Kymenlaakso

Kymenlaakso is an administrative region in southeastern Finland comprising seven municipalities, including the cities of Hamina, Kotka, and Kouvola. The area features a mix of urban centers, industrial zones, and varied terrain throughout.

The region was established following the Moscow Armistice in 1944, when territories from the former Viipuri Province were ceded to the Soviet Union. This geopolitical shift reshaped the administrative boundaries of southeastern Finland and created the current territorial configuration.

Finnish and Swedish languages coexist in the region, with some municipalities officially recognizing both while others use Finnish exclusively. This linguistic mix appears in place names and how locals interact with their surroundings.

Kouvola functions as the regional hub and provides a logical base for exploring the area. The region combines urban infrastructure with accessible rural areas that are straightforward to navigate by car or public transit.

The Kymijoki River has shaped industrial development for decades, establishing the region as a paper production hub. This deep connection between waterway, manufacturing, and urban growth remains visible in how the landscape is organized today.

Location: Southern Finland Regional State Administrative Agency

Inception: January 1, 1994

Capital city: Kotka

Reference: FI186

Shares border with: Leningrad Oblast, Uusimaa, Päijät-Häme, South Savo, South Karelia

Website: http://kymenlaakso.fi

GPS coordinates: 60.50000,27.00000

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:16