Kouvola , is a city in Southern Finland. It is located 134 km northeast of the capital, Helsinki. Kouvola’s central location within Finland’s borders and as a border post between the European Union and Russian Federation makes it a town full of hustle and bustle. The town originally grew up around the junction of the north-south and east-west rail tracks. It was also a major road transport junction. Kouvola still treasures and benefits from its logistically good location. In January 2009 the six municipalities – Kouvola, Kuusankoski, Elimaki, Anjalankoski, Valkeala and Jaala – merged, accounting for the new municipality of Kouvola with a population of over 88,000, being the 10th largest city in Finland.
Access : Coordinates: 60.868056, 26.704167 / By train : There are railways to Kouvola from four directions: Helsinki – (Riihimaki) – Lahti – Kouvola (there is also a route bypassing Riihimaki) , Kotka – Kouvola , Pieksamaki – Mikkeli – Kouvola , Joensuu – Imatra – Lappeenranta – Kouvola , St. Petersburg (Russia) – Kouvola
By bus : Expressbus services from Kouvola to different parts of Finland are provided by Matkahuolto. Low-cost expressbus service from Kouvola to Helsinki is provided by Pohjolan Liikenne , By car : Kouvola is situated on the route of three highways: Highway 6 (Helsinki – Kouvola – Lappeenranta) , Highway 12 (Rauma – Huittinen – Tampere – Lahti – Kouvola) , Highway 15 (Kotka – Kouvola – Mikkeli)
Attractions : Tykkimaki Amusement Park / Kaunisnurmi Area of wooden houses and museums / Repovesi National Park . Formerly a site for intensive commercial forestry, the Repovesi area successfully transformed into a pristine national park. Pine and birch trees dominate the park. Repovesi abounds with wildlife including bear, deer and various birds. The River Koukunjoki cuts through the park. Other streams and lakes are also situated within the parks boundaries.
Activities : Tykkimaki Amusement Park, Kanuunakuja 2. One of the largest amusement parks in southern Finland.
2 Repovesi National Park. Formerly a site for intensive commercial forestry, the Repovesi area has now been successfully transformed into a pristine national park. Pine and birch trees dominate the park. Repovesi abounds with wildlife including bear, deer and various birds. The River Koukunjoki cuts through the park. Other streams and lakes are also situated within the parks boundaries.
Festivals
Pioneerifestivaali: 13–14 July 2018. Rock festival
Iiti music festival (Iitin musiikkijuhlat): 13–16 June 2018 (22 km towards Lahti along national road 12, turn at Kausala for 7 km more; bus transport from Kouvola or Kausala, Kausala is served also by some trains). Music festival with mostly chamber music. Iiti is a parish village voted to be the most beautiful in Finland. Most concerts in the wooden church from 1693, some at other locations, also outdoor concerts. A music school for young people is arranged concurrently. €20–40, some concerts free; bus transport 2?€3–7
Go next : Lappeenranta / Kotka / Lahti
