Lappeenranta
Cheerful
The intriguing Fortress with its museums, shops and cafés awaits you, as does the Harbour with its concerts and the Sandcastle. Cruise ships sail from the Harbour to Lake Saimaa. Holiday Club Saimaa, the largest entertainment spa in the Nordic countries, with its excellent auxiliary services, is located in the Rauha area, on the shore of Lake Saimaa. Lappeenranta is also the Bordertown seen on the popular TV series of the same name. Tourist Information can tell you where to find the shooting locations.
The city of Lappeenranta was established in 1649 on the headland by the Fortress in Linnoitusniemi. From there, the city has spread out over the centuries to its current dimensions. Even though tar barrels are no longer rolled towards Lake Saimaa, and maids no longer climb up the Vesiportinkuja Alley with their water buckets, you can still drink the water of Lake Saimaa and go to the top of the fortification to watch the ships gliding into the harbour. The cobblestones on Kristiinankatu Street take you to see the treasures of the museums as well as the history of the border region, in addition to cultural events at the Event and Cultural Centre Kehruuhuone; the 200-year-old building was formerly used as a correctional facility for women of ill repute. At the Fortress, you can enjoy the offerings of the restaurants and the delicacies served at the idyllic Majurska House.
The crowning moment of the day is offered by the summer theatre with a covered outdoor auditorium close to the main gate of the old town; in addition to plays, people enjoy folk dancing and sing-a-longs there. You can find unique souvenirs and presents at the museum shops and boutiques. Nature tourists can roam the restored fortification looking for rare plants, and people in search of peace can find a quiet moment in the oldest Orthodox Church in Finland or take a stroll in the Old Park, better known as the Pusupuisto – the Kissing Park.