Festival or event
Savonlinna Opera Festival
Savonlinna, Finland
A summer opera festival staged in the courtyard of Olavinlinna Castle, held each July.
Castle · Finland · South Savo
Olavinlinna Castle
A medieval island castle with round towers rising from the water, in the heart of the Finnish Lakeland.
Paid entry about 2 h
For storytellers
Why Olavinlinna Castle matters
Olavinlinna is a castle that seems to float. It was built in the 15th century on a rocky island at a narrow crossing between lakes, to guard Finland's eastern frontier. Today you can cross a wooden bridge, explore its towers and courtyards and see the museum rooms inside. Its massive stone walls are remarkably well preserved, and its courtyard doubles as an opera stage in summer.
Talking points
- It was built in the 15th century to guard the eastern border.
- It stands on a rocky island linked by a bridge.
- The courtyard becomes an opera stage in summer.
Free to read aloud or adapt in your video. Check facts that matter to you against an official source before you publish.