Sapokka Water Garden
Kymenlaakso
Sapokka Water Garden is a unique urban park located in the heart of Kotka, Finland, on the island of Kotkansaari. Spanning approximately three hectares around the Sapokka Bay, the park seamlessly combines constructed elements with natural surroundings. Its centerpiece is a dramatic 20-meter-high waterfall that pumps seawater from half a kilometer away, creating a soothing aquatic atmosphere. The waterfall's cliff features over twenty stone slabs called "Kiviset Kotkat," showcasing various Finnish rock types. The park is richly planted with both native and introduced species, including old pines, alders, rhododendrons, and azaleas, providing vibrant scenery across all seasons. Artistic bronze animal sculptures by Hannele Kylänpää and Eero Hiirosen add cultural depth, with pieces like "Vesitorso" and "Veden vartija" enhancing the landscape. Sapokka is also renowned for its extensive and thoughtful lighting design, which highlights different park features throughout the year. Recognized repeatedly with national awards for lighting, environmental structure, and stonework, the park also holds the prestigious Green Flag Award, marking it as a high-quality, internationally recognized green space open to all visitors. Sapokka Water Garden offers a peaceful retreat blending nature, art, and design in an urban coastal setting.
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Tip: Visit Sapokka Water Garden during spring and early summer to enjoy blooming rhododendrons and azaleas, and in autumn for vibrant fall colors. The park is open year-round and features lighting displays that enhance the landscape in evenings and winter months. No need to pre-book tickets as the park is free and open to the public. Look out for informative plant labels in Finnish, Swedish, and Latin to learn about the diverse flora. Nearby city amenities and public transport make access easy.
Interesting facts
- •The 20-meter waterfall in the park pumps seawater from half a kilometer away, creating a natural aquatic environment.
- •The waterfall's cliff features over 20 stone slabs called "Kiviset Kotkat," displaying Finnish rock varieties.
- •Sapokka Water Garden has won multiple national awards including Best Outdoor Lighting (1993), Environmental Structure of the Year (1994), and Best Stonework (1996).
- •Since 2019, the park has been awarded the Green Flag Award annually, recognizing its high-quality maintenance and international standards.
- •The park features more than a dozen bronze animal sculptures by Hannele Kylänpää, with some pieces recovered after theft and restored to the park.
History
The area of Sapokka Bay was designated as a park zone as early as 1917, but the current water garden was constructed starting in 1990 and completed in 1994.
The principal designer was Heikki Laaksonen, a long-serving city gardener of Kotka.
Since its opening, the park has undergone enhancements including the installation of bronze animal sculptures between 2007 and 2010 by Hannele Kylänpää, and later works by Eero Hiirosen.
Over the years, Sapokka has received multiple awards recognizing its lighting, environmental design, and stonework quality, culminating in the internationally prestigious Green Flag Award beginning in 2019.
Place Guide
Waterfall and Stone Display1994
The park's central feature is a 20-meter-high waterfall fed by seawater pumped from the Gulf of Finland. Above the waterfall is a stone display called "Kiviset Kotkat," showcasing more than twenty Finnish rock types, illustrating local geology and craftsmanship.
Bronze Animal Sculptures2007-2010
The park hosts over a dozen bronze animal sculptures by Hannele Kylänpää, including representations of a rabbit, pheasant, mink, duck, cat, magpie, and cuckoo. Later, Eero Hiirosen's sculptures such as "Vesitorso," "Veden vartija," and "Vedestä lähtenyt" were added, enriching the artistic landscape.
Flora and Plantings
Sapokka Water Garden features a diverse range of plants, including preserved native vegetation like old pines and alders by the sea side, alongside cultivated areas such as a rose terrace and rock garden. Plant species are labeled in Finnish, Swedish, and Latin, making it educational for visitors.
Lighting Design1993
The park is equipped with over one hundred small spotlights that illuminate selected features throughout the year, enhancing the visual experience in all seasons, especially during dark Finnish winters.
Contact
Phone: 040 1356588