visit lappeenranta finland

• We can help
• Travel Trade
• Our Traveller Site
• Destinations
• Success stories
• Newsletters
• Congress calendar
• Service providers

Lappeenranta

Credits: goSaimaa

Lappeenranta is an international centre of tourism and higher education.

Welcome to lappeenranta.

Lappeenranta is a popular international tourist destination and university city with first-class rail, air, and road connections. The city’s excellent location and good networks makes it a valuable meeting point with a variety of activities on offer.

Where in Finland

Population : 73 000

Flight connections : The airport lies 2 kilometres from the city centre.

Distance from Helsinki :

– Train 2 hours – Car 221 kilometres, 2 hours 30 minutes

Lappeenranta Tourist information Brahenkatu 5 Lappeenranta Tel. +358 5 66 77 88 [email protected]

Cruises on Finland’s grand Lake Saimaa

Lappeenranta lies in Lakeland in Southeast Finland. The city offers plenty of services and shopping opportunities.

Lappeenranta is set on the southern shore of Lake Saimaa, the biggest lake in Finland and fifth largest in Europe. Its Old Town, also called The Fortification, along with its harbour are main locations for musical performances and other events. 

Easy-going and international

There are around 13,000 students in Lappeenranta, and the University of Technology (LUT) has a great reputation for its innovativeness. LUT university and the Saimaa University of Applied Sciences also offer degree programmes in English.

Best Things to Do in Lappeenranta (whether or not you’re a Bordertown fan)

*Please note that this post has affiliate links. If you buy through my links, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission, which helps the upkeep of this blog.

There are many reasons to visit Lappeenranta, the 13th-largest city in Finland. There is even a UNESCO world heritage site right next to it: the stunningly beautiful lake Saimaa… Hey, did you just fall asleep?

Raise your hand if you’re here because you’re a Bordertown fan. Yes, Lappeenranta is indeed home to Bordertown (Sorjonen in Finnish), the Netflix show that has found huge success both domestically and internationally.

I have visited Lappeenranta many, many times as I have some friends there. People from this town are friendly and down to earth. The city is an eclectic mix of beautiful harbor with wooden architecture and then, well, not-so-inspiring boxy buildings. But don’t let them fool you.

Everything is within walking distance, and there are wonderful places for foodies to visit. You cannot visit this town without trying their take on the Finnish meat pie (more about those later).

If you’re planning on visiting Lappeenranta for any reason, this blog post will list some things I think will make your trip even more fun.

Table of Contents

5 things not to miss while visiting Lappeenranta

Lappeenranta restaurants and things to do for foodies, where to stay in lappeenranta, what else do you need to know before visiting lappeenranta.

Let’s start with a few things you can’t miss if you are visiting and my few personal favorite things in the city.

Lappeenranta fortress

You can’t miss where it all started: in 1649, the city was established at the fortress in Linnoitusniemi. The old town still has some cobblestone streets, and many of this area’s historic buildings are open to public.

You can also climb to the top of the fortification to take in the views of the harbor or take a stroll in the Old park also known as the kissing park (Pusupuisto).

Lappeenranta harbor

Both the fortress and harbor are lovely places to visit in the summer. I especially like the wonderful cafes, restaurants, and culture on offer. Follow the waterfront path from Rantapuisto and Kasinoterassi terrace towards Myllysaari to find the beach.

You can also find your way down to the waterfront directly from the fortress and visit the sandcastles before heading out for a well-deserved lunch break from sightseeing at Lappeenrannan Kasino in the harbor.

Sandcastles

Yes, you read that right, sandcastles! From June 4th of each year, big sand sculptures appear in the harbor next to the fortress. The sculptures are created using millions of kilos of sand. The theme varies each year, and the attraction stays open until the last weekend of August.

Admire lake Saimaa from a distance or dip in!

Lake Saimaa is the biggest lake in Finland and spreads around several Finnish cities. There are plenty of beautiful nature destinations around the lake, including national parks.

If you are short on time or don’t want to make a long detour into nature, shorter cruises from Lappeenranta take you around the Saimaa archipelago. And if you want to do the hard work yourself, kayaks and rowing boats can be rented from the Sandcastles in Linnoitusniemi.

