Tourist Attractions in Lappeenranta

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Lappeenranta

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Lappeenranta

A cosy Finnish town, small but a favourite with tourists. There are especially many Russians here, the city is only 60 kilometres from the Russian border. Lappeenranta traces its history back to the XVII century. Its most important historical object is the defence fortress, laid by the founders of the city – Swedes in the early XVIII century. Today it has been restored and turned into a popular tourist attraction.

On its territory there are museums, ancient temples, craft workshops. And from the fortress ramparts you can see the panorama of the picturesque Lake Saimaa – the largest in the country. The Saimaa Canal, built in the 19th century, is an important waterway connecting the lake with the Gulf of Finland. Water cruises by motorboats are popular, as well as yacht and kayak trips on the lake and the canal.

Top-15 Tourist Attractions in Lappeenranta

Lappeenranta Fortress

 4.4/5

1776 reviews

The construction of a powerful defence structure was started by the Swedes in 1721. As a result of military battles with Russia, most of the buildings were destroyed, and later they were rebuilt and expanded by the Russian military under the leadership of A. Suvorov. Nowadays all fortress buildings have been restored. They house museums, workshops, art galleries, restaurants and souvenir shops. In summer time the territory of the fortress is travelled by dragoon squadrons in parade uniform.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Saimaa Canal

 4.4/5

50 reviews

The navigation route from Lake Saimaa through Vyborg to the Gulf of Finland was built in 1845-1856. It is 43 km long and 34-55 metres wide. The height difference between the canal and the Gulf of Finland is regulated by 8 locks, 5 of which are on the Russian side. There are 12 road bridges and 2 railway bridges across the canal. During the war, the canal was destroyed, and it was reopened in 1968. Water cruises to Vyborg and St. Petersburg are popular.

Колокольня кирхи Св. Марии

 5/5

4 reviews

Located on the territory of the fortress. It was erected in 1744 as a garrison church at the expense of soldiers of the Vladimir regiment. 40 years later the wooden building was replaced by a stone one. The Orthodox church was often visited by commander A. Suvorov, Russian emperors. The iconostasis with ancient icons and church utensils of the XVIII century – crosses, silver vessels, service books – have been preserved to this day. The temple is active and is open to the public in summer.

Open time

Church of Lappeenranta

 4.4/5

90 reviews

It was originally conceived as a garrison Orthodox church for the Russian military. Construction work began in 1913. But after Finland gained independence, the church building was taken over by the Lutheran community, rebuilt and consecrated in 1924. Today it is the main church of Lappeenranta. It is a massive red brick building with five domes. It is located in the city centre, on a small hill known as the Nicholas Redoubt.

Open time

St. Mary's Church of Lappee

 4.3/5

135 reviews

It is called “the church of the double cross” because of its layout. It was built of wood in 1794. In the centre of the building stands an 8-cornered tower with a weathervane. The interior is kept in calm grey-blue tones, the hall is designed for 870 parishioners. The main decoration is an old crystal chandelier made in St. Petersburg. There is an organ, the facade of which has been preserved since 1891. The four-storey church bell tower was built 50 years later and is located at some distance from the main building.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Lauritsala Church

 4.2/5

67 reviews

Located 4 km from the city centre. An active Lutheran church. It was built in 1969. It is a modernist building in the form of a triangular structure pointing upwards. This form symbolises the Holy Trinity. The height of the church is 47 metres, made of concrete and glass. The interior is decorated with wood, a boat with the inscription “truth” in Finnish hangs from the ceiling. The seating in the hall is for 670 parishioners. There is a 31-register organ.

