Summer in Lappeenranta

Summer holiday for families with children

Lappeenranta provides a wealth of activities, sights and events for families with children in the city centre area and its surroundings. We have put together traditional favourites of families that offer plenty to do for children and young people. Enjoyable pastimes for adults are also guaranteed!

The Sandcastle

A top summer attraction for the whole family, the Sandcastle in Lappeenranta Harbour is open from the 1st of June to the 25th of August. Millions of kilograms of sand are used to create spectacular sand sculptures and this year the Sandcastle carries the name Lappeenranta - Heart of Saimaa.

The Sandcastle area also hosts a variety of activities such as the Bouncy Castle World play area with inflatable castles and carousels. The equipment rental point provides the opportunity to rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboards for exploring Saimaa. The guaranteed weekly activity programme offers a diverse range of guided activities in the beautiful nature of Saimaa. The city’s tourist information services are also available in the area.

New additions to the area are the Fazer shop and a sightseeing bus. The sightseeing bus takes you on a 40-minute trip around Lappeenranta and you get to hear more about the history of this merchant city founded in 1649. You can hop on and off the bus wherever you want at the marked bus stations to explore your surroundings. 6-year-olds travel for free.

Guaranteed weekly activity programme

At the tourist service point by the Sandcastle, you can find the guaranteed weekly programme, which lists a variety of activities. The activities include foraging treks, bunker tours of the Salpa Line, SUP boarding, canoeing/kayaking, e-fatbike safari and singing bowl relaxation. The weekly programme will kick off on 24th of June 2024 and end on 13th of August.

All of the activities have been organised to be as accessible as possible, which means that no prior experience is required. A proficient guide will be with you all the way. The activities are organised weather permitting.

Active holiday

The beautiful Lake Saimaa, framing Lappeenranta, offers the opportunity to fully enjoy outdoor activities in stunning scenery. Lappeenranta is a true paradise for those who enjoy an active holiday, thanks to the nature trails, hiking destinations, cycling routes, Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark sites and the equipment rental point at the Sandcastle, which provides the tools for exploring Lake Saimaa.

Cultural holiday

Amazing atmosphere, captivating culture and restful relaxation! The list of the city’s most popular sights, events and attractions is a great help for friends of culture.

Cruises

Relax on the waves! 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 and the Ilkonsaari skete island. Small scale charter cruises are also possible.

Summer of events

The magnificent waters of Lake Saimaa start in Lappeenranta, and you can take a cruise to the archipelago or the Saimaa Canal. The charming harbour area and Myllysaari recreational area offer activities and relaxation for the whole family. A covered outdoor theatre awaits at the Fortress gate, and Finland’s most beautiful golf course is located in Tuosa. You can rent a canoe, SUP board or bicycle after admiring the sand sculptures.

Get to know the city on a bike

The streets of the summer city and its attractions can also be enjoyed with city bikes or rental bikes from e.g. the equipment point at the Sandcastle. The biketaxi operates within a radius of approx. 4 km from the city center, too. There is a total of 275 kilometres of bicycle roads with spectacular views and 95 kilometres of main bicycle routes waiting to be explored! The cycling route network has been systematically extended and the main routes have been selected so that they form a comprehensive and clear network throughout the city, from all directions.

You can find more useful information about cycling in Lappeenranta and certain maps here