During the Middle Ages, the town of Kauskila was the most significant settlement in the region of South Karelia. It had been inhabited since the beginning of the Calendar Era. However, a headland jutting out into Lake Saimaa proved to be a better location and Lapvesi was established there in medieval times.

In 1649, Lapvesi got its charter and it soon overtook Kaukila in importance. The town's name was changed into Lappee. Lappeenranta (Lappee's Shore) was established much later and in 1967, the original town of Lappee was incorporated into Lappeenranta.

Nowadays, Lappeenranta is a pleasant tourist town.

There are several hotels and restaurants in Lappeenranta. Various events are organized in Lappeenranta each year, mostly during the summer months.

Lappeenranta has good rail and road connections with the rest of Finland. Lappeenranta Airport opened in 1918, making it the oldest operating airport in Finland. It is located in the center of town.

Lappeenranta is located in the southeast of Finland, on the southern shore of Lake Saimaa and about 210 km (130 mi) northeast of Helsinki. The Russian border is about 30 km (19 mi) to the east.