10am

Head to Café Alexandra in the market square for a traditional Karelian breakfast of delicious, freshly baked pastries and local delicacies



10.30am

See Lappeenranta’s 18th-century fortress in the Old Town and pick up traditional, handcrafted souvenirs made by local artisans. While you’re there, take a tour of the Cavalry Museum, the oldest building within the fortress, and discover the history of the Finnish cavalry, the Hakkapeliittas



1pm

For lunch head to Kasino on Ainonkatu, the city’s top dining spot, and sample the à la carte menu



2.30pm

During the winter months, brave swimming in an ice hole in the harbour, followed by a comfortingly hot Finnish sauna and a honey massage at Lappeenranta spa, or, for a sportier alternative, try out the slopes and cross-country trails at nearby Myllymäki ski centre



5pm

Head back to the fortress and warm up with afternoon tea at Majurska on Kristiinankatu, Lappeenranta’s best-known café



6pm

Visit Kauppakatu and indulge in a little retail therapy at the city’s main shopping spot, the Galleria mall



7.30pm

Venture out of the city to the Säräpirtti Kippurasarvi restaurant in nearby Lemi for delicious särä, lamb cooked in a wood-fired oven according to a 1,000-year-old recipe. Be sure to book in advance



10.30pm

After dinner, check out the local nightlife. For live rock music, try Old Cock on Valtakatu, or, for something a little more lively, try Lappeenranta’s traditional Finnish dance restaurant, Monrepos on Oksasenkatu





Photo: Heta Halme