Things to do & places to visit in South Karelia, Finland

South Karelia #9 destination in Finland 2023. The average rating score is 4.33 based on 2.185 traveler reviews, of 121 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Helsinki, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 21:23.

Top things to do (32)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Imatran Kalatalo (8 reviews)
- Awesome shop!
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Came across this place while being on a business trip in South Carelia. The store itself is actually not that eminent from the first sight, but it's definitely worth visiting, especially if you are having a vacation or smth like that. The best thing about this shop is that it represents the combination of incompatible. There are a lot of different products available to buy, like multiple kinds of red fish, caviar, oils, even some top sweet-stuff! :) Imatran Kalatalo, guys thank you for such a warm reception!!! The best part was a salmon soup :) If I happen to be in Imatra again one day, I'll definitely come over again!!! See more..
5.0 Milano Fashion Centre (7 reviews)
- Приятный и комфортный шопинг
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Department Stores

Milano Fashion Centre is the largest department store in Lappeenranta, Finland. Most well-known fashion brands are now available at the best prices with taxfree. We have Michael Kors, Armani Jeans, Versace Jeans, Baldinini, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Trussardi and more. Milano Fashion Centre is located very close to the border of Russia and Finland, only 20 km away. Distance from Helsinki is 220 km. There are trains and buses available from Helsinki to Lappeenranta. See more..
5.0 Kotkaniemi (5 reviews)
- Well kept home mueseum a central figure for Finnish independence. Beautiful property and lake view. Possibility to swim
Speciality Museums • History Museums

This is the home museum of P.E. Svinhufvud, who was a central figure in the struggle for Finnish independence. Located in nature by Lake Kivijärvi, the estate comprises the main building that includes the home museum, a café, and conference premises, in addition to a garden with related outbuildings that have been restored to their 1930s look. Kotkaniemi is located in Luumäki, roughly 20 kilometres from Lappeenranta. Pehr Evind Svinhufvud (1861-1944) was the third President of the Republic from 1931 to 1937. In November 1917, Svinhufvud formed the so-called Independence Senate which issued the declaration of independence for Finland in December. Svinhufvud also led the delegation which travelled to St. Petersburg in 1917 to secure recognition for Finnish independence from Lenin's government. See more..
5.0 Malonsaari Island (4 reviews)
- Upea luontokokemus / Wonderful nature experience
Spent 1-2 hours Islands • Hiking Trails

Upea luontokokemus jonne kuka tahansa voi mennä ilmaiseksi. Tämä on paikka, jossa voit todella tuntea luonnon lähelläsi. Ota aikaa ja nauti Saimaasta, kauniista luonnosta ja sen äänistä. Helppo mennä ja käydä myös pikavisiitillä, jos sinulla on vain tunti tai kaksi aikaa käytettäväksi luonnossa. Wonderful nature experience where anybody can go for free. This is place where you can really feel nature near you. Take time and enjoy lake Saimaa, beautiful nature and it sounds. Easy to go and also have a quick visit, if you have only hour or two to spend in nature. See more..
4.5 Imatra Waterfall (420 reviews)
- Be an idiot to miss out on this!
Waterfalls

Absolutely loved this and visited every single morning we were staying in Imatra. I've never seen anything as fierce as that but it was breath taking and perfectly placed for the best photos one will ever take. It's a no brainer to visit. Has some lovely places to have a break either side of it. See more..
4.5 Lappeenranta Fortress (217 reviews)
- The most important tourist attraction in Lappeenranta
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The fortress area hosts museums, an old Orthodox Church, cafes, restaurants, and artisan shops. Most of the buildings date from the time of Russian rule, the 18th and 19th centuries. The main street, Kristiinankatu, was named after the Swedish queen, Christina. The guardhouse at the Main Gate hosts the Cavalry Museum. You can also visit the Lappeenranta Art Museum and the South Karelia Museum. There are panoramic views from the embankments around the fortress. See more..
4.5 Saimaa Canal (214 reviews)
- From Lake Saimaa to St. Petersburg without a Russian Visa
Bodies of Water

This tour was excellent. We departed from Lappeenranta, Finland on the M/S Carelia early in the morning. Kirsi - Marja our tour guide on the boat was awesome. She answered all of our questions and could be spotted cleaning tables and any other tasks on board. She was always smiling and happy. She and her crew were soooo great. The cruise was about 6 hours long and we travelled through many locks on the Saimaa Canal. We arrived in Vyborg, Russia where we cleared Russian customs and then met Kristina. She was soooo much fun and so helpful. Our 2 nights in St. Petersburg were amazing. We then travelled back to Vyborg where we shopped at the outdoor and indoor markets. I totally recommend this tour. It was hassle free and great fun. See more..
4.5 Imatrankoski (125 reviews)
- Power on nature!
Dams

