Best things to do in Lappeenranta

Rising over the shores of Lake Saimaa, Lappeenranta Fortress was erected to defend the town and guard the eastern border of Finland. However, after less than 20 years the fortification failed, when Russian troops took hold of the area and turned it into their own enclave. Today you can still see their Orthodox church at the site, as well as former barracks and prisons. Most of the buildings are now home to museums and galleries, and some house art workshops and cafes. A walk around the old town reveals structures that date back to the 1770s, including colorful wooden and stone houses typical of the region.

A visit to Saimaa Canal does not require a Russian visa, but does require a passport, as nowadays it's actually Russian territory. Located along the Russian border, the canal was leased to Finland for a few decades following the country's independence, but in 2012 it reverted back to Russian control. The canal itself is used for transport between the Gulf of Finland and Lake Saimaa in the "Finnish Land of Lakes," but walking and biking trails follow the waterway through scenic woods and meadows. Book a boat tour at the canal, which allows you to reach all the locks quickly. You can learn about the importance of the canal at the museum near the docks. Snacks and drinks are served on the tour boats, or opt for the cafeteria inside the museum if you get hungry.

Repovesi National Park (Finnish: Repoveden kansallispuisto) is situated in the municipalities of Kouvola and Mäntyharju, only a few hours north-east of the more populous Helsinki area of southern Finland. Formerly a site for intensive commercial forestry, the Repovesi area successfully transformed into a pristine national park. Pine and birch trees dominate the park. Repovesi abounds with wildlife including bear, deer and various birds. The River Koukunjoki flows through the park. Other streams and lakes are also situated within the parks boundaries.

Attractions include the Olhavanvuori hill, popular among climbers, and the Kultareitti water taxi route. Also located in the park are the Kuutinlahti bay with its restored timber rafting channels, the Lapinsalmi suspension bridge, and many observation towers.

The common fauna of the park includes the red-throated diver, the Eurasian lynx, the moose, many owls and several galliformes.

The Karelia Aviation Museum is located at Lappeenranta Airport in Lappeenranta, Finland. The museum is run by Kaakkois-Suomen ilmailumuseoyhdistys ry. The museum has also been known as the Aviation Museum of South-Eastern Finland .The museum is housed in two covered halls and displays fighter aircraft and smaller objects from the Second World War and onwards.Aircraft on display include: MiG-21BIS, Saab 35 Draken, Saab 91 Safir, as well as Jorma Kettunen's Nieuport 17 replica . In 2005 the museum also had a Hawker Hurricane on loan from the Aviation Museum of Central Finland.Among the smaller objects on display is a radial engine from a Fokker C.X that sank in Lake Saimaa, engine and different parts from a Tupolev SB that went down in Ylämaa.The museum is closed during winters.

In the urban oasis of Sapokka Water Garden, you'll encounter a popular park that has won prizes for lighting, stonework, and environmental structures. Notice the sculptures scattered throughout the landscape, including bronze rabbits, cats, and pheasants. The site features various microclimates to support a variety of plants. Stop for a photo at the 20 m (66 ft) tall waterfall, which, along with a small, white bridge, forms a pleasing backdrop.