About
Lappeenranta is a lakeside city in south-eastern Finland, set on the shores of Lake Saimaa, the country's largest lake. Its waterfront views are the first thing many visitors notice, and the city has the relaxed feel of a place built around water and summer.
What to see and do
- The historic fortress area is the heart of the old town, with museums, cafés and artisan shops set among its old walls.
- Europe's largest sand castle is one of the city's distinctive attractions, and a reason many people plan a summer visit.
- Boat trips on the Saimaa Canal run through scenic waterways and reach as far as Russia, offering a different view of the region.
- Lake activities and beaches make the most of the Saimaa shoreline during the warmer months.
The character of the visit
Lappeenranta suits a slower pace. A morning can be spent wandering the fortress streets and stopping for coffee, an afternoon on the water or at a beach, and an evening by the lake. The city captures much of Finnish summer life, with its emphasis on outdoor time, lakes and easy sociability.
Because the fortress area, the canal and the waterfront are all close together, the city is easy to explore on foot. Visitors who enjoy lakes, small historic quarters and a quieter corner of Finland will find it a pleasant place to spend a few days.
