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.

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.

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. In the old Lappee vicarage area, you can visit the changing exhibitions of Gallery Pihatto and at the other galleries of the city. 

Summer concerts

Lappeenranta’s traditional summer concerts will be heard once more at the Harbour Square, Market Square, Sandcastle and Joutseno Market Square! Over the course of the summer, nearly 100 local orchestras, bands, choirs and other performers will take to the stage.  The summer concerts of 2025 will be published later.

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.