Castle
Olavinlinna Castle
Savonlinna, Finland
A medieval island castle with round towers rising from the water, in the heart of the Finnish Lakeland.
Town · Finland · South Savo
Savonlinna
A lakeside town in the Saimaa region, home to a medieval castle and an annual opera festival.
about 2.5 h
For storytellers
Why Savonlinna matters
Savonlinna is built across islands in the middle of the Finnish Lakeland. Its medieval castle rises straight out of the water, and on summer evenings the courtyard becomes an opera stage. The rest of the town is relaxed and friendly, with a lively market square by the harbour and old steamships still sailing on the lake. It is a good base for exploring Lake Saimaa by boat.
Talking points
- The castle stands on a rock in the water.
- Opera is performed in the castle courtyard every summer.
- Old steamboats still carry passengers across the lakes.
Free to read aloud or adapt in your video. Check facts that matter to you against an official source before you publish.
What to see in Savonlinna
Festival or event
Savonlinna Opera Festival
Savonlinna, Finland
A summer opera festival staged in the courtyard of Olavinlinna Castle, held each July.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.