Varissaari

Varissaari is a fortified island off the coast of Kotka featuring stone walls, cannons, and preserved military structures. The site spreads across the terrain with various stone buildings and defensive works that tell of its military past.

Fort Elisabeth was built between 1790 and 1796 to protect naval routes in the region. It was later abandoned in the early 1800s as its strategic importance faded.

The island displays recovered items from the sunken warship St. Nikolai, connected to one of the largest naval battles in Nordic maritime history. Visitors can engage with this maritime past through the artifacts on view.

Access to the island is by wooden ferry M/S Klippan departing from Sapokka harbor. Regular crossings during the season allow flexible visit times and easy transport.

A floating sauna raft called Kiulu allows visitors to experience Finnish sauna traditions while rocking gently on the Baltic Sea. This unusual experience combines a cherished cultural practice with the maritime setting.

Location: Kotka

GPS coordinates: 60.44569,26.95170

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:04