinkotka has several traditional Finnish saunas, including wood-heated seaside saunas and a smoke sauna.

After the heat of the sauna, we can cool down outside or swim directly in the sea from the island’s sandy beach. A hot tub overlooking the maritime landscape offers another way to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

For international visitors, this is an opportunity to experience Finnish sauna culture where it belongs – surrounded by nature and water.

Explore the island

A three-kilometre nature trail makes it easy to discover Rakinkotka on foot. Forest paths, coastal scenery and a birdwatching tower offer different perspectives on the island and the surrounding archipelago.

The waters around Rakinkotka also provide excellent opportunities for fishing, while birdwatching is particularly rewarding during the great Arctic bird migration.

Those looking for something more playful can add seasonal activities or one of the island’s Viking-themed experiences to their programme.

Local flavours from the archipelago

Food is an important part of island life. Meals can be prepared using fish from the surrounding waters, vegetables and other ingredients from the island and nearby producers.

Rather than simply visiting the archipelago, Rakinkotka gives us time to stay, eat, relax and experience life surrounded by the Baltic Sea.

An island powered by nature

Rakinkotka’s connection with nature extends beyond the landscape. The island produces its own energy using solar and wind power, while its buildings and development have been designed with respect for the traditional character of the archipelago.

It is a fitting philosophy for a place where the greatest luxury is ultimately very simple – nature, space, silence and time.

Combine your journey with Finland’s East Coast

Finnish Coastal Life can be enjoyed as a three-day experience or included in a longer tailor-made journey through Finland.

Combine your stay with Beyond Helsinki – Discover Finland’s East Coast to explore Kotka and Hamina, Alvar Aalto architecture, award-winning parks, maritime history and more of the Eastern Gulf of Finland.

Or begin your journey in Helsinki before leaving the city behind for the rivers, forests and islands of Southeastern Finland.

Tailor your journey

This journey can be adapted to your interests, schedule and group size. Choose a peaceful nature experience or add fishing, paddling and other seasonal outdoor activities.

Whether you come for the river, the sea, the sauna or simply the chance to slow down, we will create a journey that lets you experience Finnish coastal life in your own way.