Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting There & Away
Buses link Loviisa with Ruotsinpyhtää (€5.50, 15 minutes, two daily), and Pyhtää (€5.50,
20 minutes, up to two per hour).
WORTH A TRIP
HIDDEN HAVEN
Sea Hotel Mäntyniemi
RESORT
( 05-353-3100;
www.hotelmantyniemi.fi
;Mäntyniementie 268, Siltakylä;s €79, d €89-118, f €136;
)
A little piece of Finnish paradise, this family-run haven sits on a secluded forested island
(linked by bridges) between Loviisa (35km) and Kotka (32km). Of its 28 rooms, the most
idyllic have balconies overlooking the islet-strewn sea. Fantastic facilities include a tradi-
tional smoke sauna, excellent restaurant, and free use of boats, bikes and fishing equip-
ment. You won't want to leave.
Kotka & Around
05 / Pop 54,850
Kotka is Finland's only city set on an island and its fortunes have long been tied to the sea.
The Vikings used the archipelago to launch themselves eastward into Russia, and the
Kymijoki was once an important transport route for logging. Today it's a major industrial
port, with some superb sea-focused attractions.
