Savonlinna walking tour & city guide
A medieval castle in the middle of a lake.
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Savonlinna is a lakeside town on Lake Saimaa, Finland's largest lake. It is famous for Olavinlinna, a 15th-century castle on an island, home to a summer opera festival.
The castle
Olavinlinna, the world's northernmost medieval stone fortress still standing, sits on a rocky island. Every July, the Savonlinna Opera Festival is held inside.
Lake Saimaa
Steamboats sail from the harbor across Lake Saimaa, home to the rare Saimaa ringed seal. The Punkaharju ridge nearby is one of Finland's most famous landscapes.
A day in Savonlinna
Start with a guided tour of Olavinlinna Castle, which takes you up towers and through halls with views over the lake. Then browse the market by the harbor, where you can try a local lörtsy pastry, and take a steamboat cruise on Lake Saimaa. In the afternoon, visit the Riihisaari museum to learn about the Saimaa ringed seal. In July, the castle courtyard is covered for the Savonlinna Opera Festival, one of the most famous summer festivals in Finland.
Top sights in Savonlinna
- 1
Olavinlinna Castle
A medieval island castle.
- 2
Savonlinna harbor
Steamboats and market.
- 3
Lake Saimaa
Finland's largest lake.
- 4
Punkaharju Ridge
A famous ridge landscape.
- 5
Riihisaari Museum
Lake life and nature.
Food markets & where to eat in Savonlinna
Harbor market
Fried fish and lörtsy.
Olavinkatu
The main street.
Lakeside terraces
Summer dining.
Food to try in Savonlinna
Lörtsy
A Savonlinna-style pastry.
Fried vendace
Muikku from the lake.
Smoked fish
From Lake Saimaa.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Savonlinna
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in SavonlinnaCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Savonlinna.
- eSIM for FinlandStay online from the moment you land.
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