Savonlinna Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Savonlinna
Savonlinna
Savonlinna
Photo by Jani Hiltunen
Photo by nevin xavier

This city on the shore of Lake Saimaa is known for Olavinlinna Castle, tasty herrings and lörtsy pastries, as well as the cultural summer peak event, the Savonlinna Opera Festival.

Savonlinna, located in Savonlinna, is situated amid the Haapavesi and Pihlajavesi lap of the city, which attracts tourists each year from around the world. Opera-lovers come to follow the highbrow exhibitions presented by the Olavinlinna, or just to admire the historic building itself. A holiday in Savonlinna also means a holiday on Lake Saimaa, as the body of water is surrounded by partly-built islands on all sides of the city. In the Savonlinna region, there is enough to see and do for culture-starved tourists during the whole trip.

Olavinlinna itself is undoubtedly Savonlinna's main attraction. Since the end of the 1400s the city has developed beside the island castle. Cross the Olavinlinna pontoon bridge and a go on a guided tour of the castle stone walls and into its depths. You can visit the Olavinlinna Castle during the summer and winter season as, with the exception of Christmas, the castle is open all year round. During the opera season there are also backstage tours that take place in the make-up and dressing rooms.

A trip to the Savonlinna Opera Festival has many highlights of the summer for the cultural connoisseur. Originally a modest presentation in the old castle ruins organised by the singer Aino Ackté, the festival has grown to a month-long international affair in the magnificently restored Olavinlinna. Sit in the enclosed courtyard and listen to the great opera classics and the works of domestic composers. When you arrive at the scene in an elegant evening gown or as a local does, in everyday clothing, an opera experience is sure to be unforgettable.

In addition to the castle concerts, opera celebrations are also held, for example, in Kerimäki Church, the world's largest wooden church. Visit the magnificent yellow and white painted shrine, which can accommodate up to 5 000 people. Those interested in the history of the church area should also visit Savonlinna Cathedral and Enonkoski Church. Finally, return to the vicinity of the castle and visit the Riihisaari Provincial Museum, which is anchored on the shore, with interesting museum ships.

Savonlinna is a popular tourist destination, especially during the Opera Festival in July and early August, so for cheap trips, you should look before and after festivals. Go and admire the landscape on a cruise right on Lake Saimaa from Savonlinna Market Square departing ships. Then, enjoy a cup of market square coffee and lörtsy, which is a large, semi-circular sweet or savoury filled pastry.

In winter, Savonlinna is calms down, but still offers the traveller a wide variety of experiences. For example, you may go skating or snowshoe hiking in Linnansaari National Park’s rousing landscape. Near Savonlinna, there is also the museum, Lusto, which is open all year and focuses on present Finnish forest culture. All year-long you have access to a truly unique destination, Parikkala Statue, with well over 500 concrete fountains over an area spanning about half a hectare.

Travel Savonlinna is easily accessible by train, bus or plane. In Savonlinna, you will experience a genuine Savo laid-back feeling on the slopes and international high culture, surrounded by the sparkling waters of Lake Saimaa.

Summer Hotel Vuorilinna

Summer Hotel Vuorilinna

3 out of 5
Kylpylaitoksentie 5, Savonlinna
The price is ₹9,650 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹9,650
₹12,010 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Savonlinna. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Savonlinna Market Square and Sulosaari ...
7.4/10 Good! (375 reviews)
AVOID - Backpaper hostel not hotel
"This is not by any stretch of the imagination a hotel. It would be generous to describe it as a tired student hall of residence or a cheap backpaper's hostel that has seen better days. The room is stark and very poorly equipped. Advertised for 'self catering' there were no amenities whatsover provided ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2023

Summer Hotel Vuorilinna
Nature Hotel Kuutti

Nature Hotel Kuutti

3 out of 5
15 Olavinkatu, Savonlinna, Etelä-Savo
The price is ₹12,828 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
₹12,828
₹14,624 total
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Savonlinna. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and housekeeping. Popular attractions Riihisaari – Lake Saimaa Nature and Museum ...
7.2/10 Good! (14 reviews)
Hotel not what was advertised.
"Very disappointing. Hotel deceptive on booking site as many facilities offered were not available. Definitely not ‘Nature’ Hotel. Hotel old building on busy road being renovated and was not finished. Rooms small and hot. Reception was 1k away. No staff on site except breakfast cook who could not ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Nature Hotel Kuutti
Spahotel Casino

Spahotel Casino

Kylpylaitoksentie 7, Savonlinna
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹13,094 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹13,094
₹14,927 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Savonlinna. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Savonlinna Market Square and Sulosaari are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (593 reviews)
"Friendly staff and great location"

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2023

Spahotel Casino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Holiday Club Punkaharju

Holiday Club Punkaharju

3 out of 5
Hiekkalahdentie 128, Kulennoinen, Savonlinna, Southern Savonia
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Savonlinna. Enjoy free parking and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions The Johanna Oras Art Manor and Punkaharju Arboretum ...
9/10 Wonderful! (12 reviews)
"Viihdyimme ja lapset tykksivät kovasti. Luonto mahtava ja uimismahdollisuus lähellä. Henkilökunta ystävällisiä ja osaavia"

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Holiday Club Punkaharju
Holiday Resort Harjun Portti

Holiday Resort Harjun Portti

3 out of 5
Tuunaansaarentie 2, Punkaharju, Savonlinna
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly cottage in Savonlinna. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a marina. Popular attractions The Johanna Oras Art Manor and Punkaharju ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (65 reviews)
"Skiing on the ice was wonderfull. Food at the restaurant was good and cabin fullfilled our expectations."

Reviewed on 9 Apr 2023

Holiday Resort Harjun Portti
Oravi Villas

Oravi Villas

4 out of 5
Ruukinniementie, Savonlinna
Stay at this 4-star beach villa in Savonlinna. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Oravi Harbor and Oravi Bridge are located ...
Voidaan tulla uudelleen
"Toimiva, kattavasti varusteltu mökki, oleskelutila-keittiö, 4 makuuhuonetta, 3 WC:tä. Hyvät sängyt ja liinavaatteet.Tilava pesuhuone-saunaosasto. Perussiisti."

Reviewed on 17 May 2023

Oravi Villas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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