Lappeenranta

The City of Lappeenranta (population 70,000) is the economic and cultural center of southeast Finland near the border of Russia and at the southern edge of the Saimaa and the largest lake (system) of Finland. Its culture and dialects are strongly part of Eastern Finland, although it administratively belongs to the Province of Southern Finland. Also known as Villmanstrand (its Swedish name and previous English name), Lappeenranta has a colourful, 360-year history influenced by its location in the border dividing western and eastern cultures.

Get in

Harbour autumn - Lappeenranta harbour, facing downtown. 61.0585|28.1905

By car

Two highways, 6 and 13 pass through Lappeenranta. Bus companies operate frequently to Helsinki and other cities, even Saint Petersburg in Russia. Highway 13 extends to the Russian border, some 25 kilometers from the downtown, where the Nuijamaa/Brusnichnoye (Нуйямаа-Брусничное) border station is the second busiest border crossing in Finland. Russian tourists usually use this pathway to come to the city either by bus or a car.

By Rail

The main train station of Lappeenranta connects the city to the rest of Finland with fairly modern trains, operated by VR]. The travel duration to Helsinki is 2–2½ hours (€41.30 as of end-2011).

Trains to Saint Petersburg and Moscow stop at a smaller station in Vainikkala, near the Russian border, about 30 kilometers from the downtown. There is a /cs/vr/doc/Vainikkalan%20taksiliikenne%20ENG%20FINAL.pdf shuttle taxi connection (€10/5 per person, book at latest 1½ hours in advance from [☎+35820060400 +358 20-060-400], €1.08/call+€1.01/min) between Lappeenranta and the station.

Travel on a Bus in Lappeenranta

Lappeenranta travel centre offers connections to other parts of Finland and to Russia. There are direct connections by bus to Helsinki, Jyväskylä, Kouvola, Joensuu, Kotka, Mikkeli, Porvoo and Imatra. Foreign lines extend to Saint Petersburg and Vyborg. More information about bus connections from Matkahuolto.

Fly to Lappeenranta

Ryanair flies seasonally to Lappeenranta from Bergamo (Mar 2018-) and from Athens (May 2018-).

The nearest international flight hubs are in Helsinki and St. Petersburg.

By water

Lappeenranta is a popular destination for boaters within the Saimaa lake area. Some cruise boats operate from Lappeenranta to other destinations within the lake area. Lappeenranta is connected to the Gulf of Finland through the Saimaa canal. Visa free (remember to always check the current situation) cruise boats operate from Lappeenranta to Vyborg, Russia through the canal. The canal is also popular among boaters, and private boats occasionally come from as far as Southern Europe. Check Boating on the Baltic Sea#Saimaa Canal for instructions on how.

Get around

By foot

Everything is within walking distance at the center. Even the airport is within walking range if you do not have much luggage, but taxi or local bus is probably preferable.

Travel on a Bus in Lappeenranta

Getting further to the suburbs is easy by bus. City of Lappeenranta has bus schedules]. There is a graphical route planner to find timetables.

What to see in Lappeenranta

Lappeenranta fortress walls 1 - The walls of the Lappeenranta fortress

• Visit the GPS 61.0660, 28.1834 historical fortress and the original downtown which was established in mid-17th century. The old buildings include artist workshops and the GPS 61.0649, 28.1841 oldest orthodox church in Finland, completed in 1785, as well as GPS 61.0674, 28.1834the Museum of South Carelia and GPS 61.06439, 28.18314 the Art Museum of South Carelia}}.

• Sandcastle - 61.0688, 28.1842 - The biggest one in Scandinavia. Each summer an ever larger sandcastle is built by artists on the northern end of the harbour area. Each year they have a different theme and make sculptures on the walls of the castle accordingly. There is a small theatre inside the castle playing acts intended mainly to children and families.

What to do in Lappeenranta

• Harbour area - GPS 61.0642, 28.1914 - The harbour and the parks nearby and the fortress and Myllysaari beach are a perfect place to chill out in summertime, sitting on the terraces, drinking, eating and watching the boats and things that happen. Live music played on many summer days. Early in August there is a popular festival called "Linnoituksen yö" (Engl. The Night of the Fortress) in the harbour and fortress area.

Railway bridge over Saimaa Canal - Saimaa Canal and Lauritsala railway bridge

• Lake Saimaa and the Saimaa Canal | 61.079, 28.271 - Take a cruise from Lappeenranta to the Saimaa, Saimaa canal or Vyborg, Russia through the canal! This canal was build to connect the Saimaa to the Baltic Sea at the dawn of industrialisation. The canal was modernized in the 1960s. The canal connects to the Bay of Finland, on Russian territory, close to Vyborg (Finn. Viipuri). The canal is mostly used by cargo ships, but there are also passenger boats operating from Lappeenranta to Vyborg. It is also used by private boats from Finland and abroad.

• In winter and the city seems to quiet down a little. The main attractions during winter are the city theatre and major league ice hockey and basketball games. Also many possibilities exist for practising winter sports. There are tens of kilometers worth of cross-country skiing tracks (a popular stage circles around the airport), and also a small downhill skiing slope. Many outdoor and indoor ice-rinks are available for skating. The city bay becomes a skating track during winter.

Festivals

• {{event LPRHC Fest| Web:

2023 Event | August |4 |July|date=5 | Lappeenranta| country= Finland - Hardcore, punk and rap festival in Lappeenranta. After party and more.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Lappeenranta

Situated close to the border, Lappeenranta is one of the most popular destinations for Russian shopping travelers. The two major shopping mall chains Prisma and Citymarket are located at the outskirts of the city.