The lake is, of course, also visible from the fortress and harbor, and you can even dip in: head over to Myllysaari beach in the summer months. For a truly authentic Finnish lake experience, consider renting a Finnish summer cottage with a pier offering you views of lake Saimaa!

Eat local fast food: atomi and vety

You can’t miss this local delicacy when visiting Lappeenranta: “an atom and a hydrogen”. They have been served for over 40 years here. Atomi or atom is a Finnish meat pie filled with ham or eggs. Hydrogen aka vety, in Finnish, has both fillings. 

This snack is so popular you can find vegetarian (with cheese, soy-based fillings, veggie patties, and so on) and gluten-free options, depending on where you get them.

Atomi and vety are available around the city, but my local friends have always preferred to take me to either Satama-Sanni in the harbor or Peitsoman kioski in the Lappeenranta market square.

Once you have ticked atomi and vety off your culinary bucket list , here are a few restaurants I can warmly recommend within the city.

Where to have lunch?

Kehruuhuone

Kehruuhuone is a 200-year-old building in the old town of Lappeenranta at the fortress. The location is wonderful, but so is the lunch that offers lots of variety.

You can find Kehruuhuone at Lappeenranta Fortress, Kristiinankatu 20, 53900 Lappeenranta.

Cafe Aleksandra

Aleksandra is just next to the Lappeenranta market square, in the heart of the city. They have an awesome lunch buffet. If the lunch of the day is not your cup of tea, there’s an amazing selection of savory (and sweet) treats with a Karelian spin. Try the salmon-filled flatbreads, Karelian pies, and especially, the local meat pie.

Find Aleksandra at Toikankatu 1, 53100 Lappeenranta

For afternoon coffee

Kahvila Marjuska

This wonderful place can also be found within the Lappeenranta fortress, embraced by the old stone walls and greenery. They have the most amazing cakes!

The cafe owners invite you to enjoy the stories within the old walls of this unique cafe. You might just fall in love with it like many locals and visitors from around the world already have.

Kahvila Marjuska is located at Kristiinankatu 1, 53900 Lappeenranta

For a special evening: fine dining

The family-run restaurant in the heart of Lappeenranta offers a beautiful setting and a carefully thought-out menu. They also have another location with a wine and beer cellar at Ainonkatu 5.

Find Wolkoff restaurant at Kauppakatu 26, 53100 Lappeenranta

Ravintola Wanha Makasiini

Wanha Makasiini, located in the Lappeenranta harbor, promises to have the city’s best À La Carte, created with love for food. I can warmly recommend either one of these options for a more special evening out!

You can find Wanha Makasiini Bistro at Satamatie 4, Lappeenranta

Comfort food

Tuen Grilli

Had your fill of atomi and vety, but still not satisfied with the fast food on offer? This place is a little bit further away from the city center, but people travel for these burgers! Any locals who have left Lappeenranta will stop by here anytime they are back in their home town and no wonder these are the best burgers in the city, and the place is legendary.

Visit Tuen Grilli at Standertsjöldinkatu 1 b, 53200 Lappeenranta

Grab the free kit

If you are looking for accommodation in Lappeenranta, there are two nice chain hotels in the city center: Scandic Hotel Patria and Sokos Hotel Lappee .

Are you interested in a spa break? There is a large spa at the Holiday Club Saimaa hotel , around 30 minutes from the city center.

For those craving unique accommodation and destination, check out Pulsan Asema Bed & Breakfast . The old wooden station building from 1869 has been turned into a great family-owned place with a B&B and a cafe, but do check carefully they are open when you plan to visit! This option is around 30 minutes from the city center.

What else do you need to know while planning your trip? I looked up some of the most pressing questions people ask about visiting Lapppeenranta and a little bit about its connection to the Netflix series Bordertown too…

Is Lappeenranta from Bordertown a real city? What country is Bordertown in?

Yes, Lappeenranta is a real city in Finland. You can walk around some of the places featured in the series, and other than the frequent crimes, the city has the same feel as in Bordertown. It is a very safe place to visit, but you can add some thrills by visiting the sites the series was filmed in.

Bordertown is actually the name of a real place too, but it is located in Australia, so be careful when booking accommodation!

How far is Lappeenranta from Helsinki? How to get to Lappeenranta?

Lappeenranta is around a 2-hour and 40-minute drive away from Helsinki (224 km, depending on where you start, of course). By train, the journey takes 2 hours and 10 minutes on a direct InterCity train.

