Kouvola, in the region known as Kymenlaakso, is an excellent travel destination for the whole family. The River Kymi, which flows through the town, is a superb natural site, ideal for canoeing, fishing, rafting or just boating, as are the other bodies of water in the area. There is also plenty to do on dry land in the Repovesi National Park as well as the other countryside areas the region has to offer. There are various options for hiking, cycling and climbing, making a holiday in Kouvola a truly unforgettable experience.
There is no airport serving Kouvola, but it is just an hour and a half’s drive from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, so it is easy enough to get to by air, even if you are coming from further afield. Kouvola does, however, have a busy railway station, with plenty of connections to many other parts of Finland: Lahti to Helsinki, to Kotka, via Mikkeli to Kuopio, and via Luumäki to Lappeenranta. You can also get here by bus. The good transport links make Kouvola an easy place to visit.
The town of Kouvola is the area’s main centre. Other major towns include Kuusankoski and Anjalankoski. Kouvola itself is big enough for an enjoyable break. It has a number of museums and boasts some splendid architecture and fine buildings, such as the Kaunisnurmi Museum and Handicraft Quarter and the Model Railway Museum. The centre of town is great for shopping, as it has a large shopping centre, Veturi, where you can find just about anything.
Kouvola is also a good place for sports and physical fitness, whatever the time of year. At the Mielakka Ski Centre you can enjoy the thrill of slalom in winter, with slopes for both experienced skiers and those just starting out. In summer, there are some marvellous canoeing routes to explore, one of the most popular being the Valkeala route from Saimaa to Kouvola. There are also plenty of cycling and hiking trails. There are also many lakes, forests and rivers to explore in the area. In addition, there are some splendid natural wonders to admire in town, as only a short walk away from the centre is the Niivermäki Nature Reserve.
Kouvola also has a good number of top-quality, cosy restaurants and other food outlets, serving traditional Finnish cuisine and international delicacies. Most of the restaurants in the centre are to be found in and next to the triangle of streets formed of Streets Kauppalankatu, Torikatu and Kouvolankatu. There are also numerous restaurants and cafes outside the urban area, making Kouvola an excellent destination for those who wish to drive to the area.
A favourite with children is, unsurprisingly, the Tykkimäki amusement park, which has lots to see and do for people of all ages. In fact, there is plenty to see and do in Kouvola every day of the week, no matter how old you are. Spend time in Kouvola and enjoy both the countryside and the various cultural activities on offer. Whatever your plans, you will find what you are looking for in Kouvola.
