Kotka Through Foreign Eyes: Why Kotka Feels Different from Helsinki

Kotkan Kauppatiellä on harjoittelussa kv-opiskelija Erandi Xamkilta. Kesän aikana hän on tutustunut Kotkaan, kotkalaisiin yrityksiin, tapahtumiin sekä nähtävyyksiin. Tässä artikkelissa Erandi pohtii Kotkan ja Helsingin välisiä eroja sekä yhtäläisyyksiä.

Experiencing Two Finnish Cities from a Different Perspective

As someone originally from Sri Lanka, I have always found Finland fascinating. But what has surprised me even more is how different Finnish cities can feel from one another.
I live in Helsinki, the capital of Finland, but I work with the City of Kotka. Traveling between the two has allowed me to experience two very different sides of Finnish life. Although both cities share the same culture and values, they each have their own personality.

Here are some of the things that make Kotka feel different from Helsinki.

1. The Pace of Life
Helsinki has the energy of a capital city. People are constantly moving, public transport is busy, and there is always something happening. But Kotka feels calmer. Life seems to move at a slightly slower pace. People still have busy schedules, but there is less rush and more space to enjoy everyday moments. Walking along the waterfront or through a park, I often feel that time slows down a little.

2. Nature Is Part of Everyday Life
Both cities have beautiful green areas, but in Kotka, nature feels even closer.
Whether it is the sea, forests, islands, or parks, you are constantly reminded that nature is part of the city’s identity. Places like the Sapokka Water Garden and the coastal areas create an atmosphere that feels peaceful and refreshing. In Helsinki, nature is also accessible, but urban life often takes center stage.

3. The Sea Has a Different Presence
Both cities are coastal, but Kotka’s relationship with the sea feels more personal. The maritime atmosphere is everywhere. The harbour, the islands, the boats, and events like Meripäivät all remind visitors that the sea has shaped Kotka’s history and identity. In Helsinki, the sea is beautiful, but in Kotka, it feels like a way of life.

4. Less Crowded, More Relaxed
Living in Helsinki means having access to everything: restaurants, shopping, events, and excellent public transportation. But sometimes big-city life can feel crowded and fast. What I enjoy about Kotka is the feeling of openness. There is more room to breathe, less traffic, and a stronger sense of calm. Even during summer, it rarely feels overwhelming.

5. Parks That Feel Like Destinations
One thing that impressed me most about Kotka is how much attention has been given to parks and green spaces. In many cities, parks are simply places to pass through. In Kotka, parks are destinations in themselves. They invite people to stop, relax, and enjoy the surroundings. Places like Sapokka Water Garden and Katariina Seaside Park are examples of how nature and urban design work together beautifully.

6. Community Feels Closer
Helsinki is international and diverse, which is one of the things I love about the city. But because it is larger, it can sometimes feel anonymous. In Kotka, there is a stronger sense of local identity. Community events, traditions, and shared pride in the city create a feeling that people know and care about their hometown. As an outsider, I find this local spirit very welcoming.

7. Hidden Gems Around Every Corner
Helsinki is full of famous attractions and landmarks. Kotka surprises you in different ways. You discover hidden beaches, beautiful islands, quiet walking routes, historical sites, and peaceful cafés. Some of the city’s best experiences are not found in guidebooks—they are discovered by simply exploring.

8. A Different Kind of Beauty
Helsinki impresses with its architecture, urban culture, and the vibrant atmosphere of a capital city. Kotka impresses with simplicity. Sunsets over the sea, peaceful parks, birds singing in the morning, and the sound of waves create a beauty that feels quieter—but equally memorable. Perhaps that is what makes Kotka special.

Two Cities, Two Experiences
Helsinki offers the excitement and opportunities of a modern capital city. Kotka offers something else, like space, tranquility, nature, and a strong connection to the sea. Living in Helsinki and working with Kotka has shown me that even within Finland, cities have their own personalities. And that is one of the things I love most about this country. You do not have to travel far to experience something completely different.

Author: Erandi Caldera

Read Erandi’s other articles:

Finland Through Foreign Eyes: 10 Cultural Insights
Finland Through Foreign Eyes: Dark River Festival 2026