Very powerful experience! One moment the river is empty and you see the rocky bottom and next moment it is full of white water. Great! See more..
4.5 The Parikkala Sculpture Park (121 reviews)
- A place like nowhere else!
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

This place was pretty wild with tons of sculptures of all sorts of people. These sculptures range from creepy to funny, but all are worth a look. It is incredible that Veijo Ronkkonen must have spent so much time creating this surreal environment. There is much to see and the walk through the lush area is definitely relaxing. See more..
4.5 Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God (48 reviews)
- Oldest ortodox curch in Finland
Churches & Cathedrals

Maria curch is old and beatiful, Thee is some equipments and icons from " old Valmo " monestry. It is beatiful and peacefull. See more..
4.5 Imatra Veteran’s Home Museum (32 reviews)
- A home war museum
Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums

Very interesting home museum with tons of Finnish historyband war memorabilia. The owner gave us a tour and told about the house’s history (the house once has been his home). Lots of interesting details and facts. Highly recommended! See more..
4.5 Atreenalin Seikkailupuistot (28 reviews)
- Great adventure
Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

There are three different routes here - discovery (for beginners), 2 x family, adventure and sport. I did the two family routes - they were really good and already quite high. Next time I have to try the adventure route. Recommended! See more..
4.5 Lappeen Marian kirkko (24 reviews)
- Beautiful wooden church
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

St. Mary's Church of Lappee is an Evangelical church that dates back to 1794. The neo-gothic belfry was completed in 1856. It is located in a park quite far from the church. The church was closed during our visit. So we couldn't see the interior. See more..
4.5 Prisma (24 reviews)
- Shopping
Spent 1-2 hours Department Stores • Shopping Malls

It is a wonderful place for shopping with almost everything available. Really enjoyed the shopping here. See more..
4.5 Wolkoff House Museum (22 reviews)
- History comes to life in this museum
Speciality Museums • History Museums

The house museum can only be visited on a guided tour, but it is worth the effort. An excellent presentation shed light on the history of Ivan W, who came to Finland as a serf in the 1840s, became a Finnish citizen, and his rise to one of the wealthiest men in Lappeenranta. He was a true serial entrepreneur. The house and Wolkoff's story tell how a free society feeds creativity by giving everyone the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their origin. At the same time, the history of the house tells about the connections between Finland and Russia, which Russia's aggressive attack on Ukraine has now destroyed for years. But the perspective of the house's history is in decades or even longer. See more..
4.5 Lauritsala Church (22 reviews)
- Interesting architecture
Churches & Cathedrals

At first sight you are amazed. When you look at the church outside, you might think it is a runway to heaven. Someone would say it is not beautiful becaus it is made of concrete. We thought it is beautiful in it's own way. See more..
4.5 Lammassaari Island (21 reviews)
- Lovely small walk
Spent 1-2 hours Islands

Went on a walk with a friend to lammassaari. It was a lovely place to make a small walk, on a sunny day, if you want to stay close to the center and if you don't want to go on a big hike that takes the whole day. There where a few birdwatching towers that where nice to go sit a little and enjoy the view. We picnicked there next to the water and because it was a warm day it was lovely to cool down, after the picknick, with our feet in the (little bit cold) water. See more..
4.5 Kummakivi Boulder (15 reviews)
- Mystinen Kummakivi - Mystical Odd Stone
Geologic Formations

Kummakivi on meille asti säilyneitä jääkauden ihmeitä noin 11–12 000 vuoden takaa. Kivi on rauhoitettu jo 1960-luvulla. Kiven päällä kasvaa kuulemma jo 30 vuotta vanha mänty. Mukava paikka vaikkapa perheen retkikohteeksi. Kummakivelle löytää, kun laittaa Ruokolahdella navigaattoriin Kummakiventien. Kannattaa ajaa ylös asti autojen kääntöpaikalle, josta lähtee vajaan kilometrin pituinen polku kivelle. Polun alussa sekä sitten perillä on opasteita, joista selviää kiven tarina. The Odd Stone is one of the wonders of the Ice Age and been in its' place approximately 11 – 12,000 years. There actually grows a 30 years old pine tree on top of the stone. A nice destination for family excursion. You'll find the Odd Stone when you put in the navigator Kummakiventie and Ruokolahti. I suggest that you drive all the way up to the cars' turning point and from there starts a path to the stone and the path is less than a kilometer long. Free of charge. See more..
4.5 Lappeenrannan kirkko (15 reviews)
- Nice bridge and Kirk
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

