Savonlinna, Finland

Olavinlinna (St Olaf's Castle), Savonlinna
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Savonlinna_hein%C3%A4kuu_2002_IMG_1635.JPG
Author: Mikko Paananen


Savonlinna (Swedish: Nyslott) is a city in the heart of the Saimaa Lake Region, on the southeastern part of Finland.

The city of Savonlinna was built in 1639 around the Olavinlinna (St Olaf's Castle), which was erected in 1475 by Erik Axelsson Tott to protect the area against Russian incursions. Nonetheless the city and its castle were captured by the Russian during the Russo-Swedish War of 1741-43. Russia occupied Savonlinna until 1812, when it was returned to Finland.

Among the tourist interest at Savonlinna is its annual Opera Festival, held at Olavinlinna. The idea was hatched by Finnish soprano Aino Ackté, and the first festival was staged in 1912. It was held annually until 1917, when it stopped, only to resume in 1967. Since then the festival has received growing attention from opera enthusiasts.

Kerimaki Church, Savonlinna
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kerim%C3%A4en_kirkko_kellotornista_1.JPG
Author: MKFI

Visiting Savonlinna

You can reach Savonlinna by plane and train. There are three flights a day from Helsinki to Savonlinna Airport (SVL). Arriving at the airport, you can take a shuttle bus to the nearest bus station for your onward connection. Alternatively, you can also go by train, which takes about 5 hours to reach Savonlinna.

Sights & Attractions in Savonlinna

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