What do locals call Lappeenranta?

Fun fact: locals affectionately call the city Lapuski, which has a bit of a Russian ring to it. Some people shorten it LPR, but this is not particularly local.

What to pack for Lappeenranta in the summer/winter?

The same things you would pack for a trip in Finland anyway. For that, I’ve got you covered. I have put together an article on What to wear in the summer and What to wear in the winter !

FinNISH CONNECTION COLLECTION 🇫🇮

Finland-themed sweaters and accessories made-to-order. 🧡 Worldwide shipping.

Is Lappeenranta at the Russian border? Does Finland border with Russia?

At 30 km away, Lappeenranta is right next to the border with Russia, and before the pandemic, the city used to get nearly 2 million visitors a year from there. Lappeenranta is closer to St. Petersburg than Helsinki.

Where did they film Bordertown? What are Bordertown filming locations in Lappeenranta?

By now, the obvious answer would be in Lappeenranta, Finland, but there are also several real places in the city where they filmed the series.

The city has organized summer Bordertown walking tours for those who want to spot the familiar sites. Unfortunately, they seem to have stopped at least for now without any clues when new tours will be organised in the future.

You can, however, visit (outside) some of these places on your own:

Lappeenranta city hall (Villimiehenkatu 1) houses the room used as the mayor’s office. The parking garage and lower floors were also used as some of the main locations of the series, including the police team’s offices.

Luukkaansalmen silta is the bridge the main character, Kari Sorjonen, drives home.

Tolppagrilli (Valtakatu 54) is the place where Elias first approaches Janina.

Kasino (Ainonkatu 10) is featured as a restaurant where Kari Sorjonen and his wife Pauliina have lunch.

Myllysaari , the island with Lappeenranta’s beach, is one of the locations where a body is found in the series.

Kaukaan alakoulu (Parkkarilankatu 41) served as Janina’s school with a different name.

Kaukaan edustuskerho served as Degermans’ mansion and is located at UPM Kaukas factory site. The factory site can also be seen in the series. The beautiful building is in use by UPM, and they have even shared about it on their social media.

Some of these sites are off the beaten path and not walkable from Lappeenranta city center. The sites themselves can be easy to miss if you never watched Bordertown, but for fans they offer the chance to get that photo if you want proof that you were really there!

Is Bordertown on Netflix based on a true story?

The series is fiction and was written by Miikko Oikkonen, but while writing it, he did study real police cases and police work.

What should I watch after Bordertown?

It may not be directly related to Lappeenranta, but you might like the other popular Finnish crime series Deadwind (Karppi) which takes place in Helsinki. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to visit both cities afterward!

So there you have it: my recommendations for the best things to do in Lappeenranta, whether or not you are a Bordertown fan. There are plenty of reasons to visit, and I would love to hear in the comments if you visited, are planning to visit, or just added it to your bucket list!

Here are some other articles you might find interesting:

• 50+ Addicting Finnish TV Series, Famous Finnish Movies & Books!
• How to Use and Book Trains and Buses in Finland
• Why Visit Finland: 30+ Stories about Falling in Love with Finland

https://www.visitlappeenranta.fi/en/Themes/6-reasons-to-visit-Lappeenranta

https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-9368471

About Varpu I’m the founder of Her Finland. I love cultural tidbits, aha moments, Finnish folklore, and cinnamon buns. My newest interest is learning bird songs. Read more about me..

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

18K+ students! 🔥 Most POPULAR spoken Finnish course ➤

• Region of Lake Saimaa

Lappeenranta

Lappeenranta, located on the southern shore of Lake Saimaa, has grown on the border between western and eastern cultures. Granted city rights in 1649, Lappeenranta is a perfect blend of modern and old city culture. Historic buildings have been preserved by creating new uses for them.

In the city centre you will find big shopping centres, small boutiques, delightful cafés and quality restaurants. Lappeenranta is a green city that respects a clean environment. Beautiful parks and stunning nature are just a stone’s throw away.

A taste of history

Lappeenranta Fortress is the oldest part of the city and the past is really visible there. There is a short walking route around the fortress with signposts along the way telling you about the architectural and cultural history of the area. Along the cobbled street that runs through the area, old and valuable buildings stand tall housing the city’s museums, galleries and artisans’ workshops. The fortress walls offer a magnificent view of both Lake Saimaa and the city.

