Virolahti

Virolahti is a municipality in Finland, located in the Kymenlaakso region in the southeast of the country. It lies along the Gulf of Finland and borders Russia to the east. The municipal center is Virolahti, and the village of Vaalimaa is one of the notable settlements, home to a major border crossing that connects Finland and Russia. The border crossing at Vaalimaa is a significant point for cross-border traffic and logistics.

The landscape of Virolahti is characterized by a coastal and rural environment, with forests, fields and a shoreline that includes small bays and islands. The area contains nature reserves and protected areas that reflect its ecological diversity, making outdoor recreation and nature observation common activities for residents and visitors.

Economy in Virolahti is based on a mix of services, agriculture and forestry, with border trade and transport-related activities playing a role due to the proximity to Russia. The municipality is served by regional road connections that link it with larger urban centers in Kymenlaakso and beyond.

Administration and demographics: Virolahti operates as a standard Finnish municipality with its own local council and basic public services, including education and healthcare. The official language is Finnish. The municipality emphasizes preserving its rural heritage and providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, work, and community life.