15 tips for finding things to do in Lappeenranta
Discover the best activities from the historic fortress to the harbour atmosphere. Experience the magnificent nature of Lake Saimaa, its cultural museums and local delicacies.
City articles
23.11.2024
Lappeenranta is a charming city in South Karelia, on the shores of Lake Saimaa. It offers a variety of experiences and activities for locals and tourists alike all year round. The city's unique location combines the beauty of nature with the comforts of city life.
In Lappeenranta you can enjoy historical sights, nature activities, shopping and cultural events. The city is particularly known for its beautiful harbour area, its historic fortress and its wide range of outdoor activities. Whether it's a summer cruise on the Saimaa or a winter ski trip, Lappeenranta has something to offer for every season.
Lappeenranta Fortress is a historical gem of the city, right in the centre. Built in the 1700s, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the history between Finland and Russia.
In the fortress area you can walk along the cobbled streets and admire the old wooden buildings. There are several museums in the area, such as the South Karelia Museum and the Museum of Horsefolk, where you can delve into the region's past.
During the summer, the fortress hosts various events, such as the Night of the Fortress and the Medieval Market. There are also art galleries, craft shops and cosy cafés where you can relax during your tour.
The Lappeenranta Art Museum is located in the heart of the fortress and is an excellent destination for art lovers. The museum's collection consists mainly of Finnish art from the 19th century to the present day, with a special emphasis on art from south-east Finland.
The museum hosts temporary exhibitions of both traditional and contemporary art. You can take part in guided tours or art workshops that offer a deeper insight into the works on display.
A visit to an art museum is an inspiring experience, suitable for visitors of all ages. The museum shop sells works by local artists and design products.
The Cavalry Museum is located in the oldest building in Lappeenranta, which was built in 1772 as a guardhouse for the fortress. The museum is located near the Vyborg Gate and has been in its current use since 1973.
In the museum you can learn about the history of Finnish cavalry from the hacking skills of the 17th century to the traditions of today. The exhibition focuses especially on the cavalry troops that were active in Lappeenranta.
A wide range of cavalry-related artefacts from both wartime and peacetime are on display. You won't forget the cavalryman's best friend, the horse.
During your visit to the museum, you can enjoy the storytelling that is a major part of the exhibition. You will get an interesting and informative package of information about the history of the Finnish cavalry.
The South Karelia Car Museum is located in Joutseno, Lappeenranta, on the Karjalanport hill along highway 6. The museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history of Finnish motoring and transport culture.
The exhibition gives you a cross-section of motoring from different decades. You can admire old vehicles and learn about their evolution over the years.
The museum's collections also include objects from different periods. These will help you get into the spirit of the past decades and better understand the development of transport in Finland.
The South Karelia Car Museum is an interesting destination for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike. It offers a unique overview of regional transport history and Finnish car culture.
Lappeen Maria Church is one of the most important attractions in Lappeenranta. This wooden double truss church is located in the centre of the city and dates back to 1794.
The architecture of the church is impressive and the interior is peaceful and atmospheric. You can admire its beautiful details and enjoy its historic atmosphere.
The church is surrounded by the picturesque Central Park, also known as Church Park. You can combine your visit to the church with a peaceful walk in the park.
On the southwest side of the church is the belfry, the only purely neo-Gothic building in Lappeenranta that has survived. It was completed in 1856 and is well worth seeing.
You can experience a unique adventure in the Vuoksi rapids. On a rafting trip you can enjoy an adrenaline rush and stunning scenery.
Experienced guides will ensure your safety and give you the necessary instructions. Equipment is provided on site, so all you need to bring is an enthusiastic attitude.
The trips are suitable for both beginners and more experienced rafters. You can choose the level of difficulty that suits you from a range of different route options.
The rapids of Vuoksi offer experiences all year round. In summer you can enjoy the sun and warm water, while in winter the snowy landscapes create a magical atmosphere.
After the rapids, you can relax in the beach sauna and share your experiences with other adventurers. This is an experience you won't forget in a moment.
The port of Lappeenranta is the beating heart of the city, especially in summer. In the harbour area you can enjoy the beautiful lake scenery, relax on the terraces or take a cruise on the Saimaa.
