Location: Lappeenranta
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What to do and see in Lappeenranta, Finland: The Best Places and Tips
Lappeenranta (Swedish: Villmanstrand) is a city and municipality situated on the shore of the lake Saimaa in southeastern Finland, about 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the Russian border. It belongs to the region of South Karelia. With approximately 73,000 inhabitants (31 August 2017) Lappeenranta is the 13th largest city in Finland. The neighboring municipality of Joutseno was consolidated with Lappeenranta on January 1, 2009, and the neighboring municipality of Ylämaa on January 1, 2010. Lappeenranta is known as an international university city in Finland with Lappeenranta University of Technology and Saimaa University of Applied Sciences which together have approximately 13,000 students from 68 countries. Lappeenranta is also a commercial centre of South-East Finland and the meeting point of the EU and Russia, 215 km from both Helsinki and St. Petersburg. Location on the southern shore of Lake Saimaa makes the city the region’s centre for tourism. Lappeenranta is the second most visited city by Russian tourists in Finland after Helsinki and it competes with Helsinki for the largest share of tax-free sales in Finland. Lappeenranta is a model for renewable energies and a clean living environment. Lappeenranta was the only Finnish city among the 14 finalists in the international Earth Hour City Challenge 2014, organized by WWF.
Restaurants in Lappeenranta
1. Saimaa Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By Leopardik - St. Petersburg, Russia
It's enough stirring feeling when you see the passage of the ship through water gates for the first time in your life. Anyway you can't miss it if you decide to go by car or by bus through Russian (Brusnichnoye)-Finnish (Nuijamaa) border.
2. Lappeenranta Fortress
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By Leopardik - St. Petersburg, Russia
I have visited this place several times, but the best was in summer when everyring around was green and blooming. On the territory of the complex are several museums, orthodox church, monument to the Russian-Swedish battle in 1714 after which local autority came from sweds to russians. I liked re-enactors whom I met once in summer on the territory, they were wearing traditional finnish clothers and were busy with some old times occupations. Also there's a wonderful view from the top of the hill to a bay wit boats and yachts.
3. Sandcastle Lappeenranta
Overall Ratings
4 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By Heli K - Lappeenranta, Finland
Sandcastle has been built to Lappeenranta harbor or near the Fortress every summer for 10 years or even more. You can visit it freely. There are impressive sand sculptures every year - but it seems to me that the amount of sculptures or the size of the castle keeps getting smaller and smaller. The theme changes every year and this year you'll discover knights, dragons and royal court. For the first time there is now also a sand chapel.
It is a nice place to stop especially for families who have small children since there is also some amusement for kids like small train and carousel. Those however are not free. Also adults enjoy watching the skillfully made statues.
4. Angry Birds Activity Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By Antsa123 - Jarvenpaa, Finland
Activities in 2 stories. You can jump from a heigth, ride a quadbike, dodge laser, Scoot, play football, play hockey,climb and jump,play xbox games, fun for kids.Ours are 5 and 7 and we spend 3,5 hrs here. Recommend this.
Only downsize was the price 58 euro for the family ticket. It is a daypass and you can come and go as you wish. Snacks and drinks are Also overprized. Even water is for a cost. There is a small market downstairs with better prices.
The shopping centre it's situated in seems to be dying. Only a few shops and the most are vacant
I Also wish the russian kids would learn the concept of queuing. What i seen this summer in Turkey and in Saimaa i dont think There is a single queu in Russia ever.
5. Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By foodaddict2015 - Lappeenranta, Finland
This orthodox church is the oldest in Finland dated bact to 1785. Heartfelt atmosphere and gives you a quiet memorable moment with no cost at all.
6. Lappeen Marian kirkko
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By kozmich00 - St. Petersburg, Russia
beautiful design church, i heard this is the first church every built in Finland, and it had been burnt many times before (it was surrounded by forest before). In the inside you will notice such a nice place, with white and sky-blue colours, nothing like the churches you have seen before. From the outside it looks also nice. There is a nice little park, where you can have the special finnish beer, which also has a very unique taste. it will be like a different world
7. Korpikeidas
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By prkl08 - Helsinki, Finland
You can get salmon here, so fish is your main dish! The tip is to make your own sides for it, for example boil potatoes and make a salad - take something to drink. The place is nice and quiet and worth visiting during the summer.
You can also see ponies there and there is a forest with funky animals near by.
8. Lauritsala Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
9. Lappeenrannan taidemuseo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By vasavapr - Lappeenranta, Finland
During this time there was exhibition of work by Päiviö Pyöttiälä. His love for train locomotives can be seen in many of his paintings. Also his paintings about old houses, empty harbor, abandoned industrial compounds and old railway tracks will make you stare at them and wonder about time.
The other exhibition was paintings full of sarcasm (thats what I felt). Through painting the artist expressed his anger towards topics like Finland's participation in 1980 Olympics and rich and powerful flexing their muscles. Then there is Stalin and Hitler in compromising situations. The work that makes you chuckle and think seriously at the same time.
Finally, there was also exhibition of photographs taken by Mikko Vento. We only got quick glance at them. If I am not wrong, Mikko himself was present there. Perhaps thats why it was bit crowded.
This was my third visit to this museum. The collection keep of changing frequently. Cafe Majurska is right infornt of the museum. Perhaps coffee to ponder over the art works!!
10. IsoKristiina
Overall Ratings
4 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By momeeted - Kuwait City, Kuwait
This newly built mall is in the center of the town close to the church and most other attractions of this small town. It has different shops and restaurants, coffee places, a pharmacy, a gym, and a cinema. Major brands such as Gap, Ecco, are offered side by side of major stores such as Marks and Spencer. The basement has different shops including a K-Market and an S-Market, a Tokkmani, an Alko and, a nice spice/nuts shop. ATMs are found on the ground floor and the basement. A good private clinic is on the second floor.
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