Well worth a visit to this delightful Kirk. Divine architecture and interior. Just a few minutes walk through pleasant woods , including ground defences. See more..
4.5 Escape Room Imatra (12 reviews)
- Club-i solved by first timers
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Escape Room games in Imatra. Two rooms in the center, Imatrankoski and one room in Imatra Kylpylä Spa. See more..
4.5 Ruokolahden Kirkko (12 reviews)
- Magical church
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

This place is worth a thousand pictures. absolutely georgeous location like a dream. Blue and white tones decorate the church ,which sitting among a hill top next to a lake. It is a site worth 1000 pictures See more..
4.5 Ruokolahden Kellotapuli (9 reviews)
- Beautiful Belltower
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

A beautiful wooden bell tower next to Ruokolahden church. The bell tower is inside the cemetery and may not be visible from church side. Worth a short visit. Very interesting. See more..
4.5 Church of St. Nicholas (9 reviews)
- 60 лет храму
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

2 октября Никольская церковь в Иматре отметила свое 60-летие. По человеческим меркам срок немалый. Да, казалось бы, и для деревянного здания тоже. Но - выглядит оно прекрасно! Простая архитектура, скромное убранство. Внутри недавно появился резной деревянный иконостас, очень украсивший церковь. А если вам доведется встретиться с настоятелем о. Тимо - знайте, что это очень добрый и умный священник, при том хорошо говорит по-русски. See more..
4.5 Siikalahti Wetland (7 reviews)
- Magnificent area for bird observations
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas

An early morning visit to this area showed up to be rich in birds. Visited various observation locations and was able to see birds on land, in marsh, on water and some migrating geese. Some of our observations were: Thrush nightingale, Willow warbler, Common snipe, Lesser spotted woodpecker, Eurasian curlew, Eurasian bittern, Common goldeneye, Common pochard, Whooper swan, Western marsh harrier and Rough-legged buzzard See more..
4.5 Lempukka Beach (7 reviews)
- Big beach in the middle of the forest
Spent 1-2 hours Beaches

This is wide sandbeach close to Imatra Spa. Lake Saimaa shows it's most beautiful side with clear water and nice Lakeview. Unfortunately there's no restaurant here. See more..
4.5 Tainionkosken Church (7 reviews)
- Главный храм Imatra
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Тайнионкоскенкиркко (Tainionkosken kirkko)— старейшая церковь Иматры, возведённая в неоклассическом стиле. Она была построена по проекту архитектора Юрьё Васкинена в 1932 году и остаётся главным храмом Иматранского лютеранского прихода.Современный зал вмещает 252 человека, максимальная вместительность церкви – 600 человек. При церкви имеются также зал для конфирмационной школы и помещения для клубов. Режим работы: Открыта со среды по воскресенье с 09.00 до 15.00. Закрыта: понедельник и вторник. See more..
4.5 Kulttuuritalo Virta (5 reviews)
- Imatra Town Museum closed
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings • Civic Centres • Convention Centers

A cultural venue which holds two concert halls, city main library, a historical museum of the city and an art museum. All units have free access all year round. Concerts and ticket sales links can be found from the website. See more..
4.5 Sammonlahden Church (5 reviews)
- 10 Заповедей и 12 Апостолов Христовых
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

Храм в пригороде столичной Лаппеэнранты - Саммонлахти - один из самых новых в Финляндии, построен в 90-е годы прошлого века, и уж точно самый ультрамодерновый. Мощное современное краснокирпичное здание необычных форм снаружи и внутри, где десять колонн центрального нефа, символизирующие 10 заповедей Христовых, ведут к алтарю, окружённому другими двенадцатью колоннами, символизирующими 12 апостолов.
Церковь действующая круглогодично, что здесь далеко не везде. See more..
4.5 Parikkalan kirkko (4 reviews)
- Объемный храм
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Впечатляющий своими размерами барочный деревянный храм XIX века в провинциальной Париккале находится, как здесь принято на возвышении, его видно издалека, и не случайно - церковь вмещает более полутора тысяч молящихся.
И так же как и многие другие храмы Финляндии он открыт только в тёплое время года, поэтому большую часть времени его можно осмотреть только снаружи. See more..
4.0 Sandcastle Lappeenranta (215 reviews)
- Sand art
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

The Sandcastle and other sand sculptures can be found at the bottom of the fortress. Compared to what we have seen in Las Palmas during Christmas time, here were quite a few sand sculptures. Probably this sight has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. See more..