The Rakinkotka island experience in Hamina – embracing nature and history

Board the m/s Walhalla ship from the center of Hamina and embark on an unforgettable journey to the outer archipelago of the Eastern Gulf of Finland. Rakinkotka is a unique Viking Island that combines the peace of nature, the mystique of Viking history and the hospitality of its host family. 

The guided sea journey takes place aboard a traditional wooden motorboat, skillfully navigated by an experienced skipper. Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy the enchanting seascapes, the scents of sea breeze and campfires, a delicious islander-style salmon soup, and a guided island tour where the local history comes to life. This is the perfect day trip for anyone who appreciates nature and history.

Highlights and special value of the product

  • A unique archipelago destination: an island village with old buildings – each with its own story. The island is open to a limited number of tourists.
  • Viking history: the island harbours traces of the Viking Age, including a Viking burial ground.
  • Nature experiences: On the nature trail, you’ll encounter fascinating nature- and Viking-themed questions. The birdwatching tower invites you to observe the soaring birds, as the island lies on a major migratory route. Even the majestic white-tailed eagle nests here, keeping a watchful eye on its surroundings. The island’s vegetation is rich and diverse, featuring treasures such as alder groves, Solomon’s seal, 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 enjoy a traditional wood-fired beach sauna, relax in the gentle heat of the rock smoke sauna, or soak in hot tubs (available by advance reservation). Take a refreshing swim in the sea and explore the island at your own pace, discovering your favourite spots along the way
  • Activities available for an extra charge: jungle gym, sup board (2), canoe (1), rowing boat (3), fishing.
  • Indulge in the restaurant’s delicacies, including afternoon coffee or refreshments. The island has alcohol serving rights.
  • Additional excursion: a boat trip to the fishing village of Tammio for an additional fee.
  • Fascinating stories at sea: the captain tells stories about the archipelago, the landscape, navigation and history. How the Vikings navigated, and which routes did they sail? Learn more about these fascinating topics aboard the m/s Walhalla.

Trip details

  • Date: on Tuesdays from 24.6.2025 – 5.8.2025. Arrival at the departure pier at 9:30 AM, return at 5:00 PM.
  • Guidance: in Finnish, on request in English
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Departure pier: 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 1 km.

Price

Adult 79 €
Child 6-12 years 25€

For an extra charge, to be agreed in advance:

Tammio island excursion 60€ per person (min 5 – max12 person) Ask for a separate offer for groups of more than 12 people.

Additional activities for an extra charge, to be paid on the spot

  • 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)
  • Worm Fishing 5 € / person
  • Ask for sauna and overnight accommodation separately: Virpi Illi, Vimpa Islands 044 080 6566

Timetable

  • 09.30 Welcome to ms Walhalla.
  • 10.00 ms Walhalla departs from Tervasaari pier (address Tullimakasiiniranta 9, Hamina).
  • 11.00 After about an hour at sea we will land at the Rakinkotka Island. You will be welcomed
  • to the island by the host/hostess.
  • 11.30 Guided tour of the island (duration approx. 1,5 h)
  • 13.00 Lunch and coffee
  • After lunch there is the possibility to do activities on your own or extra activities for an additional fee.
  • Optional excursion to Tammio departure at. 13.30, duration approx. 2 h
  • 16.00 ms Walhalla departs Rakinkotka Island back towards Hamina.
  • 17.00 return to Tervasaari departure pier.

Good to know before participating

  • Not suitable for people with reduced mobility
  • Price includes: 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).
  • Refreshments, alcoholic beverages, grilled sausages, marshmallows and other snacks available for purchase.
  • Outdoor clothing and footwear according to weather conditions
  • Weather reservation.

Booking conditions

Reservations must be made online at least 12 hours in advance, after which reservations can be made by phone.
Cancellations must be made at least 48 h before the start of the trip.
A booking confirmation will be sent by e-mail immediately after the purchase decision and will serve as a ticket.

Contact details for customer service

Petri Luotio, NaviKotka, 050 4654188, petri.luotio@navikotka.fi
Virpi Illi, Vimpa Islands 044 0806566, virpi.illi@vimpa.com

Book here