Jump to main content
Loading page...
Director of Kouvola Theater

Roughness and toughness

Tiina Luhtaniemi fell in love with Kouvola's personal style and atmosphere.

Share on social media

Share this page on Facebook. The link opens a new browser window where the sharing takes place. Share this page on VKontakte. The link opens a new browser window where the sharing takes place. Share this page on LinkedIn. The link opens a new browser window where the sharing takes place.

“Kouvola has a wide range of cultural activities all year round, not just in summer. The local stuff is good, and Kouvola people don’t always want to point it out.

I moved from Jyväskylä to Kouvola just over a year ago. I’ve got to know the city with an open mind. Last summer I went to Antares Arts Centre and some summer theatres.

I also went to the children’s theatre festival Kuulas and the detective novel festival. Both are well-known nationally, and I knew about them before I moved to Kouvola.

Good vibes

Kouvola bars and pubs have their own distinctive rock and pop scene. Kymi Sinfonietta is a fantastic joint orchestra for two towns – Kouvola and Kotka. The night of the arts is a successful event in August that attracts people.

Kouvola’s strength is a certain toughness and roughness. The city centre and Pohjola building are the Kouvola for me.

There is a variety of culture, but there could be more events which are easier for the audience to access. A big concert in the park would be fun. People could enjoy great music in good company and have a picnic.

Culture for all

I have visited Poikilo Museums several times. I’m a museum culture vulture. In the autumn I was at the KymiBrass music festival, I went to Verla and Repovesi and DancePit dance school’s spring shows.

Now I have to admit it: I still haven’t been to Tykkimäki amusement park!

We don’t have a major national event, one that would attract tourists from other regions. Maybe when it’s up and running, the travel and event centre will help to create one.

I recommend getting to know Kouvola by bike. Take a packed lunch, hang out in the parks, do a city architecture tour, go round the museum quarter. I’d also take visitors to go to Tykkimäki Sauna.”

Live like a local

See how you can live like a local in Kouvola in our other articles:

At home in the basketball town

I dare you to jump in the ice hole