In July, you can see dragoons on the streets of Lappeenranta. The riders, dressed in pretentious military uniforms, honour the city’s military history by patrolling the streets. The events in Eastern Finland will also feature the Dragoon Band which was founded a hundred years ago.

Near the fortress, a large sandcastle is built in the summer and is worked on by many artists from around the world. Every year the sandcastle has a different theme which the sculptures are based on. Before Christmas, the Fortress has traditionally hosted a Christmas market, where local artisans sell their products. During the winter when there is plenty of snow, a snow castle is built for the whole family.

On the waves of Lake Saimaa

In summer, Lappeenranta’s busiest place is the harbour, where restaurants attract locals and tourists alike. There is also a market in the harbour square, where you can buy local products. In addition to delicious food, the harbour’s restaurants offer a great view of Lake Saimaa.

It is also possible to admire Lake Saimaa on cruises departing from the harbour of Lappeenranta. There are cruises to Savonlinna, Puumala and the lovely archipelago of Lake Saimaa.

You can also book a canal cruise along the Saimaa Canal. The 43-kilometre-long canal is Finland’s most important historical canal, connecting the Lake Saimaa region with the Gulf of Finland. During the two-hour cruise, you will be able to see how the locks of the Saimaa Canal work. The Saimaa Canal also offers visa-free cruises to Vyborg in Russia. The long and varied history of the canal can be explored in summer at the Saimaa Canal Museum.

What's on offer in Lappeenranta?

Lappeenranta Fortress

Lappeenranta Harbour

Saimaa Canal

Lapppeenranta Sandcastle

The Rantaraitti lakeside route

More information.

Lappeenranta

The Harbour of Lappeenranta, which also has the longest beach boulevard in Finland, is a whole family destination. Activities, events, and the archipelago of Saimaa offer many things to do for all ages.

The fascinating Fortress and its museums, shops, cafés, and summer theatre invite you to enjoy this Karelian city. There is a nature and cultural trail around the Fortress that introduces you to the building and cultural history of the Fortress and its surrounding area. 

In the Harbour, you can also find the biggest Sandcastle in Finland that has been fascinating tourists since 2004. An equipment rental is also working in the vicinity of the Sandcastle and you can rent yourself a canoe, rowing boat, or an electric bike.

In the summer, the Harbour Square offers local specialities, such as vety and atomi meat pies that you can feast on while enjoying live music and admiring the views of Lake Saimaa.  From The Harbour you can go on a landscape cruise around the archipelago and Saimaa Canal. 

In the Ylämaa Gem Village, you can watch how spectrolite is cut into jewellery. There are many things to see and do for the whole family.

Lappeenranta and the South Karelian region offer many different types of routes for all kinds of adventurers. There are also approximately 1,500 geocaches in the South Karelian area.

Explore the Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark. Lake Saimaa is the treasure of Eastern Finland and it is known for its beautiful scenery, pure nature, exquisite cities, and charming villages. Saimaa has unique geological, archaeological, and culture-historical sights that are expecting visitors.

The beautiful Rantaraitti lakeside route traces the shores of Lake Saimaa and is within easy reach of the Lappeenranta city centre. You can access the 14.8 km route from various points, and the route takes occasional detours away from the shoreline.

Welcome to Lappeenranta!

Electric kick scooters

You can rent electric kick scooters for use in the centre from German Tier , American Bird and Finnish Joe Scooter . Tier has also electric bicycles.

• Taksi Saimaa , ☏ +358 200 60 400 , [email protected] . Also bookable by app. Flag fall M–F 06:00–20:00: €5.90, Sa 06:00–16:00: €5.90, other times and holidays: €9.00; 1–4 persons €1.76/km, over 4 persons €2.28/km (July 2020) . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Menevä Lappeenranta , ☏ +358 50-471-0470 (head of office) , toll-free: 0800-02120 (booking) . Also bookable by app or web. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app or web. Flag fall M–Sa 06:00–18:00: €4, other times and holidays: €7; 1–4 persons €0.90/km + €0.90/min, 5–8 persons minimum €20, €1.60/km + €0.90/min (March 2021) . ( updated Mar 2021 )
• Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi

