4 Star Places To Visit in South Karelia, Finland (50)

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..
4.0 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..
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..
4.0 Maiden of Imatra (75 reviews)
- Suicidal memorial
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This statue was completed in 1972. It is a memorial commemorating those who have drowned themselves in the rapids. According to a Finnish poem, the maiden of Imatra and her lover Ontrei threw themselves to the rapids. See more..
4.0 Angry Birds Activity Park (75 reviews)
- A must do if you're a kid or have a kid
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks

This is one place that you must always include in your itinerary whether you have a child with you or you yourself want to go back to your childhood. :) “Capri” is the name of the building which is basically a shopping centre. The Angry Bird theme park has taken a large chunk of it. You and yours can have fun here, be it any season or weather outside. All child friendly activities such as slides, paddle cars, video games, ice hockey and football style games, and of course angry bird toons. As long as you have the bracelet tied to your hand, you can come back and enjoy it. There is also a shop with the same theme. Outside Angry Birds, there is also a café and variety of products available for shopping. 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..
4.0 Church of the Three Crosses (38 reviews)
- Cool Alvar Aalto Site
Churches & Cathedrals

This church is stunning. It is in a beautiful setting on the outskirts of a small town. The interior is beautiful with cool design, and it has two moving walls that allow the congregation area to expand 3 fold. Totally worth a stop if driving up towards Savonlinna. See more..
4.0 Imatran Spa (37 reviews)
- Spa and dinner
Spent 1-2 hours Health Clubs • Spas

We visited the spa on week 8 which is holiday for many Finns. Despite this we liked the spa although there were a lot of people. There are quite many pools especially for kids. The spa area was clean and everything worked fine. In the evening we went to eat to the restaurant (a la carte). The food was very good. See more..
4.0 Korpikeidas (37 reviews)
- Fun visit farm animals and fishing
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos

During our visit the place was partially closed so we could not see all the animals. But it was fun to see what ever we could see. We tried catching fish from the pond which was also fun experience (because its pretty much guaranteed that you would catch something xD ). This is a good place especially for children and families. 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..
4.0 IsoKristiina (31 reviews)
- The number one mall in Lappeenranta
Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls

This is absolutely the biggest and most modern mall in Lappeenranta. It was very handy that our hotel was directly connected to it. It was raining and we could find everything under the same roof. No need to step outside. Besides the shops, there are many restaurants, bars, and a modern Finnkino cinema. See more..
4.0 Karelian Farmhouse Open Air Museum (30 reviews)
- Lovely place to visit
Speciality Museums

I have heard someone say the place is full of junk? It is a museum for God's sake and the Finns do not throw junk around. It also has a lovely restaurant with typical Kareljan food. Worth a try. 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..
4.0 Lappeenranta Railway Station (21 reviews)
- Clean and tidy
Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Public Transportation Systems

Great access for Lappeenranta down town. Lovely cafe and conveniences. Trains on time with very good laser display boards. See more..
4.0 South Karelia Museum (21 reviews)
- Interesting museum
Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

This museum is situated in the Lappeenranta Fortress. The museum is housed in the grey-stone buildings of the former artillery depot which were completed at the beginning of the 19th century. South Karelia Museum exhibits the history and traditions of the Karelia area, on both sides of the eastern border. On our visit, the exhibition opened up Finnish refugee history and put it in context with broader refugee movements in Europe and across the globe. 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..
4.0 Lappeenrannan taidemuseo (15 reviews)
- Small art museum
Art Museums

This museum shows Finnish art from the 1850s to the present. It is located in an old 18th-century barracks of Lappeenranta Fortress. On our visit, the exhibition was more contemporary. See more..
4.5 Escape Room Imatra (12 reviews)
- Club-i solved by first timers
Tuesday: 5:00 PM - 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..
4.0 Lappeenrannan raatihuone (12 reviews)
- Fascinating Finnish Facts
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings

This building is full of history. And it was founded by the Governor Ramsay and expats Scot Jock. Brilliant place . See more..
4.0 Souvenirs world (9 reviews)
- Perfect shop to buy souvenirs and rare gifts
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

This shop located about center of Imatra Citymarket shopping center.Shop concepted gift and souvinirs shop with reasonable prices.They sell all basic collectable souvinirs like various magnets,pins,plates,t-shirts,keyrings and so on and also various giftware f.e.Norwegian sweaters,Sweden lamb slipers,leatherbags,even Russian gifts like Faberge eggs and hand painted matroshka dolls...This shop also want to inform tourist to find nice to see places in this area ,shop has also possiblelity to sell tax free or even better with invoice.Also almost all souvenirs in this shop own desings and imported by themselves.For winter sales f.e.beatifull localmade special f.e rabbit,cat and other fancy hats for kidds.Shop has also a lot lot of reindeer things ,hides and handmade bone things.Company has also wholesale business. 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..
4.0 Detachment Kuhlmey (7 reviews)
- Вызывает уважение
Historic Sites
Финны чтут своих героев. Пусть их не так много, но всех их помнят. Памятник этот похож на множество таких же, раскиданных по просторам матушки России. Однако отношение местных жителей к нему совсем не такое, как у нас. Более трепетное что ли See more..
4.0 Joutsenon kirkko (7 reviews)
- Good place near Lappeenranta
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

