Cavalry Museum

The Cavalry Museum is located in the oldest building in Lappeenranta, built at the southern tip of the fortress in 1772 as a guardhouse by the Russians. The stone building, which has functioned as a museum since 1973, was renovated in 2018–2019, revealing on its walls some of the many layers of construction that have taken place over its lifetime.

The Cavalry Museum’s exhibition From Hakkapeliittas to Red Riding Trousers – Cavalry Life through the Centuries introduces visitors to the evolution of the Finnish cavalry from the 16th century to the present day. Narratives play a significant role in the exhibition.

Information about the museum

 

 

On display, you will see articles relating to the cavalry from both times of war and peace, not forgetting the cavalryman’s best friend, the horse. The Cavalry Museum offers a fascinating and informative museum experience, detailing the chapters in the history of the Finnish cavalry. At the exhibition, you will also learn why Lappeenranta is a cavalry city.

Opening hours 2026

Open on winter season 2.1.-30.5. and 19.8.-30.12.:

Wed-Sat 11-17 

Open on summer season 1.6.-16.8.:

Mon-Fri 10-18

Sat-Sun 11-17

At other times, open by appointment.

Closed exceptionally

Museum's closed:

New Year's Day 1.1.
Easter 3.-6.4.2026
May Day 30.4.-1.5.
Ascension Day 14.5.
Midsummer 19.-20.6.
Independence Day 6.12.
Christmas 23.-26.12.
New Year's Eve 31.12.

Admission

Combination ticket to Fortress Museums adults 12€ / pensioners, students, unemployed, groups/person (min. 10 people) 9€, under 18 years of age: free of charge.

Contact

Kristiinankatu 2, 53900 Lappeenranta

phone +358 40 130 9216,
+358 40 587 2274

Lappeenranta garrison was constructed during the 1890’s, and was perhaps in its time the best garrison facility in the Russian Empire. During the 1920’s and 1930’s, both the Uusimaa (Nyland) Regiment of Dragoons and the Häme (Tavastland) Regiment of Cavalry were stationed in Lappeenranta garrison.

    The cavalry was an integral part of the military forces, in the early years of Finnish independence.
    The oldest piece of weaponry on display, a flintlock rifle, dates from the 18th century.