Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park

Park Marine national park protecting Gulf of Finland archipelago

A chain of islands and skerries in Kymenlaakso, the Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park attracts boaters and kayakers for coastal camping, seabird colonies, fishing huts and seasonal boat routes from Kotka.

Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park is an archipelago national park in Finland’s Kymenlaakso region that protects a series of islands, skerries and marine areas in the eastern Gulf of Finland. The park conserves coastal and marine habitats typical of the northern Baltic.

The area has long been used by coastal communities for fishing and small-scale maritime activities; it was designated to protect marine habitats and island ecosystems as part of Finland’s national park network.

The park lies off the southern coast of Finland in Kymenlaakso, near coastal towns such as Kotka and Pyhtää, and stretches across the eastern reaches of the Gulf of Finland toward the Russian border.

Best time to visit: Best visited in the ice-free months when boat access to islands and skerries is available; summer is the primary season for marine recreation and birdwatching.
Access and facilities: Access is by boat from coastal towns in Kymenlaakso, and many islands have no facilities, so plan for self-sufficiency on day trips.

How to Get to Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park #

The Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park is reached from the Kymi/Kotka-Hamina area on Finland’s south coast. By car it is most commonly accessed via the E18 (national road) toward Kotka/Hamina; driving from Helsinki to Kotka is roughly 125-140 km (about 1.5-2 hours). Many of the park’s islands are reachable only by boat-private boats or seasonal passenger/charter services operate from Kotka and Hamina harbours, so plan transfers from those ports (walking distances on landing depend on the island and landing site).

Tips for Visiting Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park #

Most of the Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park is island and coastal; plan access by private boat, kayak or local boat services from Kotka/Hamina and check schedules and sea conditions in advance.
Visit between late spring and early autumn for the best boating, wildlife watching and accessible facilities; use designated campsites and marked trails to protect fragile coastal habitats.