Savonlinna, Finland: travel guide
Lake Saimaa town around Olavinlinna, a medieval castle on an island
Set among the mirror-bright waters of the Saimaa lake system — Europe's fourth-largest lake — Savonlinna is commanded by the spectacular 15th-century Olavinlinna Castle, rising from a rocky mid-river islet with three…
About Savonlinna
Savonlinna lies among the waterways of Lake Saimaa in the eastern lake district of Finland, with islands, bridges and ferries tying the town together. The great sight is Olavinlinna, a fifteenth-century castle on a rocky islet with three round towers, rising directly from the water.
In summer the castle courtyard hosts the Savonlinna Opera Festival. Outside the festival you can cruise on Saimaa, visit the Punkaharju ridge, a narrow forested esker between lakes, or see the large wooden church at Kerimäki. The market square on the harbour is the place for fish and coffee.
Savonlinna suits lake lovers and culture seekers. Summer is the main season, when boats run and the light lasts late into the evening.
- Country
- Finland
- Currency
- EUR
- Time zone
- Europe/Helsinki
- Nearest airport
- SVL
Last updated
Top places to visit in Savonlinna
Olavinlinna Castle
medieval castle · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the best-preserved medieval castles in Northern Europe, Olavinlinna rises from a rocky mid-river islet with three massive circular towers reflected in surrounding lake water. Founded in 1475 as a frontier fortress, the castle…
Punkaharju Ridge
glacial ridge · 4.8 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Punkaharju is one of Finland's most celebrated natural landscapes — a narrow glacial esker ridge rising 25 metres above Lake Saimaa with lake water visible on both sides, its crest cloaked in ancient pine forest. The ridge has been a…
Savonlinna Opera Festival
opera festival · 4.8 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the world's most extraordinary opera venues, the Savonlinna Opera Festival takes place every July inside the medieval courtyard of Olavinlinna Castle. Founded in 1912, the festival presents world-class opera productions in an…
Lake Saimaa Boat Tours
lake cruise · 4.7 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
The vast Saimaa lake system — 14 000+ islands covering 4 400 km² — is best experienced from the water. Savonlinna's harbour offers 2-hour scenic cruises through island-dotted straits, full-day excursions to Punkaharju Ridge, and overnight…
Savonlinna Pihlajavesi Lake
endangered-seal · 4.8 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
Pihlajavesi Lake — Savonlinna's spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Saimaa Ringed Seal habitat, with kayaking tours to spot the world's most endangered freshwater seal.
Savonlinna Christmas Old
christmas-castle · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The Savonlinna Christmas atmosphere — the magical festive period at Olavinlinna Castle with the spectacular Christmas market, the iconic illuminated castle, and the festive atmosphere.
Savonlinna Kerimäki Church
wooden-church · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Savonlinna to Kerimäki Church — the world's largest wooden church (1847, seating 3,300), with the spectacular 27m-high vaulted timber ceiling.
Savonlinna Linnansaari National
national-park · 4.8 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Savonlinna to Linnansaari National Park — the spectacular Saimaa lake park, prime habitat of the Saimaa Ringed Seal, with boat tours and hiking.
Savonlinna Boat Cruise
lake-cruise · 4.7 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
A historic Saimaa boat cruise from Savonlinna — exploring the spectacular UNESCO-protected Saimaa lake system on a 1905 steamship, with the iconic castle views.
Savonlinna Provincial Museum
provincial-museum · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The Savonlinna Provincial Museum (Riihisaari) — covering the unique Saimaa region heritage, the historic shipping industry, and the Saimaa Ringed Seal conservation.
Things to do
- Olavinlinna Castle Guided Tour Cultural · 1.3 h · from EUR 12 per person
- Lake Saimaa Kayaking & Ringed Seal Tour Activity · 4 h · from EUR 57 per person
Day trips and tours
- Savonlinna Lake Saimaa & Castle Day Tour 9 h · from EUR 74
Where to stay in Savonlinna
- Olavinlinna Castle & City Centre about EUR 150 per night
The only practical base in Savonlinna — hotel within sight of Olavinlinna Castle, everything walkable. Spa Hotel Casino is right on the waterfront. Book months ahead for July Opera Festival.
Hotels
- Spa Hotel Casino Savonlinna 4-star · EUR 100 to EUR 320 per night
Where to eat
- Restaurant Majakka Finnish, lake fish, Nordic · about EUR 48 per person
- Lossiranta Lodge Restaurant Finnish, lake fish, Nordic · about EUR 45 per person
Getting to Savonlinna
Airport: Savonlinna (SVL)
Getting around
- Bus
- Ferry
- Walking
More in Finland
Frequently asked questions about Savonlinna
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Savonlinna?
- The highest-rated places in our Savonlinna guide are Punkaharju Ridge, Savonlinna Opera Festival, Savonlinna Pihlajavesi Lake, Savonlinna Linnansaari National, Olavinlinna Castle.
- Where should I stay in Savonlinna?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Savonlinna: Olavinlinna Castle & City Centre.
- How do I get around Savonlinna?
- Ways to get around Savonlinna covered in our guide: City bus, Ferry, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Savonlinna?
- The nearest airport to Savonlinna has the code SVL.