Savonlinna

Savonlinna was founded as a city in 1639 when the Swedish King Gustav II Adolf granted it city rights. The city grew rapidly around Olavinlinna Castle, and it became an important trading hub on the Saimaa waterway.

By the late 1800s, Savonlinna was a thriving city known as a centre for culture and the arts. The city was a popular tourist destination, and many famous artists and writers, such as Jean Sibelius and Juhani Aho, visited and lived there.

During World War II, Savonlinna suffered significant damage when the Soviet Air Force bombed the city. Many buildings and infrastructure were destroyed during the bombings.

After the war, Savonlinna was rebuilt and has since thrived. The annual Savonlinna Opera Festival attracts about 65 000 visitors in July. Savonlinna is an important centre for leisure and culture in eastern Finland. It has about 32,000 inhabitants (2023).

Kerimäki ,

By Plane

If you fly in from abroad, you probably fly to

Savonlinna is stretched out on a series of islands in the middle of Lake Saimaa. While you can cover the central parts on foot, you'll need to resort to buses (or rent a car) to access the suburbs. If you want to rent a car, there is a Hertz rental office at the waterfront, near Hotel Tott. Savonlinna is surrounded by lakes and you can also rent a canoe to paddle around town centre.

By bus

The town maintains information on local buses . There is a route planner for local transport trips. Routes and Tickets mobile app has an address based routing and also a ticket purchase option directly from the app. Local connections can also be searched on Google maps.

By taxi

Let’s go taksi ,

+358 20-001-510 (booking €1.07 + €1.6/min + pvm/mpm), +358 29-371-1206 (office M–Th 09:00–15:00) ,

[email protected] .

You can order a ride by calling or using the "Book a Taxi" smartphone app.

( updated Jun 2022 )

Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi

Olavinlinna (Olofsborg), +358 15 531-164 — medieval three-tower castle built in 1475 on an island. The world's northernmost medieval stone castle and Finland's best-preserved castle. Daily 10:00–18:00 in summer, 11:00–16:00 rest of year. Guided tours available. €14/7 adult/child. (updated Jul 2025)

Riihisaari Museum (Provincial Museum Riihisaari), Riihisaari, +358 44-417-4466 — learn about the cultural history and nature of the Lake Saimaa region. (updated Nov 2023)

Savonlinna Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko), Kirkkokatu — opened in 1879, served as a bishop's seat from 1896 to 1924.

Saints Zachary and Elisabeth Church (Pikkukirkko), Olavinkatu 29 — originally built as an Orthodox church in 1846, transformed into Lutheran church in 1938, returned to Orthodox parish in 2022.

Kerimäki Church — the largest wooden church in the world, located in the neighbouring village of Kerimäki.

Cruises from Kauppatori — June to August. Sightseeing cruises around the city and archipelago, from one-hour trips to longer cruises to Kuopio and Lappeenranta. Some with old steamships. €18/15/9.

Kolovesi National Park — a labyrinth of islands with rocky cliffs and ancient rock paintings. Best explored by canoe. Home of the Saimaa ringed seal.

Linnansaari National Park — lush islands and rocky islets. Boat service to the main island, nature trails, and Saimaa seals. Tour skating in winter.

Spahotel Casino, Kylpylaitoksentie 7 — spa with recreational pool, spa tub, children's pool and outdoor hot water pool.

Tanhuvaara Sport Resort, Moinsalmentie 1042 — football hall, ice rink, ski trails, tennis courts, mini golf, beach and spa.

Savonlinna Opera Festival — annual event in July, performances staged inside Olavinlinna castle, attracting about 65,000 visitors.

Mobile Phone Throwing World Championships — quirky annual event held since 2000.

Wäinön Kauppiaanranta, Satamakatu 1 — restaurant by the harbour with lake views, serving Finnish cuisine.

Ravintola Saimaa, Olavinkatu 39 — lunch and à la carte options featuring local fish and game.

Pizzeria Italia, Olavinkatu 45 — popular for pizzas and kebabs.

For self-catering, the market square has fresh produce and the S-market provides groceries.

Bar Olga, Olavinkatu 46 — lively pub in the centre with a terrace in summer.

Pub Baari-Savonlinna — popular meeting spot near the market square.

The harbour area has several cafés and terraces, especially lively during the Opera Festival in July.

Hotel Tott, Satamakatu 1, +358 15 744 6111 — central hotel by the harbour, close to Olavinlinna.

Spahotel Casino, Kylpylaitoksentie 7 — hotel with full spa facilities.

Scandic Savonlinna, Pappilankatu 10, +358 15 739 900 — modern hotel near the railway station.

Perhehotelli Pietari Kylliäinen, Pursitie 4 — family-run hotel with affordable rates.

Summer cottages available around Lake Saimaa.

Market Square (Kauppatori) — lively market with local produce, handicrafts and cafés. Summer months bring additional stalls.

Shops along Olavinkatu and the pedestrian streets offer clothing, souvenirs and local specialities.

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