Olavinlinna Castle

Olavinlinna rises on its rocky islet straight out of the water of Lake Saimaa, a three-towered medieval castle begun in 1475 to hold the eastern border, and the northernmost medieval stone fortress still standing. Each July its courtyard becomes the stage of the internationally famous Savonlinna Opera Festival.

Background

The castle stands on an island in the Kyrönsalmi strait, the channel linking the lakes Haukivesi and Pihlajavesi, and it is also called St. Olaf's Castle, or Olofsborg in Swedish. Erik Axelsson Tott founded it in 1475 as Sankt Olofsborg, and a letter of his from 1477 mentions foreign builders, probably from Reval. The keep with its three towers was finished in 1485, and the outer curtain walls with two more towers followed by 1495. One of these, the Thick Tower, exploded in 1791. Trade around the castle in the late 16th century gave rise to the town of Savonlinna, chartered in 1639. Fires in the 19th century destroyed all the original furnishings.

Source: Wikipedia, "Olavinlinna"

The main sights

• The island castle - the round-towered fortress rising from the lake on its rock.
• The courtyards and towers - the medieval halls, chambers and battlements within.
• The opera festival - the world-renowned summer opera staged in the courtyard.
• The lake setting - the water all around and the town of Savonlinna beyond.

When to go

Summer for the full castle and the lake; July for the opera festival, when the town is packed and rooms scarce. Guided tours run through the day in the warm months.

What to expect

During the opera festival the castle is given over to performances and the town is at its busiest and dearest, so time your visit for the experience you want. Interiors are seen mostly by guided tour. The setting on the water is as much the draw as the rooms.

Nearby

Savonlinna town and Lake Saimaa surround it; Punkaharju ridge and the Kerimaki wooden church are close.

Key facts