Savonlinna – culture, history and the enchanting nature of Lake Saimaa
Savonlinna
Savonlinna is an archipelago town in the heart of Lake Saimaa, where nature, culture and history come together in a unique way. Islands, bridges and lake scenery make the town a place where water is always present. Savonlinna has repeatedly been voted one of Finland’s best summer towns. Here, people enjoy being here, the atmosphere of the market square and harbour, and the proximity of the lake nature. In winter, the area offers peace and quiet, the perfect place to rest and find a connection with nature.
Olavinlinna Castle – 550 years of history and experiences
Olavinlinna is Savonlinna’s most famous landmark and the world’s northernmost medieval stone castle. It offers a fascinating insight into history on the border between East and West, and you can immerse yourself in its stories on guided tours throughout the year.
In the summer, the castle serves as one of the world’s most famous opera stages, and in August, its sturdy walls are transformed into a concert and festival venue for top artists. Guided dark tours in the autumn add a touch of excitement, and on Independence Day, the castle is festively lit up, which continues until the traditional St. Thomas’s Market. Olavinlinna Castle is suitable for many different occasions, as it can be rented as a unique venue for your own event or wedding celebration.
Located next to the castle The old town invites you to stroll along the old cobblestone streets and visit boutiques, galleries and cafés. In the summer, the restaurants along the waterfront promenade tempt you to sample local flavours and admire the magnificent Olavinlinna Castle.
The Riihisaari Museum is located opposite Olavinlinna Castle. The museum brings Lake Saimaa and its stories to life. Historic steamboats rest at the pier, and the museum’s exhibitions take you on a journey to the heart of lake culture – from the story of the Saimaa ringed seal to water transport in times gone by. The cosy courtyard with its swing chairs offers a peaceful place to watch the ships and boats glide slowly across the lake.
World-class opera in Savonlinna
The Savonlinna Opera Festival is a combination of history, art and a unique setting. Founded in 1912 by opera singer Aino Ackté, the event has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious opera festivals. The stone walls of Olavinlinna Castle, the lake scenery of Lake Saimaa and the light of summer nights create a setting that cannot be experienced anywhere else.
Today, the Opera Festival is much more than just opera. The whole of Savonlinna lives and breathes to the rhythm of the festival – music and anticipation can be heard in the market square, cafés and concerts as visitors and artists arrive from all over the world. Local choirs and musicians perform alongside top international artists. Every summer, the programme offers new productions, classics and top performances from visiting opera houses.
In 2024, the Savonlinna Opera Festival was voted the world’s best opera festival (International Opera Awards) – in recognition of its long-term work, artistic level and unique atmosphere. The festival is the most anticipated highlight of the Savonlinna summer – a moment when history and the present merge and art fills the entire city with sound.
Savonlinna, the steamboat capital
Savonlinna is the steamboat capital of Europe, where these white-hulled vessels are still in service. In the summer, cruises depart from the harbour every half hour to the Saimaa archipelago on steamboats and other cruise ships. In addition, various themed cruises are organised during the summer, allowing you to experience the lake nature and summertime Savonlinna at its best. The whistle of a steamboat is a sure sign that summer has begun in Savonlinna.
The historic s/s Heinävesi has returned to its familiar route on the Heinävesi Canal – a journey that many consider to be Finland’s most beautiful waterway.
Located next to the harbour, Savonlinna Market Square is the beating heart of the city. It is a place to meet, linger and enjoy. Here you can sample local delicacies such as lörtsy and Puruvesi vendace in the cheerful summer atmosphere of the market square with its lake views. Lörtsy is Savonlinna’s most famous speciality – a half-moon-shaped savoury or sweet pie that is an absolute “must-try” experience at the market café.
Nature experiences in all seasons
The Savonlinna region is a treasure trove of nature experiences, where lakes and forests live in symbiosis. Punkaharju, one of Finland’s oldest tourist destinations and most famous national landscapes, has inspired poets and artists since the 19th century and still offers many a place to relax and connect with nature. The Lusto Forest Museum and Punkaharju Tree Species Park, located on the ridge, form a fascinating day trip destination that tells the story of the Finnish relationship with the forest and its long history.
The Saimaa National Parks – Linnansaari and Kolovesi – take you to the heart of the tranquillity of lake nature. Linnansaari is home to the Saimaa ringed seal and the osprey, where hikers can experience nature on the water or on the trails, stay in eco-friendly accommodation and wake up to the sound of birds singing. Kolovesi can only be explored using muscle power, making it a paradise for paddlers. Search for historical rock paintings and enjoy total silence in the middle of untouched lake nature.
The changing seasons mean that the nature in the area is constantly changing. Spring is the best time to see the endangered Saimaa ringed seal basking on a rock, while in summer, Lake Saimaa invites you to paddle, row, kayak or cruise on its waters. In autumn, the forests glow with colour and offer the perfect time for hiking and cycling, while in winter, the frozen lakes become a paradise for cross-country skiers, skaters and ice fishermen. In the Savonlinna region, nature is present everywhere, in all seasons.
Life at the cottage moves to the rhythm of nature
The Savonlinna region offers cottages to suit every taste – traditional log cabins, eco-cottages without running water or electricity, summer homes for small families and modern villas with all the latest amenities. They all have one thing in common: the lake is always nearby.
The cottage owner’s path leads to the jetty, where clear water and the golden horizon of the evening sun await. Days are spent rowing, fishing, picking berries and mushrooms, or reading a good book. Autumn brings peace and a moment to just be. In winter, warm light glows from the cottage windows into the frosty night, and a clear starry sky arches overhead. In spring, it is a joy to watch the ice melt and nature awaken to new life.
The sauna is an essential part of this rhythm, the core of Finnish well-being and tranquillity. It is a place where thoughts become clear, friends meet and nature feels close . After the steam, a dip in the cool waters of Lake Saimaa or, in winter, in an ice hole under the stars, is an experience that only a Finn could have invented.
Fall in love with Savonlinna
Savonlinna – in the middle of Lake Saimaa
Savonlinna is located in the heart of Lake Saimaa, surrounded by islands and straits, in the most beautiful lake scenery in Eastern Finland. The city is easy to reach – by car along beautiful scenic routes from Mikkeli, Kuopio and Joensuu, by train directly from Helsinki, or by boat along Lake Saimaa directly to the city centre.
You can also fly directly from Helsinki.
Check out the other towns in the Saimaa region too.
Visit Lake Saimaa is an association founded by the cities in the Lake Saimaa region, promoting regional cooperation from a tourism perspective.