International House South Karelia – Summertime activities in South Karelia

Current Events

Although International House events are on pause for the summer, South Karelia is full of life and opportunities to meet new people all summer long. In this newsletter, we share tips for summer activities and new experiences in the region. Have a nice summer!

The last International House event of the spring will be held in Imatra.

Career Club goes Imatra – Career stories and inspiration for entrepreneurship

Come to listen inspiring career stories and experiences about finding employment and entrepreneurship in South Karelia.

Date: Thursday, May 21, 4:00–6:00 PM
Location: Einonkatu 10, Imatra
(Read more below)

Spouse Network 

For those who have moved to Finland as a spouse, will continue to hold meetings throughout the summer. (Sign up below)

Tips for Summer

In South Karelia, the summer season offers lots to do and opportunities to relax and develop your skills.

Nature and activities
Wide nature area offers also free and easily accessible destinations.

• Beaches, parks, and harbour areas
• Walking trails, nature trails, and hiking destinations 
• Join a group walk and look up for other low-threshold activities in Lappeenranta
• The South Karelia hobby calendar also features summer activities
• Cycling, disc golf, outdoor gyms

Links for these below.

Tip: Find out if your library lends out discs!

Events and Culture

Summer in South Karelia is full of events, market life, and culture. Highlights include outdoor movies and free concerts!

Lappeenranta Festival Weeks July 24 - August 9, 2026. The historic fortress and city are filled with festivals and free events.

Explore the municipalities of South Karelia

Summer is a great time to explore the region’s villages and municipalities.

In Savitaipale, the traditional Sapassi week is celebrated from July 11 to 18, featuring events and activities for every day of the week. 

Taipalsaari Days June 26–28, 2026 offers a taste of authentic South Karelian summer atmosphere. This community event weekend invites you to enjoy traditional open-air dancing, lakeside markets, and rural traditions. Come and experience a diverse programme and summer days by the shores of Lake Saimaa in Taipalsaari. 

Welcome to Parikkala – come relax and adventure in nature! 

Advice on summer activities

Municipal customer service and tourist information offices can help with questions regarding events, hiking trails, and attractions. The International House guidance also offers tips and support for planning your leisure time and summer.

Voice of the Network

Welcome to Learn Finnish at Joutseno Opisto. 

Everyday Finnish Summer Course, June 1–12, 2026
For S2 students focusing on spoken Finnish and everyday language. Classes are held on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Paid course. (Sign up below)

Finnish Language Summer Course, June 22–July 17, 2026
For A1.3 level students, focusing on speaking and writing skills. Classes are held on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Paid course. (Sign up below)

Do you want to share your event, course, or service with internationals in South Karelia? Our next newsletter will be published in August. Please send your materials in Finnish and English by 10.8.2026 via questback link below

The International House operating model is part of the South Karelia Employment Area's services. Information for personal customers, employers and entrepreneurs is available on the website:

More information

• Etelä-Karjalan työllisyysalue (lappeenranta.fi)
• Career Club (tapahtumat.ekarjala.fi) (in Finnish)
• Spouse Network (link.webropolsurveys.com) 
• Arkisuomea 1.-12.6.2026 -kurssi (uusi.opistopalvelut.fi)  
• Suomen kielen kesäkurssi 22.6.-17.7.2026 (uusi.opistopalvelut.fi/)  (in Finnish)
• Questback - toimita materiaalia (response.questback.com)

Tips for Summer

• Uimarannat Saimaalla (gosaimaa.com)
• Retkeilyreitit Saimaalla (gosaimaa.com)
• Kesäliikuntaa (lappeenranta.fi) 
• Etelä-Karjalan harrastuskalenteri (harrastukset.ekarjala.fi)
• Etelä-Karjala Ulkokuntosalit: 29 Ulkokuntosalia Kartalla (huts.fi)
• Pyöräilyreitit Saimaalla (gosaimaa.com)
• Frisbeegolf Saimaalla (gosaimaa.com)
• Etelä-Karjalan tapahtumakalenteri (tapahtumat.ekarjala.fi)
• Kesäkonsertit (lappeenranta.fi)
• Torit ja markkinat (lappeenranta.fi)
• Lappeenrannan juhlaviikot  (lappeenranta.fi)
• Kesäloma Saimaalla (gosaimaa.com)
• Suomen makein kesä (visitlappeenranta.fi)
• Sapassi-viikot (savitaipale.fi)
• Taipalsaari-päivät (taipalsaari.fi)
• Tervetuloa Parikkalaan! (visitparikkala.fi)

Stay connected!

Website: International House South Karelia (lappeenranta.fi/en)
Facebook: International House South Karelia
Instagram: @internationalsouthkarelia
E-mail: internationalhouse@lappeenranta.fi
Subscribe to newsletter: Lappeenrannan kaupunki tiedotetilaus (epressi.com)