Lappeenranta is Finland's climate capital. The city has grown on the border of Eastern and Western cultures. Nowadays, Lappeenranta is a modern tourist city. The city is located in a picturesque location on the shores of Lake Saimaa. Lappeenranta Fortress is a popular tourist destination. The fortress area houses museums, an Orthodox church, and artisan shops. One of the city's most magnificent buildings is the Town Hall, completed in 1829. Damaged during bombings in 1940, the building has been restored to almost its original color. When visiting the market square or the harbor, it is recommended to try traditional local delicacies, namely "vedyt" and "atomit," which are meat pies filled with ham and egg. Vedyt and atomit have a history of over 40 years. Magnificent sandcastle sculptures have been admired every summer since 2004 in Lappeenranta's harbor. The theme of the sandcastle area changes annually.
