Winter time in Lappeenranta

Whole family's Winter harbour is full of activities and events

A traditional snow slide and kick sled (weather permitting) will bring joy to the harbor every day from January 31 to March 7, 2026. There will also be guided events and activities on five themed Saturdays and one themed Sunday. The events will be organized in cooperation with local clubs and other operators.

Depending on weather conditions, a multi-purpose shared route will also be created on the ice of Lake Saimaa, making it easy to travel, for example, to the nearby Karhusaari Island and its popular lean-to shelter.

Winter Harbour's programme 2026

The Winter Harbour has programme on five Saturdays and one Sunday from 10 AM to 1 PM, also in the evening on Saturday, Feb 21.

SAT 31.1. Winter Harbour opens

SAT 7.2. ⎯Theme Saturday

SAT 14.2. ⎯ Valentine's Day

SAT 21.2. ⎯ Winter holiday kick-off and Harbour evening lights

SUN 1.3. ⎯ Winter Holiday Grand Finale

SAT 7.3. ⎯ Theme Satuday

More details about the programme coming later

For an adventure in the Old Town

Lappeenranta Fortress, also known as our Old Town, is an excellent place for adventure. With the nature and cultural trail it's easier to explore the historical Fortress of Lappeenranta. The route around the fortress is about 1.8 km long and there are 11 signposts along the trail. Following it around the fortress is a great way to learn about the architectural and cultural history of the fortress and the surrounding natural environment.

The Fortress also happens to be one of the best places in the city to go for sledding.

The area is also home to numerous museums, a restaurant serving lunch, café, an art gallery, and a variety of little shops. Read more about the Fortress.

Skiing and ice skating

Skiing is great for all-round fitness, and there are plenty of ski trails in the city, including e.g. in Pappilanniemi, Lauritsala and around the Lappeenranta Airport, and the Army Academy. When the ice is strong enough, there are also trails across Lake Saimaa to destinations such as the Karhusaari and Mikonsaari islands with their lean-to shelters. DrakkarSport rents skis during the winter season. 

Ice skating is a fun and energetic pastime for people of all ages. There are ice skating rinks all over the city. The rinks in Kimpinen, Voisalmi, Sammonlahti, Lauritsala and the baseball stadium in Leiri, for example, are open to the public on a daily basis.

Information in Finnish about the current condition of the city's ski trails and ice skating rinks can be found here.

Enjoy winter walks in the nature

Imagine a walk through wintery landscapes, followed by sitting by a campfire enjoying a warm drink. Perfect!

The beautiful Lake Saimaa and its extensive network of stunning hiking trails are on our doorstep. The scenery is breathtaking in the winter: trails definitely worth exploring include the Lakeside Route along the shores of Lake Saimaa, the Pappilanniemi nature trail, the Mikonsaari nature trail, and the Hämmäauteensuo swamp area, and the hiking trails around Myllymäki Ski Resort. If the ice conditions allow, you can even reach Karhusaari island from the harbor via the multi-purpose trail.

Take a ride – winter included!

Lappeenranta is a keen advocate of sustainable mobility and an excellent city for cycling in both summer and winter.  The city’s cycling routes are maintained throughout the year. The dark winter evenings are not an obstacle either, as long as you have good lights of your bike and wear reflective clothing.

You can rent a bike and explore the winter landscape around Lake Saimaa at your own pace. E-fatbikes and -bikes can be rented from DrakkarSport, Saimaan Palju Events, and Pyörä-Expert.

Myllymäki Ski Resort

Myllymäki Ski Resort offers affordable ski equipment hire and lift passes. Snacks are available in the restaurant. The resort is particularly well suited for snowboarding. The surrounding area also boasts an excellent network of cross-country skiing trails. Myllymäki’s size and safety make it an ideal learning environment for younger skiers. Sledding is a great option for the youngest family members and sledding slopes can be found also at Myllymäki.

Read more about Myllymäki

Culture and events all year round

Lappeenranta’s cultural landscapes breathe history and provide an inspiring setting for cultural experiences, from productions by the Lappeenranta City Orchestra and Lappeenranta City Theatre onward. Art is also offered by the city’s numerous museums and art galleries.

Unforgettable culinary experiences include dinner by Lake Saimaa and traditional meat pies “Atomi” and “Vety” with a local twist: the addition of either ham or egg or both. 

Hundreds of events of various kinds are held in Lappeenranta every year. Lappeenranta is a university city, which also hosts a wide range of festivals, concerts, sporting events and street fairs both in urban settings and amid the tranquil scenery of Lake Saimaa.

Cafés

What could be better after outdoor activities than enjoying a cup of tea or coffee with a warm sweet treat or something savory!

Warm up with a hot drink at the historic Majurska Café in the Fortress, or treat yourself to a waffle at the cozy Luovuus Café in the beautiful Art Nouveau Kinnunen House. At the tip of the Fortress, you’ll find Satamatie 6 Café & Roastery, voted the best café in Finland. There are also many other wonderful cafés that are worth visiting in Lappeenranta!

Visit the Husky Farm

Valkoinen Kukka offers tailor-made experiences for both small and large groups: visit a husky farm, take part in a husky safari, or enjoy drumming sessions in a tipi – all just 15 km from the center of Lappeenranta. You can find more information here.

Treat yourself at the Day Spa Lähde in the harbour

Escape everyday life with Day Spa’s variety of treatments, saunas, and pools. You’ll find it at the harbour, in the premises of Boutique Hotel Lähde. After your spa experience, head to Café Lähde to enjoy both sweet and savory pastries.

The Cirque de Saimaa Spa at Holiday Club Saimaa

“The Cirque de Saimaa” Spa offers experiences for all ages and tastes. Enjoy the speed of water slides or relax in the atmospheric Sauna World. Pamper yourself with a luxurious Harmony Spa wellness treatment. Holiday Club Saimaa Spa and Wellness section is unique and it offers refreshing spa treatments for the whole family. 

Read more about Cirque de Saimaa Spa here

Angry Birds Activity Park

Indoor activity and adventure venues are a great option for days when the weather is far from appealing and you need to find something for your younger family members to do. A great idea is to head out to the Angry Bird Activity Park, an indoor adventure venue in the Rauha area, next to the Holiday Club Saimaa.

Read more about Angry Birds Activity Park