Lappeenranta

The town of Lappeenranta is situated in South Karelia between the southern banks of Saimmaa lake district and the border with Russia. It is a university town and a tourist centre as well as the commercial and cultural centre of south-eastern Finland.

Besides the harbour, the market square, and the old fortifications, a cruise on the lake Sammai is among the most interesting tourist attractions.

As a border town Lappeenranta has had an eventful history. During the Middle Ages the town already played a big role in trade because of its harbour. Under Swedish rule Lappeenranta became a town in 1649. About one hundred years later the town was given to the Russian Tsar and it was not until 1811 that it was given back to Finland.

Besides official matters there exists a student exchange with groups from Schwäbisch Hall travelling to Lappeenranta and groups (theatre and music) coming to Schwäbisch Hall.

The German-Finnish Society chaired by Mr. Helmut Lange is very active there.

Lappeenranta is idyllically situated and offers unlimited opportunies for people who enjoy water sports and nature.

If you want to find out more about our twintown in Finland visit its homepage.