Open time

Lappeenrannan kaupungintalo

 4.1/5

26 reviews

The wooden building was erected in 1829. Subsequently, it was repeatedly rebuilt. It acquired its present form in 1891 – by the arrival of the Russian emperor, the town hall had a music hall, a dining room, good American furniture and lamps. The old clock on the tower lasted until 1973 and was replaced by an electric clock. The town administration was housed in the building until 1983, since then its halls have been used for conferences and celebrations.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

South Karelia Museum

 4.2/5

154 reviews

Located on the territory of the fortress, in the premises of the former artillery warehouses. It was established in 1963. The exhibitions are dedicated to the history and cultural traditions of Lappeenranta and the entire South Karelian region, including the cities of Vyborg and Priozersk. The pride of the museum is a large model of pre-war Vyborg in 1939, which occupies an area of 24 m2. Children’s rooms are equipped for young visitors. There is a souvenir shop. Two cannons from 1877 are installed on the ground in front of the museum.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Lappeenranta Museum of Art

 4.3/5

165 reviews

The museum’s collections contain numerous works of art by Finnish masters from the 18th century onwards. A special place is devoted to contemporary art from south-eastern Finland. There are paintings and drawings by young emerging artists. There is an interesting collection of wooden sculptures. The exhibitions are renewed several times a year. Travelling exhibitions are practiced. The museum was opened in 1965 and is located on the territory of the fortress, in the artillery barracks.

Open time

The Wolkoff House Museum

 4.5/5

70 reviews

Construction began in 1823. It is the oldest wooden building in the city. Merchant Volkov, a former serf from Yaroslavl, and his descendants lived here from 1872 to 1983. Subsequently, the house was donated to the city and 10 years later turned into a museum. Furniture and household items have been preserved, and a number of rooms of the merchant’s house have been recreated – a bedroom, a children’s room, a dining room and a study. The Volkoff restaurant and bakery, where Russian bread is baked according to old recipes, are open nearby.

Open time

Cavalry Museum

 4.1/5

66 reviews

The museum is located in the fortress guardhouse built in 1772. The museum’s exhibits are related to the military events of 1618-1648, during which Finnish cavalrymen, the Hakkapeliites, who fought in the ranks of the Swedish army, became famous for the first time. There are military prints and paintings, rare weapons, uniforms, harness and horse care items, and photographs. A separate exposition is dedicated to the Finnish Dragoon Regiment, which was stationed in Lappeenranta in the 19th century.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Canal museum, Museum of Saimaa Canal

 4.3/5

214 reviews

It has been open to visitors since 1995. The exhibitions are dedicated to the history of construction of the important transport route and the main stages of its development. Among the exhibits are models of ships and locks, tools and uniforms of employees, reconstruction of the chief’s office, photographs and documents. In one of the halls there is a large-scale map with marked routes through which the canal was laid. The museum has a shop and a cafe. Water cruises are offered.

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Karelia Aviation Museum

 4.6/5

55 reviews

The opening took place in 2000. The expositions are located in two hangars and in the open airfield of Lappeenranta aerodrome. The main exhibits include helicopters and 9 aeroplanes made by the USSR, Sweden, France and Great Britain. Also on display are wrecks of downed aeroplanes preserved from World War II, pilots’ suits, personal belongings, documents and photographs. The museum accepts visitors only in summer time. There is a small souvenir shop.

Open time

Monday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Monument to the Saimaa seal

The endemic inhabitant of Lake Saimaa has received a monument in its honour on Kauppakatu pedestrian street in the city centre. Sculptor M. Pääläinen depicted the seal resting in the sun on a stone pedestal, surrounded by a small pond. The monument was erected in 1997. Finns take great care of these animals – endangered representatives of the ringed seal subspecies living in fresh water. The number of these animals is currently only 310.

Sandcastle Lappeenranta

 4.1/5

3011 reviews

Since 2004, it has been held every summer on the lake embankment. Sculptors from different countries participate in the construction of the sand town. The theme of the festival is different every year – animals, fairytale and mythological heroes, cinema and cartoons, music. It takes at least 3 tonnes of sand to create the masterpieces. All the figures are covered with a water solution with glue on top. Such a shell is able to protect them from rain and wind. The sculptures can be admired throughout the summer.

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