Pyhtaa

Pyhtää (Swedish: Pyttis) is a municipality in Kymenlaakso at the western forks of the Kymi river. It has a population of around 5,000 on 325 km² of land, including several major islands. Part of the archipelago belongs to the Gulf of Finland National Park. The municipality is bilingual with 90% speaking Finnish and 7% speaking Swedish.

By Car / Road

The Helsinki–Loviisa–Kotka roads (King's Road, road 170 and E18 motorway) pass through Pyhtää and the municipal centre Siltakylä.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Helsinki-Vantaa (about 90 minutes by car) and Lappeenranta.

By Train

The nearest railway stations are in Kotka and Kouvola, from which local bus connections run to Pyhtää.

The town centre of Pyhtaa is compact and walkable. Local buses connect the main districts and nearby attractions. Taxis are available from the train station.

Pyhtää church (St. Henriks kyrka) — a stone church from the 1460s with medieval paintings, partly restored after being whitewashed during the Reformation.

Stockfors industry site — a wood grindery from 1902, now a historic milieu hosting events and commercial activities. Packaging museum and carting track.

Struka Canal — a manually operated lock canal built 1902–1905, used by boaters on a self-service basis.

Savukoski museum bridge — a historic bridge at the Ahvenkoski fork.

Valkmusa National Park — 9 km north of Siltakylä, a large mire landscape with birdwatching opportunities.

Gulf of Finland National Park — the outer archipelago of Pyhtää makes up the western part of this national park.

Kaunissaari (Fagerö) — a popular recreation island in the outer archipelago.

Mustaviiri island — a Struve Geodetic Arc point with observation tower, nature trail and campfire sites.

There are local restaurants and cafés in Siltakylä and near the church village. The Stockfors area has dining options, especially during summer events.

Pyhtää has a few local pubs. For a wider selection of nightlife, head to Kotka.

Kotteria — cottages for rent, +358 400-868-889, [email protected].

Kivikoski and Struka — log-wood holiday homes by the river with terraces, swimming dock and hot outdoor tub. Accommodates up to 7 and 12 people.

Skitunäs villa — a seaside cottage in a wooded plot with boat dock, barbecue hut and stony beach. Accommodates up to 12 people.

There are also tent sites on some islands of the national park (free, with basic facilities).

Basic grocery shopping is available in Siltakylä. For a wider selection, the shopping centres of Kotka are about 15 km away.

• Kotka — major port city with museums and parks 15 km east
• Kouvola — railway hub with the Verla UNESCO World Heritage mill
• Helsinki — Finland's capital, about 1.5 hours by car