{"id":110,"date":"2026-09-01T13:37:52","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T10:37:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kymenmatkat.fi\/en\/?post_type=km_tour&p=110"},"modified":"2026-09-01T13:46:17","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T10:46:17","slug":"finnish-coastal-life-kymijoki-river-rakinkotka-island","status":"publish","type":"km_tour","link":"https:\/\/www.kymenmatkat.fi\/en\/journeys\/finnish-coastal-life-kymijoki-river-rakinkotka-island\/","title":{"rendered":"Finnish Coastal Life \u2013 Kymijoki River & Rakinkotka Island"},"content":{"rendered":"
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About the journey<\/p>\t\t\t

Finnish Coastal Life \u2013 Kymijoki River & Rakinkotka Island<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Rakinkotka Island \u2013 experience Finnish island life.\u00a0From the River Kymijoki, our journey continues to the archipelago of Hamina and Rakinkotka \u2013 a beautiful 27-hectare nature island surrounded by the waters of the Eastern Gulf of Finland.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Stay overnight on a Finnish island<\/h2>\n

One of the best ways to experience Rakinkotka is to stay overnight.<\/p>\n

Individual log cabins offer accommodation surrounded by forest and sea, allowing us to enjoy the island long after the day\u2019s activities have ended. In summer, the long Nordic evenings and changing light over the Baltic Sea create a particularly beautiful atmosphere.<\/p>\n

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

Sauna, swimming and life by the sea<\/h2>\n

Rakinkotka has several traditional Finnish saunas, including wood-heated seaside saunas and a smoke sauna.<\/p>\n

After the heat of the sauna, we can cool down outside or swim directly in the sea from the island\u2019s sandy beach. A hot tub overlooking the maritime landscape offers another way to relax and enjoy the surroundings.<\/p>\n

For international visitors, this is an opportunity to experience Finnish sauna culture where it belongs \u2013 surrounded by nature and water.<\/p>\n

Explore the island<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The waters around Rakinkotka also provide excellent opportunities for fishing, while birdwatching is particularly rewarding during the great Arctic bird migration.<\/p>\n

Those looking for something more playful can add seasonal activities or one of the island\u2019s Viking-themed experiences to their programme.<\/p>\n

Local flavours from the archipelago<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Rather than simply visiting the archipelago, Rakinkotka gives us time to stay, eat, relax and experience life surrounded by the Baltic Sea.<\/p>\n

An island powered by nature<\/h2>\n

Rakinkotka\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

It is a fitting philosophy for a place where the greatest luxury is ultimately very simple \u2013 nature, space, silence and time.<\/p>\n

Combine your journey with Finland\u2019s East Coast<\/h2>\n

Finnish Coastal Life can be enjoyed as a three-day experience or included in a longer tailor-made journey through Finland.<\/p>\n

Combine your stay with Beyond Helsinki \u2013 Discover Finland\u2019s East Coast<\/strong> to explore Kotka and Hamina, Alvar Aalto architecture, award-winning parks, maritime history and more of the Eastern Gulf of Finland.<\/p>\n

Or begin your journey in Helsinki before leaving the city behind for the rivers, forests and islands of Southeastern Finland.<\/p>\n

Tailor your journey<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Example itinerary<\/p>\t\t\t

3 Days | Finnish Coastal Life \u2013 Kymijoki River & Rakinkotka Island<\/h2>\n\t\t\t

Day 1: Helsinki \u2013 River Kymijoki | Into Finnish Nature<\/h3>\n

We leave Helsinki and travel east towards the River Kymijoki, one of the great rivers of Southern Finland.<\/p>\n

Here, forests, river channels and rushing rapids create a landscape that has shaped life in Southeastern Finland for centuries. We explore the riverside surroundings and hear stories of the river, its salmon and the important role the Kymijoki has played in the life of the region.<\/p>\n

Depending on the season and interests of the group, we can include an easy nature walk, fishing or another outdoor experience by the river.<\/p>\n

After our day by the Kymijoki, we continue towards Hamina and settle into our accommodation for the evening.<\/p>\n

Day 2: Hamina Archipelago \u2013 Rakinkotka Island | Finnish Island Life<\/h3>\n

After breakfast, we head towards the coast and take a short boat journey to Rakinkotka, a beautiful 27-hectare nature island in the Hamina archipelago.<\/p>\n

Once on the island, we leave everyday life behind. Forests, rocky shores and views across the Eastern Gulf of Finland surround us as we discover the island and its atmospheric old-style archipelago village.<\/p>\n

We can explore the island along its nature trail, visit the birdwatching tower and enjoy the peaceful coastal landscape. Those looking for a more active experience can add fishing or other seasonal outdoor activities to the day.<\/p>\n

Later, we experience one of Finland\u2019s most treasured traditions \u2013 a wood-heated seaside sauna. Those who wish can cool down with a swim in the sea and simply enjoy the tranquillity of the island.<\/p>\n

As evening arrives, we have time to relax and enjoy life surrounded by the Baltic Sea.<\/p>\n

Tonight, we stay on Rakinkotka in traditional log accommodation close to the sea.<\/p>\n

Day 3: Rakinkotka | A Slow Morning by the Baltic Sea \u2013 Helsinki<\/h3>\n

There is no need to hurry this morning.<\/p>\n

We wake up surrounded by the peaceful nature of the Finnish archipelago and have free time to enjoy the island. Take a walk along the shore, watch the birds, sit by the sea or simply enjoy the silence and fresh air.<\/p>\n

Later, we leave Rakinkotka by boat and return to the mainland, where our driver is waiting for us.<\/p>\n

We then begin our journey back to Helsinki, taking with us a glimpse of something very Finnish \u2013 life shaped by forests, water, sauna, islands and the changing seasons.<\/p>\n

Thank you for visiting Finland \u2013 kiitos k\u00e4ynnist\u00e4nne ja tavataan pian uudelleen!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\tTailor your journey<\/a>\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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What\u2019s included<\/p>

What\u2019s Included:<\/h2>

Each itinerary is individually designed, but your programme may include:<\/p><\/header>\n\t\t

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  • Accommodation in carefully selected hotels<\/li>
  • Daily breakfast<\/li>
  • Private airport and destination transfers<\/li>
  • Private coach transportation throughout the tour<\/li>
  • Professional English-speaking guide<\/li>
  • Entrance fees according to the programme<\/li>
  • Ferry crossings and island transportation<\/li>
  • Selected cruises and sightseeing tours<\/li>
  • Authentic Finnish experiences and activities<\/li>
  • 24\/7 local assistance throughout your journey<\/li><\/ul><\/article>\n\t\t\t
    \uff0b<\/span>

    What is not included<\/h3>
    • International or domestic flights (unless requested)<\/li>
    • Travel insurance<\/li>
    • Meals and beverages not specified in the programme<\/li>
    • Personal expenses<\/li>
    • Optional activities and excursions<\/li>
    • Gratuities<\/li>
    • Any services not specifically listed in the final itinerary<\/li><\/ul><\/article>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Experience Finnish coastal life by the River Kymijoki and on Rakinkotka Island \u2013 nature, log cabins, seaside saunas, fishing and the Finnish archipelago.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":111,"template":"","km_collection":[17,24],"km_destination":[],"km_season":[],"km_feature":[],"class_list":["post-110","km_tour","type-km_tour","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","km_collection-finnish-archipelago-escape","km_collection-summer-nights-in-finland"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t