• Citymarket - Toikansuontie 4 61.0449, 28.2025 at the crossing of highway 6 and regional road 390

• Prisma - rajaa=1&osuuskauppa=EEKOO&pageName=Main&b_haku.paikka=Lappeenranta Puhakankatu 9 61.0499, 28.1782 at the eastern end of the airport

• Iso Kristiina - Brahenkatu 3-7 61.0566, 28.1933 - The largest mall in the downtown, Iso-Kristiina hosts an Anttila department store and a variety of smaller shops, mostly selling clothing.

Muslim Friendly Food & Restaurants in Lappeenranta

• Small coffee booths at the harbour and the {{Marker|type=eat GPS 61.0562, 28.1849 market square(Kauppatori) offer traditional hala Meat pies called vety (Eng. "hydrogen") and atomi (Eng. "atom"). Vety consists of a hala Meat pie, ham, boiled egg and condiments. Atomi has either ham or egg, but not both. Also other snack food is offered by the booths. Just ask for 'vetyatomi' and you'll be understood in nearly all the grillikioskis in Finland.

• Wolkoff Kauppakatu 26 61.06017, 28.18525 ☎ +358 5 4150320 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 11:00-24:00, Saturday 16:30-23:00 Main dishes €14-28. A nice, cozy 50-seat restaurant in a historical 150-year-old house. Non-smoking. In the summertime, seats also available on the courtyard.

Drink

Cafes

• Majurska | Kristiinankatu 1 61.06435, 28.18392 ☎ +358 5 4530 554 Opening Hours: Open Monday to Saturday 10:00-17:00, Sunday 11:00-17:00, an hour longer in summer A romantic café in the historical old Fortress. Delicious homebaked cakes and tarts. Not necessarily for small children because of limited space and fragile décor.

• Coffee House - Kauppiaskatu 29-31 61.0591, 28.1853 In the shopping mall Amanda ☎ +358 5 678 6667 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 08:00-22:09, Friday 08:00-00:00, Saturday 09:00-00:00, Sunday 13:00-20:00 A nice, modern cafe.

• Café Galleria - Koulukatu 15 61.05905, 28.18788 In the Galleria shopping mall ☎ +358 5 453 1644 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 07:30-17:09, Saturday 09:00-15:00 A small cafe.

Bars

• Prinsessa Armaada - 61.0618, 28.1875 ☎ +358 5 4513376 - Harbour. 10:00-02:00 daily in summer (subject to weather). A popular hangout place in the summer, this restaurant is built on an old parked steamboat. Most people come here for drinks, although they also serve food (main dishes €9-17). Another similar boat restaurant, S/S Suvi-Saimaa and is located next to Prinsessa Armaada.

• Lappeenrannan Kasino - Ainonkatu 10 61.0617, 28.1893 - An old, classy restaurant, Kasino, has also a separate terrace docked on the water at the harbour.

• Most of the other popular bars are located in the downtown.

Buy Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Lappeenranta

eHalal Group is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Lappeenranta. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Lappeenranta ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Lappeenranta. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan in Lappeenranta

Ramadan 2025 in Lappeenranta

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Lappeenranta

Some mid-range and hotels are present.

• Local student housing foundation, /en LOAS, offers affordable lodging during the summer months for tourists.

• Pitotalo Miekkala - Partalantie 136 61.0770, 28.3605 ☎ +358 5 458 1882 B&B €25/person A typical Bed and Breakfast hotel, 10 kilometers from Lappeenranta towards Joensuu.

• Matkustajakoti Turisti-Lappee - Kauppakatu 52 61.0541, 28.1911 ☎ +358 5 415 0800 double €51, single €31 Centrally located. The shower facilities are shared and the double rooms have private toilets but the single rooms do not. Prices include breakfast and the use of the sauna facilities.

• Finnhostel Lappeenranta (Huhtiniemen matkailukeskus) - Kuusimäenkatu 18 61.0543, 28.1527 ☎ +358 451 5555 triple room €102, double €82, single €68 About 2 kilometers west of the downtown. The prices include breakfast and the use of the swimming pool.

• Lahtelan maatilamatkailu - Lahtelantie 120 60.7325, 27.9909 ☎ +358 5-4578034 Bed and Breakfast in Ylämaa, south of Lappeenranta.

• Sokos Hotel Lappee - Brahenkatu 1 61.0562, 28.1911 next to Galleria shopping mall ☎ +358 10 762 1000 - A comfortable chain hotel in the middle of the city overlooking a desolate square with the town hall's blocky architecture and a fountain.

• Hotel Cumulus Lappeenranta !/en_GB/ Valtakatu 31 61.0579, 28.1850 ☎ +358 5 677 811 95 rooms with TV, radio, pay-channel, hair dryer and free broadband connection."

Stay safe

Lappeenranta is a safe city very accustomed to Foreign Muslims. Lappeenranta is the second most popular destination in Finland, mainly due to Russian shopping tourists, but also many other nationalities visit during summer months.

Travel Next

• Imatra - 40 kilometers northeast. See the Imatrankoski and other attractions that the Russian czars used to visit in the 19th century.
• Punkaharju - drive through Finland's national landscape on a road on the top of a ridge that partially divides Lake Saimaa.
• Savonlinna - 120 kilometers north, home to a well preserved medieval castle where an opera festival is held each summer.
• Vyborg - take a one, two or three day Russia#Get in|visa free cruise to Russia through the Saimaa canal. These cruises run in the summer only.

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