The university city of Lappeenranta stands about 15 miles from the border with Russia, in the far southeast corner of Finland. The city stands on the shore of the enormous Lake Saimaa, with Helsinki and St Petersburg both over 13 miles away. The lake and canals make it a centre for waterway adventures too, including visa-free canal cruises to Vyborg and St Petersburg in Russia. Historical towns like Lemi, with its fortifications and old church, and Luumaki, with its museum and military relics, are close enough for day trips when you hire a car in Lappeenranta. The resort of Savitaipale on Lake Kuolimo is popular for both summer and winter outdoor activities.