Friday Night Cruise & Smoked Pig Dinner on Rakin Kotka Island, Hamina

Come and enjoy a summery Friday evening on Rakin Kotka Island in Hamina (for adults only). Relax in the gentle warmth of the beach saunas and take a dip in the sea water. Relax in the beauty of the summer evening and nature. We also serve a delicious smoked pork for dinner!

Rakin Kotka Island is a unique, authentic Viking island, combining the peace of nature, the mystique of Viking history and the hospitality of the host family.

The guided sailing trip is aboard a traditional wooden pleasure boat, the M/s Whalla. Already during the trip you can enjoy the enchanting scenery with an experienced skipper. This is the perfect summer evening excursion for relaxing, indulging and being together.

We can also organise tailored cruise programs for groups at a time that suits you (min. 20 people and max. 60 people).

Program Highlights:

• Unique archipelago destination: The island village is stunning with its old buildings - each with its own story. The island is open to tourists on a limited basis.

• Viking history: Rakin Kotka is a Viking island used by sword heroes travelling along the Eastern Road. The island hides traces of the Viking Age, including a Viking burial ground.

• Nature discovery: The nature trail provides interesting questions about nature and Vikings. The bird tower attracts visitors to watch and observe birds gliding in the sky, as the island is located on a bird migration route.  White-tailed eagles also nest on the island, observing their surroundings. The vegetation on the island is rich and varied, including tar sage, larch, and ballast plants.

• Ecology: The well-being of nature and the environment is taken into account in everything we do. Vimpa Islands has the Sustainable Travel Finland label for sustainable tourism and the Good Travel Seal certificate.

• Relaxation: On the island you can take a sauna in the traditional wood-fired beach sauna or in the gentle heat of the rock-smoke sauna or in the chalets (bookable in advance), swim and refresh yourself in the sea. You can move around the island on your own and find your favourite spot.

Additional activities for an extra charge: payable on site.

• Throwing the Viking Axe 5 € / person, ask for a family discount on the spot

• Water activities 10 € / hour: sup-board (2 pcs), canoe (1 pc), rowing boat (3 pcs)

• Angling 5 € / person

• Ask for sauna and overnight accommodation separately: Virpi Illi, Vimpa Islands +358 44 080 6566

Food & drink: Explore the restaurant and enjoy an afternoon coffee or other refreshments.

Additional boat trip to a fishing village: 60 € per participant (5-12 people). Boat trip to the fishing village of Tammio island, available for purchase on site (minimum 5 participants). Please ask for a separate offer for groups of more than 12 people.

Fascinating stories at sea: Thecaptain tells stories about the archipelago, the landscape, navigation and history. How the Vikings navigated, what routes they sailed - you'll find out more aboard M/s Walhalla.

Programme 17.00-24.00

16.30 Welcome to M/s Walhalla

17.00 M/s Walhalla departs from Tervasaari pier (address Tullimakasiiniranta 9, Hamina)

During the cruise, the captain tells you more about the programme for the evening

18.00 After about an hour at sea, we land on Rakin Kotka island

18.30 Welcome to the island by the host/hostess  

19.00-21.00 Delicious pork dinner

20.00-22.00 Saunas at your use (book beforehand)

21.00-23.00 Possibility to walk the nature trail, admire the sunset, sit by the campfire, enjoy the summer nature, possibility of additional activities for an extra fee

23.00 M/s Walhalla departs from Raki Kotka back towards Hamina

24.00 Return to Tervasaari departure pier

Price: 95 €/adult (age limit of 18) including:

• Guided round trip by sea, nature trail

• Dinner on the island: smoked pork, homemade potato salad, coleslaw, vegan option of vegetarian dumplings (G, L), bread (also G on request), jug of water, coffee/tea, small sweet and sauna

• Refreshments, alcoholic beverages, barbecue sausages, marshmallows and other snacks and a towel are available for an additional fee.

Program Details

Date: Fridays 4 July 2025 and 18 July 2025. Departure at 17:00, return at 24:00.

Guidance: Finnish, English

Duration: 7 hours.

Starting point: Tervasaari pier (address Tullimakasiiniranta 9, Hamina)

Parking: Free parking next to the departure pier

Public transport: From the nearest bus stop about 800 m, from Hamina bus station about one kilometre

Good to Know Before Participating

• Not suitable for people with reduced mobility, only for adults (K-18)

• Outdoor clothing and footwear for the weather. If you are planning to go swimming or sauna during the trip, please bring the necessary equipment and a towel. Towels are available for an extra charge on the island

Weather permitting: to ensure a safe sea trip, we take into account the prevailing weather conditions

Booking Conditions:

Reservations must be made online at least 2 days in advance, after which you can call for booking enquiries.

Cancellations must be made at least 48 h before the start of the excursion.

The booking confirmation will be sent to your email address immediately after the purchase decision and will serve as your ticket.

Customer Service Contact Details

Petri Luotio, NaviKotka +358 50 4654188, petri.luotio@navikotka.fi

Virpi Illi, Vimpa Islands + 358 44 0806566, virpi.illi@vimpa.com