Rakin Kotka Island Experience in Hamina - Embracing Nature and History

Board the M/s Valhalla from the centre of Hamina and embark on an unforgettable journey to the outer archipelago of the Eastern Gulf of Finland. 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 led by an experienced skipper on a traditional Finnish wooden boat. During the day, you will enjoy the enchanting scenery of the trip, the smell of seawater and bonfires, island salmon soup and a guided tour of the islands, where the history of the area comes to life. This is the perfect day trip for anyone who enjoys nature and history.

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

Cruise 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: The captain 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 10.00-17.00

9.30 Welcome to M/s Walhalla

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

11.00 After about an hour at sea, we land at Raki's home

Welcome from the island host / hostess

11.30 Guided tour of the island (duration approx. 1,5 hours)

13.00 Lunch and coffee

After lunch there is the possibility of self-directed activities or additional paid activities

Extra charge for an excursion to Tammio island departure at. 13.30, duration approx. 2 hours (minimum 5 persons)

16.00 M/s Walhalla departs from Rakin Kotka towards Hamina

17.00 Return to Tervasaari

Price: 79 €/adult, 25 €/child (6-12 years) including

• Guided round trip by sea

• Guided nature trail, salmon soup for lunch (G, L, M), bread (also G on request), jug of water, coffee/tea, small sweet (also G on request)

• Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, grilled sausages, marshmallows and other snacks available for an additional fee

Program Details

Date: Tuesdays from 24.6.2025 - 5.8.2025

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

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

Good to Know Before Participating

• Outdoor clothing and footwear for the weather

• Not suitable for people with reduced mobility

Booking Conditions

Reservations must be made online at least 12 h before, after this time for booking enquiries by calling

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

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

Customer Service Contact Details

Petri Luotio, NaviKotka +358 50 465 4188, petri.luotio@navikotka.fi

Virpi Illi, Vimpa Islands +358 44 080 6566, virpi.illi@vimpa.com