Kyminlinna Fortress: A Historical Bastion
Explore Kyminlinna Fortress in Kotka: a historic 18th-century bastion offering a glimpse into Finland's military past and architectural innovation.
Kyminlinna Fortress, situated in Kotka, Finland, stands as a testament to the region's rich military history. Built between 1803 and 1808 by the Russian Empire, the fortress was part of a broader fortification system designed to protect against attacks. The construction was supervised by General Jan Pieter van Suchtelen. The fortress was intended to defend against land-based invasions along the King's Road. Kyminlinna is a five-cornered caponier fortress covering approximately 74 hectares. Its design features incomplete moats and a ditch system. Although intended for drainage, a pond remains within the fortress grounds. The Kotka railway, built in 1890, and the Kymintie road, constructed in the early 20th century, dissect the eastern ramparts. Throughout its history, Kyminlinna has served various purposes. It saw its only battle during the Finnish Civil War in 1918 when a German unit attacked the Red Guards stationed there. During World War II, it was used as a refugee camp for Ingrian Finns and as a prisoner-of-war camp. The Finnish Defence Forces utilized the fortress from 1939 to 2005. Today, the Finnish government owns the area, and it is open to the public for exploration. Visitors can walk along the ramparts and explore the grounds.
Local tips
- Visit during the summer for guided tours that offer deeper insights into the fortress's history.
- Bring your camera to capture the spectacular views from the fortress, especially at sunset.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven, particularly on the walking paths around the fortress.
- Check the local events calendar for cultural events or exhibitions hosted at the fortress.
- Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, where you'll find lovely spots to relax and take in the scenery.
A brief summary to LukittuLinnoitus
- Sutelantie 84, Kotka, 48400, FI
- +358440230662
- Visit website
- Monday 5 pm-8 pm
- Tuesday 5 pm-8 pm
- Wednesday 5 pm-8 pm
- Thursday 5 pm-8 pm
- Friday 3 pm-9 pm
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Kotka city center (Keskusaukio), take bus number 2 towards Kymenlaakso. Alight at the 'Kyminlinna' stop; the bus ride takes approximately 25 minutes. Check local bus timetables for precise schedules. A single ticket for internal train and bus traffic in Kotka (all zones) costs €7.00.
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Walking
If you are near Kyminlinna, walking to the fortress is an option. From central Kotka, the walk to Kyminlinna takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Follow the signs towards Sutelantie and enjoy the scenic views along the way.
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Car
From any location in Kymenlaakso, drive towards Kotka using the E18 highway. Take the exit toward Rautatieasema/Kotka center. Follow signs for Sutelantie (Road 150) and continue for approximately 5 km; Kyminlinna will be on your right at Sutelantie 84. Free parking is available near the fortress.
