Villmanstrand

Understand

The city is near the border of Russia and at the southern shore of the Saimaa, the largest lake (system) of Finland. Its culture and dialects are strongly part of eastern Finland, although Wikivoyage treats it as part of Southern Finland. Also known as Villmanstrand (its Swedish name and previous English name), Lappeenranta has a colourful, 360-year history influenced by its location in the border dividing western and eastern cultures.

Get in

thumb|250px|Lappeenranta harbour, facing the centre.

See

thumb|The walls of the Lappeenranta fortress

The , the original city center which was established in mid-17th century. The old buildings include artist workshops, the , completed in 1785, as well as and .

Do

thumb|Saimaa Canal and Lauritsala railway bridge

In winter, the city seems to quiet down a little. The main attractions during winter are the city theatre and major league ice hockey and basketball games. Also many possibilities exist for practising winter sports. There are tens of kilometres worth of cross-country skiing tracks (a popular stage circles around the airport), and also a small downhill skiing slope. Many outdoor and indoor ice-rinks are available for skating. The city bay becomes a skating track during winter.

Buy

Situated close to the border, Lappeenranta is one of the most popular destinations for Russian shopping travellers. The two major shopping mall chains Prisma and Citymarket are located at the outskirts of the city.

Sleep

Some mid-range and budget hotels are present.

Stay safe

Lappeenranta is a safe city very accustomed to foreigners. Lappeenranta is the second most popular destination in Finland, mainly due to Russian shopping tourists, but also many other nationalities visit during summer months.

Go next

Imatra - 40 km northeast. See the rapids of Imatrankoski (free flowing at special occasions) and other attractions that the Russian czars used to visit in the 19th century. Punkaharju - drive through Finland's national landscape on a road on the top of a ridge that partially divides Lake Saimaa. Savonlinna - 120 km north, home to a well preserved medieval castle where an opera festival is held each summer. Vyborg - in Russia. The canal cruises are unavailable as of 2023, so the way in would be by car. Due to western sanctions and Russian counter-sanctions because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, going to and from and staying in Russia may involve extra hassle and surprises.