"Kotka" Kotka by Jarra

Kotka is located in south-east Finland on the Gulf of Finland. Its name, Kotka, was mentioned as far back as 500 years ago, referring to fishermen`s fishing grouds and as the name of a meadow island. Maybe the name was given after a great bird, the eagle, which soared above the iskand defending its nest, or maybe it was the first inhabitant of the island who named it after himself. The sea brought new people into Kotka, including Hans Gutzeit. He gazed around him, seeing the river and knowing the vast forest areas with their straigh-stemmed trees further inland, and also seeing the force of the river carrying logs. He saw a harbour offering easy access for ships. The town was founded in 1878 and the population is now about 56 000. Kotka has the biggest export port in Finland.

Kotkansaari island

Kotkansaari island is the heart of the areally extensive City of Kotka.