• The 61.066 28.1834 1 historical fortress , the original city center which was established in mid-17th century. The old buildings include artist workshops, the 61.0649 28.1841 2 oldest orthodox church in Finland , completed in 1785, as well as 61.0674 28.1834 3 the Museum of South Carelia and 61.06439 28.18314 4 the Art Museum of South Carelia .
• 61.0688 28.1842 5 Sandcastle . The biggest one in Scandinavia. Each summer an ever larger sandcastle is built by artists on the northern end of the harbour area. Each year they have a different theme and make sculptures on the walls of the castle accordingly. There is a small theatre inside the castle playing acts intended mainly to children and families.  
• 60.7902 28.012 6 Jewellery museum ( Jalokivimuseo ), Kivikyläntie 19 ( Kivikylä, Ylämaa, 30 km south from Lappeenranta centre ), ☏ +358 400-391-590 , [email protected] . Daily Jun–late Aug 12:00–15:00, other times by agreement . Domestic and foreign gemstones and minerals , especially the spectrolite . Tours to the quarry of 1–2 hr, including guiding in the museum and optionally also to a local history museum or the World War II Salpa line fortifications (building of which the spectrolite deposit was found). €4/2, accompanied children under 12 free; quarry tours €40–50/person . ( updated Feb 2024 )

• 61.0642 28.1914 1 Harbour area . The harbour, the parks nearby, the fortress and Myllysaari beach are a perfect place to chill out in summertime, sitting on the terraces, drinking, eating and watching the boats and things that happen. Live music played on many summer days. Early in August there is a popular festival called "Linnoituksen yö" (Engl. The Night of the Fortress) in the harbour and fortress area.  
• In winter, the city seems to quiet down a little. The main attractions during winter are the city theatre and major league ice hockey and basketball games. Also many possibilities exist for practising winter sports. There are tens of kilometres worth of cross-country skiing tracks (a popular stage circles around the airport), and also a small downhill skiing slope. Many outdoor and indoor ice-rinks are available for skating. The city bay becomes a skating track during winter.
• Ylamaa Gem and Mineral Show ( Ylämaan jalokivimessut ): 5–7 July 2024,  ☏ +358 400-391-590 ,  [email protected] . A yearly fair in Kivikylä, Ylämaa. A good opportunity to make acquaintance with the local spectrolite , Finnish jewellery and related interior design in general, minerals (free identification of interesting stones and minerals you and your children found yourselves). Also a range of foreign companies are present.   (date needs fixing)
• LPRHC Fest : August. Hardcore, punk and rap festival in Lappeenranta in early August. After party and more.   (date needs updating)

Situated close to the border, Lappeenranta is one of the most popular destinations for Russian shopping travellers. The two major shopping mall chains Prisma and Citymarket are located at the outskirts of the city.

Spectrolite

Spectrolite is an unusual variety of labradorite with a very rich range of colours, quarried in Ylämaa in the south of the municipality. The Ylämaa bedrock deposits are the first ones known, found in 1940. Spectrolite items may be available from goldsmith shops in Lappeenranta centre, but especially in the Kivikylä ("stone village") by Ylämaa centre, 30 km south of Lappeenranta centre, or at the jewellery fairs arranged there.

• 60.7902 28.0118 1 Ylämaan Korukivi , Kivikyläntie 17 ( Kivikylä ), ☏ +358 50-534-0390 , [email protected] . in season, by request or when there otherwise is staff around . Locally made jewellery and other goods with spectrolite . Besides jewellery, products include interior design such as clocks, and individual stones. €35–500 . ( updated Feb 2024 )