A small town Joutseno near Lappeenranta. Take Bus from Lappeenranta, it will take around 20min to reach there. See more..
4.5 Kulttuuritalo Virta (5 reviews)
- Imatra Town Museum closed
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM 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..
4.0 Kollaa- Ja Simo Hayha -Museo (4 reviews)
- Asiantuntevaa opastusta
Spent 2-3 hours Military Museums • History Museums

In the museum there is a comprehensive exhibition about the Battle of the Winter War in Kolla with personal battle-related stories. There are photos, items, accessories and a memory stick with the fallen and a battle situation maps. There is also an exhibition on Simo Hayha, also known as the White Death. See more..
4.0 Taipalsaaren kirkko (4 reviews)
- Островной храм
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

Если ехать от столицы Южной Карелии - Лаппеэнранты на северо-запад по 408 трассе, то Вы попадаете в мир островов Сайменского архипелага. На одном из них в деревушке Тайпальсаари Вы ни за что не пропустите яркий солнечный храм с колокольней - церковь, относящуюся к XVIII веку.
Как и многие храмы Финляндии в маленьких населенных пунктах она работает только летом, поэтому увидеть её изнутри можно только в тёплое время года. 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..
4.5 Nuijamaa Church (4 reviews)
- cooool
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

it has a very strange look, but its not always open, actually rarely is open. its special because its made of wood, which is very evident and exposed. and there is a cemetery of young guys between 16 and twentysomething who died in second world war See more..
4.0 Savitaipale Church (3 reviews)
- Komea sisältä
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

Josef Stenbäck:n suunnittelema kirkko valmistui 1924 ja siinä on 700 istumapaikkaa, urut ovat vuodelta 1979, Hans Heinrichin rakentamat ja 33 äänikertaiset. Kirkon rakennusmateriaali on paikallista rapakivigraniittia. Mielestäni kirkko on sisältä varsin tyylikäs holvikaarikoristeineen, erikoisine valaisimineen ja kullattuineen koristeineen, myös pyöreät ikkunat komeine maalauksineen tuovat lisää väriä sinne.
Josef Stenbäck:n suunnittelema kirkko valmistui 1924 ja siinä on 700 istumapaikkaa, urut ovat vuodelta 1979, Hans Heinrichin rakentamat ja 33 äänikertaiset. Kirkon rakennusmateriaali on paikallista rapakivigraniittia. Mielestäni kirkko on sisältä varsin tyylikäs holvikaarikoristeineen, erikoisine valaisimineen ja kullattuineen koristeineen, myös pyöreät ikkunat komeine maalauksineen tuovat lisää väriä sinne. See more..
4.5 Beauty Spa Wellamo (3 reviews)
- За красотой
Spent 1-2 hours Spas

в отеле "Иматран Кюльпюля" есть салон красоты и спа. Здесь можно получить любые процедуры по косметологии, даже, если ты не проживаешь в отеле. Будьте готовы к тому, что цены существенно выше наших питерских.
в отеле "Иматран Кюльпюля" есть салон красоты и спа. Здесь можно получить любые процедуры по косметологии, даже, если ты не проживаешь в отеле. Будьте готовы к тому, что цены существенно выше наших питерских. See more..
4.0 Ristikankaan kappeli (3 reviews)
- Лютеранская капелла
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

Евангелическая лютеранская церковь-капелла на окраине Лаппеэнранты. Небольшая, но интересна своим обликом: в нем угадывается явное влияние финского гения архитектуры Аалвара Аалто, мастерская которого приложила руку к многим церковным зданиям провинции Южная Карелия Финляндии.
Евангелическая лютеранская церковь-капелла на окраине Лаппеэнранты. Небольшая, но интересна своим обликом: в нем угадывается явное влияние финского гения архитектуры Аалвара Аалто, мастерская которого приложила руку к многим церковным зданиям провинции Южная Карелия Финляндии. See more..
4.0 Ylamaa Gem Society (2 reviews)
Speciality Museums
See more..
4.5 Rautjarven kirkko (2 reviews)
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

See more..
4.5 Haikkaanlahden Hiking Trail (2 reviews)
- Beautiful walk in the Finnish countryside
Spent More than 3 hours Hiking Trails

The total length of this well-marked trail is about 20km, but there are shorter sections of it that can be walked easily. The trail is well-marked with blue paint and guideposts and follows forest paths and driveable forest roads. Parts of the trail give a great view of Lake Saimaa. The trail is not difficult, mostly level or on a slight grade, but nothing really serious. Bits of it are rough, and hiking boots are needed through muddy bits. There are two lean-to shelters which also have campfire sites and a toilet. The trail is only accessible during the snow-free season, though the shelters can be used in the winter. A good map of the trail can be downloaded from the referenced website. See more..
4.5 Salpalinja (2 reviews)
- Visita guidata molto interessante
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Battlefields

Abbiamo visitato la Salpalinja con un tour guidato.
L'inglese parlato dalla guida non era eccellente, ma le informazioni sono comunque state numerose e interessanti e il clima di gruppo molto positivo.
Abbiamo visitato una serie di bunker ed appreso moltissimo della storia della Finlandia di quegli anni.
Visita da raccomandare, meglio dopo aver già letto qualcosa al riguardo. See more..

4 Star Places To Visit in South Karelia, Finland (50)

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