//
City in South Karelia, Finland
Photo: Japsi2, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The City of Lappeenranta (population 73,000 in 2023) is the economic and cultural centre of Finnish South Karelia.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The biggest one in Scandinavia. Each summer an ever larger sandcastle is built by artists on the northern end of the harbour area. Each year they have a different theme and make sculptures on the walls of the castle accordingly. There is a small theatre inside the castle playing acts intended mainly to children and families.
Jalokivimuseo
The harbour, the parks nearby, the fortress and Myllysaari beach are a perfect place to chill out in summertime, sitting on the terraces, drinking, eating and watching the boats and things that happen. Live music played on many summer days. Early in August there is a popular festival called "Linnoituksen yö" (Engl. The Night of the Fortress) in the harbour and fortress area.
A nice, cozy 50-seat restaurant in a historical 150-year-old house. Non-smoking. In the summertime, seats also available on the courtyard.
An old, classy restaurant. Has also a separate terrace docked on the water at the harbour.
A romantic café in the historical old Fortress. Delicious homebaked cakes and tarts. Not necessarily for small children because of limited space and fragile décor.
A nice, modern cafe.
A small cafe.
Harbour. 10:00–02:00 daily in summer (subject to weather). A popular hangout place in the summer, this restaurant is built on an old parked steamboat. Most people come here for drinks, although they also serve food. Another similar boat restaurant, S/S Suvi-Saimaa, is located next to Prinsessa Armaada.
A typical Bed and Breakfast hotel, 10 km from Lappeenranta towards Joensuu.
Centrally located. The shower facilities are shared, the double rooms have private toilets but the single rooms do not. Prices include breakfast and the use of the sauna facilities.
The prices include breakfast and the use of the swimming pool.
Bed and Breakfast south of Ylämaa centre, 40 km south of Lappeenranta.
A comfortable chain hotel in the middle of the city overlooking a desolate square with the town hall's blocky architecture and a fountain.
95 rooms with TV, radio, pay-channel, hair dryer and free broadband connection."
Locally made jewellery and other goods with spectrolite. Besides jewellery, products include interior design such as clocks, and individual stones.
The largest mall in the city centre.
By train
The main railway station of Lappeenranta connects the city to the rest of Finland with fairly modern trains, operated by VR. The travel time to Helsinki is 2–2½ hr. Prices start at €14.30.
By bus
The bus station is located next to the main railway station.
By plane
The nearest international flight hubs are in Helsinki and Saint Petersburg.50. Order must be made at least 24 hours before departure.
By boat
Lappeenranta is a popular destination for boaters within the Saimaa lake area. Some cruise boats operate from Lappeenranta to other destinations on the lake.
By bus
Getting further to the suburbs is easy by bus. City of Lappeenranta has bus schedules. There is a graphical route planner to find timetables.
By bike
50/1 hr, €4/5 hr, €12/24 hr.
Electric kick scooters
You can rent electric kick scooters for use in the centre from German Tier, American Bird and Finnish Joe Scooter. Tier has also electric bicycles.
By taxi
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Lappeenranta · International · LPP
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Lappeenranta and Finland.
Nature & adventureWhere to see the northern lights in 2026 and 2027 during Solar Cycle 25, comparing weather in Tromsø, Abisko, Fairbanks and Iceland.
7 min read
InspirationThe best places to visit in December across sun, snow and culture, comparing Lapland, Chiang Mai, Vienna, Costa Rica and Cape Town.
7 min read
InspirationDiscover 10 rewarding emerging travel destinations for 2027. Escape crowded tourist hubs and explore quiet spots with rich culture and great food.
8 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.