Malls and supermarkets

• 61.0449 28.2025 2 Citymarket , Toikansuontie 4 ( at the crossing of highway 6 and regional road 390 ).  
• 61.0499 28.1782 3 Prisma , Puhakankatu 9 ( at the eastern end of the airport ).  
• 61.0566 28.1933 4 Iso Kristiina , Brahenkatu 3–7 . The largest mall in the city centre.  
• Small coffee booths at the harbour and the 61.0562 28.1849 1 market square ( Kauppatori ) offer traditional meat pies called vety (Eng. "hydrogen") and atomi (Eng. "atom"). Vety consists of a meat pie, ham, boiled egg and condiments. Atomi has either ham or egg, but not both. Also other snack food is offered by the booths. Just ask for 'vetyatomi' and you'll be understood in nearly all the grillikioskis in Finland.
• 61.06017 28.18525 2 Wolkoff , Kauppakatu 26 , ☏ +358 5 4150320 . M-F 11:00-24:00, Sa 16:30-23:00 . A nice, cozy 50-seat restaurant in a historical 150-year-old house. Non-smoking. In the summertime, seats also available on the courtyard. Main dishes €14-28. .  
• 61.0617 28.1893 3 Lappeenrannan Kasino , Ainonkatu 10 . An old, classy restaurant. Has also a separate terrace docked on the water at the harbour.  
• 61.06435 28.18392 1 Majurska , Kristiinankatu 1 , ☏ +358 5 4530 554 . Open M-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 11:00-17:00, an hour longer in summer . A romantic café in the historical old Fortress. Delicious homebaked cakes and tarts. Not necessarily for small children because of limited space and fragile décor.  
• 61.0591 28.1853 2 Coffee House , Kauppiaskatu 29-31 ( In the shopping mall Amanda ), ☏ +358 5 678 6667 . M-Th 08:00-22:09, F 08:00-00:00, Sa 09:00-00:00, Su 13:00-20:00 . A nice, modern cafe.  
• 61.05905 28.18788 3 Café Galleria , Koulukatu 15 ( In the Galleria shopping mall ), ☏ +358 5 453 1644 . M-F 07:30-17:09, Sa 09:00-15:00 . A small cafe.  

Most of the popular bars are located in the city centre.

• 61.0618 28.1875 4 Prinsessa Armaada , ☏ +358 5 4513376 . Harbour. 10:00–02:00 daily in summer ( subject to weather ). A popular hangout place in the summer, this restaurant is built on an old parked steamboat. Most people come here for drinks, although they also serve food. Another similar boat restaurant, S/S Suvi-Saimaa , is located next to Prinsessa Armaada. main dishes €9–17 .  

Some mid-range and budget hotels are present.

• Local student housing foundation, LOAS , offers affordable accommodation during the summer months for tourists.
• 61.077 28.3605 1 Pitotalo Miekkala , Partalantie 136 , ☏ +358 5 458 1882 . A typical Bed and Breakfast hotel, 10 km from Lappeenranta towards Joensuu. B&B €25/person .  
• 61.0541 28.1911 2 Matkustajakoti Turisti-Lappee , Kauppakatu 52 , ☏ +358 5 415 0800 . Centrally located. The shower facilities are shared, the double rooms have private toilets but the single rooms do not. Prices include breakfast and the use of the sauna facilities. double €51, single €31 .  
• 61.0543 28.1527 3 Camping Lappeenranta , Kuusimäenkatu 18 ( 2 km west of the city centre ), ☏ +358 50-555-6800 , [email protected] . The prices include breakfast and the use of the swimming pool.  
• 60.7325 27.9909 4 Lahtelan maatilamatkailu , Lahtelantie 120 , ☏ +358 5-4578034 . Bed and Breakfast south of Ylämaa centre, 40 km south of Lappeenranta.  
• 61.0562 28.1911 5 Sokos Hotel Lappee , Brahenkatu 1 ( next to Galleria shopping mall ), ☏ +358 10 762 1000 . A comfortable chain hotel in the middle of the city overlooking a desolate square with the town hall's blocky architecture and a fountain.  
• 61.0579 28.185 6 Hotel Cumulus Lappeenranta , Valtakatu 31 , ☏ +358 5 677 811 , [email protected] . 95 rooms with TV, radio, pay-channel, hair dryer and free broadband connection."  

Lappeenranta is a safe city very accustomed to foreigners. Lappeenranta is the second most popular destination in Finland, mainly due to Russian shopping tourists, but also many other nationalities visit during summer months.

• Imatra - 40   km northeast. See the rapids of Imatrankoski (free flowing at special occasions) and other attractions that the Russian czars used to visit in the 19th century.
• Punkaharju - drive through Finland's national landscape on a road on the top of a ridge that partially divides Lake Saimaa.
• Savonlinna - 120   km north, home to a well preserved medieval castle where an opera festival is held each summer.
• Vyborg - in Russia. The canal cruises are unavailable as of 2023, so the way in would be by car. Due to western sanctions and Russian counter-sanctions because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, going to and from and staying in Russia may involve extra hassle and surprises.

