Maritime Centre Vellamo: Explore history and coastal life on Finland’s Baltic coast

By Molly McPharlin

For those interested in maritime history and looking to explore the southeast corner of Finland, take an hour’s drive from Helsinki to the coastal town of Kotka, home to the Maritime Centre Vellamo. Or, take the train and arrive at the port of Kotka. Vellamo’s modern, architecturally stunning building houses both the national Maritime Museum of Finland and the regional Kymenlaakso Museum.

The Maritime Museum presents different themes in its exhibitions, such as shipwrecks, the sea trade, and winter navigation. The Kymenlaakso Museum concentrates on the history of Kotka and the region of Kymenlaakso – the sea, the river Kymijoki, and the forest industry, amongst other things.

Maritime Centre Vellamo: Explore history and coastal life on Finland’s Baltic coast

Photo: Jussi Tiainen

Vellamo offers a wide range of exhibits in both its venues. “Over the years, we’ve had exhibitions as varied as sea monsters and Finnish glass design, to the history of wedding traditions, sailor’s tattoos, and maritime fashion,” says Marja Puukka, information officer at Vellamo. “During summer, the museum vessels by the quay are also open to the public – an old icebreaker, a lightship, and a patrol vessel.”

This is a destination for all ages. Children love the hands-on activities; steering a hydrocopter, experiencing how to lift an anchor, or learning to make different knots. And teenagers and adults can delve into history and art. “As we have two museums, we offer something for everyone,” says Puukka. “A common remark from our visitors is that they hope to come back as they couldn’t see everything the first time.”

Photo: Soile Tirilä

Some of the most popular exhibitions are Fateful Svensksund, which tells the story of important naval battles and a fortress city that is linked to the history of Kotka. The Kymenlaakso Museum also offers Shifting to Wood, a tribute to the Kymenlaakso forest industry, as well as the Never Never Town exhibit, a fun adventure for children to experience with accompanying adults. An exhibition on Finland’s iconic Moomins will open at the Maritime Museum in 2025.

Photo: Krista Ylinen, Visit Kotka Hamina

In addition to exhibitions, Vellamo houses a restaurant, museum shop, and a variety of meeting and event spaces. The building is easy to navigate even for those with additional needs, and wheelchairs, walkers and adjustable walking sticks are on offer to borrow. For families, Vellamo is well-designed and offers an abundance of interactive activities. All under 18 visitors are welcome free of charge.

Photo: Marko Laukkarinen

Besides Vellamo, Kotka is an attractive coastal town with numerous prize-winning parks and an appealing seafront. “It’s lovely in summer with the historic Imperial Fishing Lodge at Langinkoski open, as is the Svensksund Pavilion on the nearby Varissaari island,” reflects Puukka. “As the city centre is surrounded by the Baltic Sea, the maritime views can be admired all year round.”