What to do and see in Kotka, Kymenlaakso: The Best Gardens

“Green living room” of Kotka The Sibelius Park in the centre of Kotka, at the beginning of the Linden Esplanade of Keskuskatu, is an exquisite formal garden which is managed with a caring hand. The Sibelius Park in the middle of Kotkansaari is a "green living room" for local residents and tourists. The partly geometric and sophisticated design, old trees and beautiful summer flowers render the park especially attractive. The park was named after the world-famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius in 1956.

The herb garden placed in a renovated fortress structure dating from the late 18th century encompasses about 100 different spice and herbal plants. The visually impaired and those with limited mobility have especially been taken into account in the design of the garden. The plants planted in raised beds have also been provided with name labels in braille.

The park contains many cover plants, berry bushes, apple, pear, cherry and plum trees, and numerous varieties of clematis. There is also an exercise area and a playground for children beside the Fuksinpuisto Park. The park is exceptionally beautiful in the beginning of the summer because of azalea blossom.

The Palotorninvuori Park was renovated in 2005 to 2006. The park walkways leading to the lookout terrace were paved, new plants were added, the lighting was renewed, and a dog fence was built.