Kotka is called Finland's "Park City," and not without reason. The city's parks have been developed with dedication, becoming one of the city's unique attractions. In the parks, visitors can sniff the air, admire the surroundings, listen to the sounds, exercise, or sit down for a break at Finland's largest picnic table. Kotka's magnificent and award-winning parks offer opportunities for various experiences.

The Kotka park tour is 8.1 kilometers long. You can choose your favorite parks along the route or walk or cycle the entire trail. The tour includes Sapokka Water Park, Katariina Seaside Park, Sculpture Promenade, Palotorninvuori Park, Sibelius Park, Toivo Pekkanen Park, Fuksin Park, Peony Park, Isopuisto, and the Herb Garden Reduti.

Sapokka, in addition to the small boat harbor, has been transformed into a charming green area. The dominant element of the park is water. Besides the sea, it flows in small streams and ponds, with a nearly 20-meter high waterfall roaring down the park's southern slope. At Eero Hiirosen Square, you can see seven works by Professor Hiirosen.

Katariina Seaside Park is a large outdoor area built in the middle of the ruins of the fortress of Ruotsinsalmi. The park has a vast meadow area and beautiful picnic spots. One of these is a stone table by the sea that can seat 50 people, said to be the largest picnic table in Finland. The park also features a meditation labyrinth modeled after the medieval Chartres Cathedral, with a 525-meter-long path leading to its center.

The Sculpture Promenade is a route running through the center of Kotka, about two kilometers long. The linden-lined Central Street, along with two other parks—Toivo Pekkanen Park and Sibelius Park—has become a stunning contemporary art sculpture park. It has received the Environmental Structure Award (2001) and the Pro Sculptura Medal (2004).