Best things to do in Kouvola

Repovesi National Park (Finnish: Repoveden kansallispuisto) is situated in the municipalities of Kouvola and Mäntyharju, only a few hours north-east of the more populous Helsinki area of southern Finland. Formerly a site for intensive commercial forestry, the Repovesi area successfully transformed into a pristine national park. Pine and birch trees dominate the park. Repovesi abounds with wildlife including bear, deer and various birds. The River Koukunjoki flows through the park. Other streams and lakes are also situated within the parks boundaries.

Attractions include the Olhavanvuori hill, popular among climbers, and the Kultareitti water taxi route. Also located in the park are the Kuutinlahti bay with its restored timber rafting channels, the Lapinsalmi suspension bridge, and many observation towers.

The common fauna of the park includes the red-throated diver, the Eurasian lynx, the moose, many owls and several galliformes.

In the urban oasis of Sapokka Water Garden, you'll encounter a popular park that has won prizes for lighting, stonework, and environmental structures. Notice the sculptures scattered throughout the landscape, including bronze rabbits, cats, and pheasants. The site features various microclimates to support a variety of plants. Stop for a photo at the 20 m (66 ft) tall waterfall, which, along with a small, white bridge, forms a pleasing backdrop.

Rising over the shores of Lake Saimaa, Lappeenranta Fortress was erected to defend the town and guard the eastern border of Finland. However, after less than 20 years the fortification failed, when Russian troops took hold of the area and turned it into their own enclave. Today you can still see their Orthodox church at the site, as well as former barracks and prisons. Most of the buildings are now home to museums and galleries, and some house art workshops and cafes. A walk around the old town reveals structures that date back to the 1770s, including colorful wooden and stone houses typical of the region.

The Sibelius Hall (Finnish: Sibeliustalo) is a concert hall in Lahti, Finland, named after the composer Jean Sibelius. The concert hall was completed in 2000. Architects Kimmo Lintula and Hannu Tikka designed the hall, which is made out of glulam. The acoustics were engineered by Artec Consultants, New York. Its acoustics are one of its strongest points, while the architecture follows the Scandinavian tradition of sophisticated design. The concert hall has a capacity of 1,250 seats.

The Sibelius Hall is home to the Lahti Symphony Orchestra.