• Has custom banner
• Has VisaRestriction box
• Has VisaRestriction box with out of date warning
• Has mapframe
• Has map markers
• Articles with dead external links
• Airport listing
• Go listing with no coordinates
• Articles with bad date events
• Articles with out of date events
• Usable cities
• Usable articles
• City articles
• Has Geo parameter
• South Karelia
• All destination articles
• Pages using the Kartographer extension

Navigation menu

Top 6 Things to do in Lappeenranta (Finland)

• Pinterest 25

Looking for more places to visit in Finland not far away from the capital city? Check out these top things to do in Lappeenranta – a city west from Helsinki on the southern coast of Lake Saimaa.

Lappeenranta stands second among Finland’s most visited towns. It is culturally rich with Finland ’s oldest Orthodox Church housed in the Fortress of Lappeenranta and several other museums.

It is also known for ten different orchestras or choirs, along with Scandinavia’s most enormous Sandcastle, and skiing on the slopes at Konka and Myllymäki, which is one of the best things to do in Lappeenranta.

Lappeenranta is a very popular international university city today, which is located in the heart of a stunning landscape at the southern part of the fourth largest lake in Europe , Saimaa. Its linden tree-lined historical streets and Fortress, combined with lots of natural and cultural activities in Lappeenranta.

Make it both a wonderland during winters and paradise in summers , for both locals and tourists who flock here from different parts of the world. Located only 215 km from both St. Petersburg and Helsinki and nearby the Finnish border to Russia, Lappeenranta is the second most well-known tourist attraction for foreign tourists. This town is well known for its cheerful vibes and a lot of amazing things to see in Lappeenranta all year round.

Table of Contents

Quick information and Lappeenranta travel tips

• Currency? Euros
• Languages? Finnish and Swedish
• Where is this place? Located in Northern Europe; Southeast of Finland .
• What is Finland famous for? Skiing ,  Northern Lights , Santa Claus Village, Forest, Lakes , Vikings, and many more!
• Best time to visit Finland?  Visit during Winter ( November to March) and do some winter activities, explore Santas Village, and witness Aurora Borealis. Come around Spring (March to May) to see the surroundings bloom to life and Summer (June to August) to explore the lakeside, festivals, and the midnight sun. That said, Autumn ( September to October ) is also a beautiful time to visit as the weather is still nice but chill and the surroundings start to change color from green to beautiful golden yellow and orange.
• What to wear during winter in Finland ? Read our winter packing guide and as well our jacket reviews
• Closest Airport?  Lappeenranta Airport
• How to get to Lappeenranta? You can fly from Helsinki or take the bus or train – it takes about 3-4 hours by train
• Other famous places in Finland?  Lapland , Helsinki , Espoo , Porvoo , Vaasa , Tampere , Pori , Åland Island , Savonlinna , Turku , Rovaniemi , Salla , Jyväskylä , Kuhmo , Kajaani , Oulu , and Joensuu
• Famous neighboring countries? Norway , Denmark , Iceland , Estonia , Russia, and Sweden

Do you need a visa for Finland?

In order to enter Finland, you need to have a valid Schengen visa. If you’re a citizen of the EU group of countries, you can enter Finland without a visa. However, if you’re a citizen of Canada, the USA, New Zealand , and Australia – you can stay in Schengen areas for 90 days.

Check out our detailed guide on how to apply for a Schengen visa – read it here .

Where to book your flights to Finland?

Check our handy-dandy guide on how to find the cheapest flights around the world – read it here .

Do you need travel insurance for Finland?

Remember this: anything can happen! Read our take on why you need travel insurance and how it can save you money when things go unplanned – read it here .

Experiences and top things to do in Lappeenranta, Finland

It is probably the first thing that comes in mind when it comes to Lappeenranta sightseeing. Lappeenranta is well known for having a lot of sand, i.e., a whopping 3 million kilos. With the standards of sustainable growth in mind, it is recycled in a new and creative form every year.

It is designed by locals, school children, and foreign experts. Finland’s biggest Sandcastle has been built at Linnoitusniemi Cape. This tourist attraction in Lappeenranta welcomes tourists from the beginning of June to the end of August. You can enjoy different activities and rides around the area. You can also rent SUP boards, canoes, and bicycles.

