Attractions
There are no so many interesting sights in the city of Lappeenranta like in many older cities in Europe and Asia. Nevertheless, the city is visited by quite a large number of tourists.
The Old Town
Construction of barracks and military fortifications on the shore of Lake Saimaa was started in the early 18th century. Now it is the oldest part of the city of Lappeenranta. There are three museums on the territory of the old military fortifications (Lappeenrannan linnoitus). It hosts a variety of activities for the public in summer. Nearby is located the passenger port of Lappeenranta.
Old town hall
The old town hall in the town of Lappeenranta was built in 1829. Construction has been fully completed in 1840. Lappeenranta City Hall is the oldest wooden town hall building in Finland. The building is located at street Raastuvankatu 7.
Church of Virgin Mary
The wooden church of the Virgin Mary (Lappeen Marian kirkko) is one of the attractions of the city of Lappeenranta and architectural monument of the 18th century. The church is located in the center of the city, at the intersection of Valtakatu and Kirkkokatu, at Valtakatu 35 / Kirkkokatu 11 (near the shopping center "Iso Kristina").
Shopping
Most shops of the Lappeenranta city center are located near the streets Kauppakatu (shopping street) and Valtakatu. Shopping mall "Galleria" is located in the heart of the city, on the street Kauppakatu. Nearby is a shopping center "Iso Kristina". You will find shopping centers "Weera", "Opri", "Armada" walking down along the Kauppakatu Street towards the lake Saimaa from the shopping center "Galleria". Further, this street leads to the passenger port.
- Shopping center "Galleria". Shops KappAhl, Lindex, Hennes & Mauritz, Seppälä, other shops, banks and cafes. Street Address Kauppakatu 40. Parking fee.
- Shopping center "Iso Kristina". Department store "Anttila", "Alko" (alcohol), supermarket and other shops. Address: Brahenkatu 3-7. Free parking is available.
- Shopping center "Weera". Shops "Vero Moda", "Only", nearby a department store "Sokos". Address: Kauppakatu 39.
- Shopping center "Opri". Shops: Amalie's Lifestyle, Dressmann, Halonen, Jim & Jill, "Aleksi 13". Address: Valtakatu 30.
- Shopping center "Armada". Shops Seppälä, s-market, cafe. On the lower floor of the store is a small outlet. Address: Kauppakatu 29-31.
One of the stores concentration places in the city of Lappeenranta is located on the outskirts of the city, close to the motorway number 6 and the road Vanha Viipurintie. Here are the many popular stores.
- Shop LIDL - one of the most popular stores. It sells mainly food products. Address: Myllymäenkatu 36 (Two shops in town).
- Luhta Outlet. The store sells clothes, shoes and accessories at discounted prices.
- GIGANTTI. It is a large store that sells appliances, electronics, computers and accessories.
- ROBINHOOD. Robinhood shop sells mostly manufactured goods: clothing, footwear, cosmetics, household goods, tools, household chemicals. Shop is not inexpensive and popular.
- Shop BILTEMA. Address Viipurintie 131.
- MOTONET - products for car drivers and motorcyclists, related products and spare parts. There are plenty of free parking spaces.
- Shopping center "Family Center". Hours of operation: Mon-Fri 10.00-21.00, Sat 10.00-18.00. Address: Hyrymäenkatu 2, 53100 Lappeenranta.
Another one of the shopping areas in Lappeenranta is located near the airport. Here are located:
- PRISMA. Supermarket with a huge selection of goods. Food, clothing, household appliances, cosmetics, toys, and so on.
- RAJAMARKET.
- JYSK - household goods.
- LIDL shop is one of the most popular among Russians tourists and local resident’s stores. Sells mainly food products. Address: Puhakankatu 1 (Two shops in town).
- Grande Orchidée - a new shopping center in Lappeenranta.
Transportation
Lappeenranta Airport
The international Lappeenranta airport is the oldest of the existing airports in Finland. The airport was opened in 1918. Airport receives planes from some European cities, as well as services charter flights. Lappeenranta Airport is often used by the inhabitants of St. Petersburg for flights to Germany, Spain, Italy and other countries.
The railway station
The railway station of Lappeenranta is located in the southern part of the city, at the address Ratakatu 23. From the station trains depart to cities Helsinki and Joensuu. Near the railway station there is a bus stop, transportation center (matkakeskus). Buses go to other cities of Finland and St. Petersburg.
Passenger port
Passenger Port is located in the northern part of the city, near the old part of the city (old military fortifications, Lappeenrannan linnoitus). From here you can take a cruise on Lake Saimaa. Also from the port depart carrying tourists’ ships by the Saimaa Canal to the city of Vyborg (Russia).
Education
University of Technology
Lappeenranta University of Technology (Lappeenrannan teknillinen yliopisto, LUT) was founded in 1969. Initially (before 2002) it was the Higher Technical School (Lappeenrannan teknillinen korkeakoulu). Directions of the university are business, technology and energy. About 30% percent of university students are foreign students. The university has of Technology Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Economics, School of Business. Education for students from countries not members of the EU is paid.
Address: Street Skinnarilankatu 34, Lappeenranta, Finland.
Saimaa University of Applied Sciences
Saimaa University of Applied Sciences (Saimaan ammattikorkeakoulu) educates students in three faculties: Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Economics and Arts, Faculty of Health and Social Work. The University also prepares professionals specializing in international business management (training in English).
Address:
- Lappeenranta - Saimaa University of Applied Sciences, Skinnarilankatu 36, Lappeenranta;
- Imatra - Tietäjänkatu 3, Imatra.