Cultural holiday in Lappeenranta

Sightseeing and history

Lappeenranta has been growing along the border between eastern and western culture for centuries. Lappeenranta was granted town privileges in 1649. History is still present in the oldest part of the city, which is called the Fortress.

Today, Lappeenranta is a modern tourist city. However, effort has been made to preserve historic elements. For example, most of the museums and a few accommodation establishments operate in old, restored buildings, which are especially of interest for those enthusiastic about preserving old building traditions.

Read more about the sights and history here

Cruises

What would a summer trip to Lappeenranta be without a canal cruise or dinner cruise in the Saimaa Archipelago?

From Lappeenranta Harbour, you can take a cruise to the archipelago, the historic Saimaa Canal, the Ilkonsaari skete island and Karhusaari. Small scale charter cruises are also possible.

Read more about cruises here

Cultural tours

In Lappeenranta, you will encounter culture while wandering in the historic milieu of the Old Town’s Fortress or in the verdant city centre. Most of the city’s museums can be found in or near the Fortress. In the area of the Fortress and the harbour, you can also spot horses and riders wearing historic costumes in honour of the city’s Dragoon heritage.
The Old Town Hall, which is located in the city centre, is one of the city’s most spectacular buildings. The nostalgic building is also the oldest wooden town hall in Finland that has been preserved to this day. Guided tours in the Lappeenranta region are done by Lappeenrannan Matkailuoppaat. To book a guide, contact the tourist information office.

Read more about:
Dragoons here
Old Town Hall here
guided tours and how to book them here

Lappeenranta city centre

The small size of the Lappeenranta city centre, affectionally known as the City, makes it easy to reach the shops, cafeterias, and restaurants, simply by walking along the streets.
The charming city centre combines the old with the new, wood with steel, lindens, parks and stone paving. The Lappee Church of St Mary is nestled in the Maria Square, right in the heart of the City. The museums and monuments, in the City, lure visitors to travel back in time through the history of this border town.
Underground garages offer ample parking in the city centre.

Read more about the city center here