Lappeenranta, from the harbour on Lake Saimaa to the fortress

Park along Satamatie, by the harbour in Lappeenranta.

(S/E) From the harbour, follow the waterside promenade southwards, past the wooden jetties, benches and moored boats. You’ll pass a floating terrace and an old steamboat.

(1) When you reach Rantapuisto Park, turn left and continue along the marina.

(2) At the marina, where the jetties extend between the red buoys, continue along the tree-lined path to the car park of a large park.

(3) Turn right and carefully cross Ainonkatu Street via the pedestrian crossing to reach and climb the three flights of steps opposite the park. At the top of the steps, turn right onto the wooded headland, planted with pine trees, and make your way to the top of a large wooden staircase. From there, the view opens out onto the lake. Go down the steps to the road below, cross it carefully and turn left to rejoin the waterside promenade. Walk back along the marina, passing by the marina again.

(1) Back at Rantapuisto Park, continue straight ahead, cross Kipparinkatu Street with care and walk up Torikatu Street to the next junction. Then turn right onto Kristiinankatu Street, reach the foot of the fortress hill and take the cobbled ramp leading up into the fortress grounds.

(4) Inside the fortress, stroll along the cobbled streets, past the old wooden houses, museums and the Orthodox church with its golden domes. Enjoy a beautiful bird’s-eye view of the harbour and the lake. Walk through the old town, then begin the descent. Head down the north side of the hill and make your way to Lappeenranta harbour (S/E).

The walk is freely accessible all year round. The cobblestones and wooden steps can be slippery in wet or icy conditions.

The museums within the fortress, as well as the cafés and restaurants in the harbour, are mainly open during the tourist season and have reduced opening hours outside the summer months. Please check before you visit.

Lappeenranta is accessible by train and coach from Helsinki. In summer, cruises on Lake Saimaa depart from the harbour.

(1) The marina’s pontoons and red buoys line the shores of Lake Saimaa, Finland’s largest lake (and the fourth largest in Europe). There are terraces overlooking the water.

(2) The shore opens out onto a vast expanse of water dotted with wooded islands, a characteristic feature of the lake landscape of South Karelia.

(3) The grand wooden staircase leads to a viewpoint offering unobstructed views of the lake. At the end of the day, the sun sets opposite the shore: a beautiful moment not to be missed.

(4) Lappeenranta Fortress (Linnoitus) was begun by the Swedes in the 18th century and completed by the Russians. Perched on a hill overlooking the harbour, it features cobbled streets, old wooden houses and several museums. It is also home to the Orthodox Church of the Intercession (Pokrova), built in 1785, which is the oldest Orthodox church in Finland.