Pyhtää, municipality in the region of Kymenlaakso in Finland
Pyhtää is a municipality in the Kymenlaakso region spread across a large area with water, islands, and fishing villages. The landscape consists of swamps with pine forests, lakes, and the Gulf of Finland, with small settlements like Kaunissaari preserving traditional fishing huts and beaches.
The municipality was first mentioned in official documents around 1347, making it one of the oldest places in Finland. Over the centuries, it has faced many changes but remained connected to fishing and rural traditions.
The municipality displays a simple way of life that remains lived today. Visitors and residents alike appreciate the quiet beaches and untouched surroundings, while local festivals celebrate the connection to sea and land.
The best way to visit is by ferry from Kotka to the islands, with crossings to Kaunissaari over calm waters. Visitors should bring warm clothing and sturdy footwear for forest paths and sandy beaches, with accommodations available in inns and cottages on the islands.
Across the river lies Strömfors, called Ruotsinpyhtää or Swedish Pyhtää in Finnish, a place with a completely different history tied to Sweden and Russia. This border region was historically a crossroads of cultures, adding depth to understanding local identity.
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