History

since 1824

1820 -

The Pikkala spring was found in the early 19th Century. The health promoting characters of its waters were discovered, and soon spa services, with treatments that included sulphur and mineral water baths were offered to the public. People even travelled from further afield across borders to enjoy the waters of Pikkala spring. Later decades saw ever increasing numbers of guests coming to the shores of Lake Saimaa to enjoy these excellent treatments.

1870 -

Two new springs were discovered on the shores of the city bay and soon a new limited spa company was founded.

1885

The completion of the railway improved the transport to the area considerably. The Russian Emperor’s visits, and writings in various papers spread the word about the services of the Spa. For the first hundred years, the Spa’s customers consisted of Russian aristocrats.

1900 -

The history of the Spa saw numerous changes of owners. Despite continuous renovation work, the old spa building had become too small for the operation.

1912

A new spa building was built with the help of a loan granted by the City, and a grand new health resort was opened to the public. The spa building, designed by Gustaf Strengell, is a prime example of post-Art Nouveau style and is now protected by the National Board of Antiquities.

1917

World War I brought devastation also to the spa business, and Russian guests ceased to visit in 1917. In the same year the City reclaimed the Spa with all its assets and debts. The City hesitated what to do with the Spa, but the activities continued.

1920

The spring water of the Spa was discovered to be radioactive, and once again customers poured in.

1940 -

After the war, the number of visitors grew year by year. By the end of the 1940s, the character of the Lappeenranta Spa had changed. Previously people came here to seek summer leisure, whereas now the clientele consisted more and more of people who were unwell, especially the rheumatic, who sought to relieve their pain and discomfort.

1970 -

In 1974, the Spa became open year round. A few years after that, a new hotel was built for the spa visitors, ending the period of over a hundred years during which guests were housed in local homes. The diverse treatments, professional staff and hotel for spa guests made Lappeenranta Spa a resort for the whole nation.

1980

The Law of the rehabilitation of ex-servicemen came into effect and our war veterans began to receive regular rehabilitation treatments.

1996

The Spa became a foundation and was renamed the Lappeenranta Rehabilitation and Spa Foundation. Since the 80s, the spa activities had focused on the rehabilitation of war veterans. The 90s saw the development of more services designed to help people retain their working capacity.

2000-

With the advent of the 21^st Century, the Spa’s field of know-how and clientele have separated out into three distinct sectors. In addition to strong rehabilitation know-how, the Spa offers services aimed at helping the working population to enhance their working capacity as well as services for holiday and leisure time customers. Both the buildings of the Spa have now been renovated, offering a modern and up-to-date setting.

2009

Lappeenranta Spa is 185 years old this year.