Location: Savonlinna
Top Things to do in Savonlinna
10 Things to Do in Savonlinna That You Shouldn't Miss
Savonlinna (Swedish: Nyslott) is a town and a municipality of 34,829 (31 August 2017) inhabitants in the southeast of Finland, in the heart of the Saimaa lake region. The Finnish name of the town means "Castle of Savonia" and the Swedish name means "New Castle".
Restaurants in Savonlinna
1. Olavinlinna Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 469 reviews
The building of Olavinlinna, castle of St. Olaf, began in 1475. The Danish-born founder of the castle, knight Erik Axelsson Tott, decided that a powerful fortification should be build to protect the strategically important Savo region. The castle was supposed to repel Russian attacks from the east and to guarantee the control of the Savo region for the Swedish Crown. The history of Olavinlinna is a mixture of medieval arms clashing, cannons roaring and every-day chores inside the security of the castle's thick walls. The changes in the ownership of the castle left their mark on Olavinlinna: this can be seen in the varied architecture of the castle. These days the castle's halls and rooms can be rented and used for all kinds of events.
Reviewed By Tiikeri2011 - Mikkeli, Finland
Might seem like an obvious statement, but whilst visiting the castle on a guided tour last weekend, I saw too many women struggling with high heels and too many kids petrified of the steep staircases. Olavinlinna is a medieval castle and the history tour is incredibly interesting, but you need to be aware of the limits of your party in order to make the most of the tour. You are not able to visit any of the towers unless you are accompanied by an official guide, which means joining one of the official tours starting every hour during the summer and also climbing 90+ very steep steps up and down the towers.
Even if you don't want to take the tour, you will get to look around the lower parts of the castle and let the atmosphere sink in. Olavinlinna is an exceptional place and definitely worth a visit - whatever the season.
2. Lakeland GTE
Overall Ratings
5 based on 38 reviews
Exclusive sightseeing tours by Ecoboat in lake Saimaa (Varkaus, Mikkeli, Savonlinna area), with skipper who plays accordion. Guided canoe Safaris in the national parks of eastern Finland: Kolovesi, southern Konnevesi, Linnansaari. Kayak Fishing tours for fishing enthousiastics. We guarantee the best summer experiences. Let me be your Lakeland guide.
Reviewed By Vincent190485 - Southampton, United Kingdom
A big thanks to Arto for his support in preparing and providing great logistics and advice for a 6 day canoe trip in autonomy, 5 days round Kolovesi and 1 day back to Oravi with my dad. Despite very late in the season, Arto made this trip possible by renting the equipment we needed. The result was 2 days of snow and 4 days of rain but a wonderful exploration of Kolovesi National Park and the beautiful Wilderness of central Savonia, and great fishing! To all out there dreaming of the great Finnish canoe escape this is the spot! Kiittos Arto.
3. Opera Festival in Olavinlinna Fortress
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By mmikko - Joensuu, Finland
The Savonlinna operafestival is held june in Olavinlinna castle. We was visiting and seeing La Traviata, which was very good, music and singing, but scenery and script was a little bit easy. The surroundings are great (look at ratings of Olavinlinna castle). The stand is decked. The drinks and eating are quite expensive.
4. Savonlinna Provincial Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By TheBigSuitcase - Salem MA
This museum helped me understand the everyday life of people in the Savo region of Finland in earlier times. I enjoyed learning about burn-beating farming techniques, tar making, and other local customs. The English explanations were clear and easy to understand. I appreciated the hard work and rich culture of the Finns of earlier generations.
Overall Ratings
4 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Alexander D - L'Estartit, Spain
f you are tired of walking around the city of Savonlinna, then you should go to the park located near the Cathedral.
Very quiet and beautiful place.
The park is surrounded by unusual pine, which seemed to travel along the ground.
On the hill offers a beautiful view of the city.
Savonlinna Cathedral - Lutheran Church.
The Cathedral was built the Gothic Revival style, the church consecrated in 1879.
The interior is very austere. Works only on Sundays from 10-00 hours.
6. Olavinlinnan Musta Passi
Overall Ratings
4 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Ana L - Boliden, Sweden
A nice statue. When you cross the bridge to the fortress, it is on your left side. The garden is also quite nice.
7. Savonlinna Market Square
Overall Ratings
4 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By mmikko - Joensuu, Finland
Heart of summer Savonlinna, lot of vendors strawberries, souvniers, coffee and local speciality - Lörtsy - try with berries (sweet) or with meat (sour). A Passanger harbour is in same location.
8. Pikkukirkko
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By peckup - Savonlinna, Finland
There were a small violin concert last time we visited this church. Old wooden building sounds well. So well that the cover of accompanied piano must keep closed. That is why during quiet moments the ventilation noise was a bit harmful. Anyway, this beautiful, quiet place is worth of visiting any time it is open.
9. The Spirit of the fortress
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Ana L - Boliden, Sweden
It is located very close from the fortress. Impossible to miss. Very nice garden and view over the lake.
10. Riihisaari
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By AhKhem - Vaasa, Finland
Loved going around this small island, you can see the boats and ships passing by from the island, a perfect place during summer evening for walk around or sit down on the rocks and have a picnic with friends and enjoy the sunset and view towards the town.
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