The city of Lappeenranta is considered the gateway between the west and the east: located on the border with Russia, it is only about 190 kilometers from St. Petersburg. It is also not much further to Helsinki with a distance of 215 kilometers. The Russian border can even be reached by car in 30 minutes and you can make a detour to Finland’s neighboring country without a visa here.


Lappeenranta is located in the Finnish region of South Karelia and borders on Lake Saimaa. The Saimaa Canal, which connects Lake Saimaa with the Baltic Sea in Vyborg, Russia, flows into the city. From Lappeenranta it is therefore also a good idea to visit the late medieval city of Vyborg.
In the heart of the lake district of Saimaa in the southeast of Finland, Lappeenranta is located just 215 kilometers from Helsinki and 190 kilometers from St. Petersburg. As an international university city, Lappeenranta is a place where the cultures of East and West meet. You can combine a visit to Lappeenranta with a visa-free detour to Russia. Finland Lappeenranta travel tips will make your vacation perfect.
Is Lappeenranta a real place?
What is Lappeenranta known for?
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Is Lappeenranta in Lapland?