Kymenlaakso - region of Finland
Kymenlaakso is a region in Southern Finland named after the valley of river Kymijoki.
Cities
Municipalities
Other destinations
National Parks
- [Repovesi National Park](http://www.nationalparks.fi/repovesinp). One of Southern Finland’s most popular hiking destinations.
- [Valkmusa National Park](http://www.nationalparks.fi/valkmusanp). Large mire landscape with plenty of birdwatching opportunities.
- [Gulf of Finland National Park](http://www.nationalparks.fi/gulfoffinlandnp). In outer archipelago, best explored by boat.
Understand
Get in
There are no passenger airports in Kymenlaakso but frequent connections both to Kouvola and the coastal cities by coach from Helsinki. Trains from Helsinki to all parts of Eastern Finland and Russia pass through Kouvola, and so do many coach lines going in that direction. If you're coming by road from Saint Petersburg and are heading for Helsinki, you will likely cross the border at Vaalimaa, east of Hamina.
If you fly in from abroad, fly to Helsinki Airport (IATA: HEL) and continue by coach or train. Lappeenranta (IATA: LPP) has some international flights, most of them operated by Ryanair.
Get around
Trains of VR can be used between Kouvola and Kotka. The coach network covers most of the region (see Matkahuolto). Regional bus route timetables are available for Kouvola and Kotka regions.
The Kymenlaakso joint ticket is valid for local traffic in Kouvola and Kotka and on VR trains between Kouvola and Kotka, single ticket price is €7 and it is valid for 2 hr. You can purchase the joint ticket using the app Waltti Mobiili.
By taxi
- Kymenlaakson Taksi, +358 100-87227 (extra charge: €1.25+0.68/min+pvm). Smartphone app: Taksi Kymenlaakso. Daytime M–Sa €4.90+€1.39/2.10/km+0.49/min, nights and holidays €7.80+€1.49/2.20/km+€0.49/min; lower km fee for 1–4 persons; waiting time €56/hour, prebooking €5.50
- National smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi, Menevä, Taksini
See
- Virolahti Bunker Museum, Virolahden kunta / Bunkkerimuseo, PL 14, 49901 Virolahti (along E18 road), 60.57128°, 27.591959°, +358 40-585-0166, anu.haapala@miehikkala.fi. Jun Aug daily 10:00–18:00, otherwise by arrangement. The exhibition is located inside a wooden building built to resemble the style of the war period in Finland. Outdoor part surrounding the museum building includes fortification sites in the forest. Fireplace is nearby. €5 adults, €2 children (7–16 years)
- Salpa Line Museum in Miehikkälä, Miehikkälän municipality / Salpa Line Museum in Miehikkälä, Yhdystie 2 B 4, 49700 Miehikkälä (Along the road 384.), 60.684065°, 27.671274°, +358 40-585-0166, anu.haapala@miehikkala.fi. Jun-Aug: daily 10:00–18:00, May Sep: W–Su 10:00–18:00, otherwise by arrangement. Indoor exposition and an extensive outdoor exposition (guided tour included in the entrance fee, as well as a short film). Cafeteria and a museum store. Fireplace & BBQ grounds behind the museum. €8 adults, €5 children (7–16 years)
- The old town of Hamina
- Kymi river and the dam near Kouvola.
- Verla Groundwood and Board Mill in Jaala, Kouvola; a former paper factory that now is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Mustaviiri, 60.276389°, 26.603333°. One of the points on the world heritage listed Struve Geodetic Arc that are among the more difficult to access. Located in the Gulf of Finland, you will need a boat to get to this point. 2021-04-04
Do
- Salpa Trail. The Salpa Trail is a 50-km one-way hiking route between Virolahti and Miehikkälä. It follows a part of the Finnish World War II defence line (the Salpa line). Along the route there are numerous remains of bunkers, dug-outs and other fortifications and several rest-stops. They are equipped with a compost toilet, compost, a fireplace and a firewood shelter and some of them with a lean-to for an over-night stay. The Bunker museum in Virolahti and the Salpa Line museum in Miehikkälä are part of the route.
- Have fun at Tykkimäki amusement park in Kouvola
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Stay safe
Kymenlaakso region is a safe place.