There are daily cruises from the port, taking you to the Saimaa Canal and all the way to Vyborg in Russia. Shorter lake cruises offer the opportunity to admire the stunning archipelago of Lake Saimaa and hear stories about the history of the region.
The port area also hosts events such as music festivals and markets. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés where you can sample local delicacies such as hydrogen and atoms - Lappeenranta's meat pies.
The Saimaa Geopark is a unique UNESCO-approved area covering the Lake Saimaa region and its surroundings. The Geopark offers the opportunity to discover the rich geological history and beautiful nature of the area.
You can go hiking on marked trails, such as the Myllysaari-Kimpinen outdoor recreation area, or rent a bicycle and explore the area on your own. The Geopark area also has several lookout points and nature trails suitable for the whole family.
Saimaa offers an excellent setting for water sports. You can take part in guided boat trips or hire a canoe or kayak and explore the Saimaa archipelago on your own.
Myllysaari-Kimpinen is a popular outdoor recreation area near the centre of Lappeenranta. The area offers a wide range of opportunities for exercise and relaxation amidst beautiful nature.
In summer, you can enjoy swimming at Myllysaari beach or play beach volleyball on the sandy courts. There is also an outdoor gym and children's playgrounds.
In winter, you can go skiing at the Kimpinen Sports Centre on the floodlit slopes or ice skating on the artificial ice rink. The area is also ideal for walking and dog walking all year round.
Saimaa offers a great setting for sailing and water sports. Lappeenranta has several marinas and rental boats that will help you discover the beauty of Finland's largest lake area.
You can hire a sailboat or motorboat for a self-drive excursion. If you are a beginner, you can take a sailing course or go on a guided sailing trip with an experienced skipper.
On the water, you can visit the numerous islands of Lake Saimaa, stop at natural harbours or even go fishing. Sailing on the Saimaa is a unique experience that combines peace and quiet with adventure.
Saimaa Adventures offers the opportunity to explore the stunning scenery of Saimaa by kayak. You can rent a kayak and go on a self guided trip or take part in a guided kayaking excursion.
Canoeing is an excellent way to enjoy the nature and peace of Lake Saimaa. You can glide gently along the surface of the water and observe the surrounding nature.
Saimaa Adventures organises paddling trips of different lengths for beginners and more experienced paddlers. The guides ensure safety and at the same time tell you about the history and nature of the area.
By kayak you can explore the small bays and straits of Lake Saimaa, which are inaccessible to larger boats. You can also go ashore on small islands and enjoy a snack in beautiful scenery.
The nature trails in Taipalsaari offer a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful lake nature of Lake Saimaa. The Haikkaanlahti hiking trail runs around the north side of Kirkkosaari and is an excellent destination for short hikes.
Along the route you can admire the beautiful landscape, walk on pleasant canvas paths and enjoy the proximity of Lake Saimaa. The trail is ideal for day trips or longer hikes.
Taipalsaari's nature trails also have campsites where you can rest and enjoy a snack. The routes are well marked, so there is no risk of getting lost.
Nature trails offer a relaxing experience for both mind and body. They are a great way to discover the region's diverse nature and enjoy the outdoors.
Myllysaari is a popular recreational area near the centre of Lappeenranta. You can enjoy swimming and sauna bathing at the Myllysaari beach, which offers an excellent setting for spending a summer day.
The area also offers good opportunities for fitness and sport. There are green areas where you can relax and even try your hand at beach volleyball. Children will enjoy the playgrounds and adventure track.
In winter, Myllysaari has two open-air swimming areas for the bravest cold-water lovers. The area is ideal for outdoor activities all year round, and also hosts a variety of events.
IsoKristiina is Lappeenranta's modern shopping paradise, offering a wide variety of shops and places to eat. The shopping centre features international brands, Finnish design shops and restaurants, perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner. It is particularly renowned for its central location and cosy atmosphere.
The historic Market Hall is the perfect place for lovers of local flavours and produce. Here you will find fresh ingredients, local food and traditional Karelian delicacies. The warm atmosphere and the friendliness of local entrepreneurs make for a unique shopping experience.
