Kotka is a rather busy port town where water still plays a major role. A lot of its inhabitants work in the shipping (and related) business. There are some excellent views of the city and the surroundings from the top of the former Haukkavuori water tower. The river Kymijoki, which runs through the city, has some challenging rapids just outside the city. This is also the place where one can visit the Langinkoski lodge, a former fishing lodge of Tsar Alexander III.