Finland's sweetest summer

In Lappeenranta, you'll experience Finland's sweetest summer! Read all about the top tips for families with children and culture enthusiasts for summer 2025 below.

The Sandcastle

The Sandcastle opens again on 7th of June 2025!  This time it's ghost-themed.

From the Sandcastle you'll find all the ingredients for a perfect summer day. From the area you'll find equipment rental services (ie. SUP-boards and bicycles.), Coinline's Bouncy Castle World and as a new addition a sightseeing bus tour (FIN&ENG), and Fazer shop! The area also includes a tourist service point, where our tourist advisors are happy to assist you in questions regarding the city's attractions, events, and activities.

More about:

the Sandcastle and its accompanying activities here

the sightseeing bus tour here

Fazer shop here

Summer benefits and sticker pass

Spend an unforgettable day in Lappeenranta, get to know our sweet summer benefits and collect stickers to your pass. Bring your filled pass to the tourist information centre at IsoKristiina (Brahenkatu 5) or to the tourist information point at the Sandcastle (Satamatie 13 A) to receive a small prize. You can also collect the empty passes from the tourist information centre at IsoKristiina shopping centre or from the tourist information point at the Sandcastle.  There are restaurant offers for families with children and discount to shoppers, among others.

Discover the sweetest summer deals here

Museums

The museums of Lappeenranta Fortress are free of charge throughout July 2025! Immerse yourself in Full Volume! – the decades of youth and DJ culture in South Karelia exhibition at the South Karelia Museum. At the Lappeenranta Art Museum, you can see the exhibition Still Life and Landscape – the von Boehm artist family, or delve into the history of domestic cavalry at the Cavalry Museum. 

Explore the offerings of museums here

Lappeenranta Festival

Festive atmosphere for weeks at the celebration tent in Lappeenranta's historic Fortress and all around the city! The programme includes, among others, the Wine Festival,  children's free event performing Hevisaurus, Saimaa Punk Festival, J. Karjalainen gig, and much more!

More information here

Event delights for every taste

Traditional summer concerts and other summer classics, along with new acquaintances, will captivate you. With Lappeenranta's event calendar, you can easily find the city's events, art exhibitions, and concerts! See you at events like these, for example:

6.–7.6. Horses at the Fortress & Lappeenranta City Races
6.–7.6. Lepra Beer fest
9.6. MILjazz tour at the Harbour square
12.–15.6. Kalenat, cultural event for children and youth
14.6.  Vety meat pie, a local speciality in Lappeenranta, celebration at the Market square
20.6. Midsummer dance and bonfire at the harbour
28.–29.6. Suur-Saimaa Races
11.–13.7. Saimaa Cycle Tour
18.–20.7. Puuveneen Vuoksi, and Suur-Saimaa's Old Ships at the harbour
29.–30.8.Harbour Lights
6.6.–9.8. Free summer Saturday ballroom dances at the Lalli Summer restaurant in the Fortress

Explore the Summer event offerings here  (information available mainly in Finnish)

Cruises

What would a summer trip to Lappeenranta be without a cruise in the Saimaa archipelago or on the historical canal?

Children under 14 cruise for free this summer on M/S Camilla!

Explore the cruise offerings here

Sightseeing Tour

You can conveniently explore Lappeenranta by taking a sightseeing tour bus around the city. During the approximately 40-minute tour, you'll see the highlights of summery Lappeenranta, including the historic Rakuunamäki, the fortress, and beautiful views of Lake Saimaa, all while learning about the city's history through narration and pictures. Children under 6 ride for free!

Read more here

Cultural holiday in Lappeenranta

The enchanting 17th-century fortress, museums, unique cafés and artisan shops, along with a high-quality cultural offering, guarantee an unforgettable holiday for culture lovers!

Gather all the ingredients to your cultural holiday here

Summer holiday tips for families with children

Lappeenranta offers families with children lots to do, see and events to attend to. By the beautiful Lake Saimaa, there is plenty to experience both in the city center and its surrounding areas.
 
See the tips here