This year, it is the 16th time when the Lappeenranta Sandcastle has been erected on the Fortress. Over the years, it has changed different themes like space, Finnish castles , sea adventures, jungle, etc.

The Sandcastle is built by using over 3 million kilos. This summer , the 370th birthday of Lappeenranta is being celebrated at the Sandcastle.

The area is now open from June 8 to September 1, 2019. It features an ice cream stand, a café, and rides. It is the area where the street train route starts and ends.

FIND HOTEL DEALS: Best hotels in Lappeenranta.

Read also: Top Islands in Finland you can explore

Living Fortress

Established in the year 1649 by the Fortress in Linnoitusniemi in 1649, the city of Lappeenranta has been stretched to its actual dimensions over the centuries.

Even though tar barrels are not rolled to Lake Saimaa anymore. And house cleaners do not climb up with water buckets to Vesiportinkuja Alley any longer. You can still go atop the fortification, drink the water of Lake Saimaa, and watch the ships gliding to the harbor.

On Kristiinankatu Street, the cobblestones take you to witness the treasures of museums and the past of border town, along with cultural events at the Cultural Centre and Event Kehruuhuone. The 200 years old complex was used early as a correctional facility. You can enjoy delicacies and restaurants served at the fantastic Majurska House at the Fortress.

Lake Saimaa

Another best thing to do in Lappeenranta is exploring Lake Saimaa. Starting from Lappeenranta Harbour, Lake Saimaa is the largest lake in Finland . You may witness the lake from the deck of Prinsessa Armaada, the iconic-tarred steamboat, berthed at Harbour Square, the Fortress at the old town. You may also head to the Promenade from Linnoitusniemi Cape to Myllyssari or also witness the same from the pier of a holiday cottage.

You can start your journey in a kayak, canoe, or rowing boat, which is available for family trips on rent at Sandcastle. You can also take several cruises from the harbor to the Saimaa Canal and archipelago. You can also get to the bridges, beaches , and Saimaa Canal by bicycle or car.

The Luukkaansalmi Bridge has also become famous as it was featured in Bordertown, an acclaimed TV series. You will be guided to the favorable routes and rent bicycles for an hour or week. 

Lappeenranta City Theatre

It is the whole New City Theatre located in the heart of Lappeenranta, on the Iso Kristiina shopping center (top floor). A hotel also operates in the proximity to the restaurants , theatre, and shops under the same roof. Its location is not known anywhere else across the continent. It is a unique solution that is seen as a structural change in the business. The performances are seen returning to their marketplaces.

The leading architect Ala Arkkitehdit Oy designed the City Theatre. It can be visited on a group tour organized by the Theatre Director. At least five people are allowed on the group tour at a time. It costs EUR 10 per person. Be sure to enjoy the iconic performances here.

Read also: Traditional Finnish foods you must taste when you visit Finland!

Angry Birds Activity Park

When weather is not that favorable, and you want your kids to enjoy their day to the fullest, there is no better option than adventure venues and indoor activities for those days.

Angry Birds Activity Park is one of the great indoor adventure venues in Rauha region, which is located next to Holiday Club Saimaa.

The Angry Birds Activity Park is a thrilling and fun venue spread over 2400 sq. m. It is situated at Capri shopping center. It has toddlers’ world and kids’ play world on the lower floor. The pedal cars, Angry Birds cinema, and rope bridges are also available on the lower floor.

It has unique themed activity areas and Space themes on the second floor. Exploring this park is one of the fun t hings to do in Lappeenranta.

Explore the Russian Border

Lappeenranta is the only European city that is closest to St. Petersburg, and it has a second-largest population of tourists in Finland. It welcomes over 1.5 million tourists from Russia every year.

The historic sites like Fortress and today’s services reflect the city’s proximity to the border and its internationalism. It has Finland’s oldest Orthodox Church at the Fortress. It also serves visitors and customers in Russian along with English and Finnish.

→ Check out these activities in Finland

Are you on pinterest pin this for later read, sharing is caring.

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!

• Top Picks Featured Listings

Tourist Attractions

photo © Discovering Finland

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Ways to get to Lappeenranta

Bus and Taxi service

By ship or own boat

Electric car charging points