Savonlinna

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Finland

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Savonlinna

Savonlinna is a city and municipality located in the country of Finland. The city is situated in the southeastern part of Finland, specifically in South Savonia. Savonlinna is also known as the "capital of Saimaa" because it is located in the heart of the Saimaa Lake region.

Based on information from Olavinlinna Castle (St. Olaf's Castle), which was founded by Erik Axelsson Tott in 1475, the city of Savonlinna was established in 1639 and currently covers an area of 3,598 km². The city is very attractive because it harbors many unique destinations. One prominent tourist spot in Savonlinna is Olavinlinna Castle, a 15th-century castle located not far from the Lusto Forest Museum in the village of Punkaharju.

Additionally, Savonlinna is home to Kerimäki Church in the village of Kerimäki, which is the largest wooden church in the world. Since 1912, Savonlinna has been hosting an annual opera festival held at Olavinlinna Castle.

Travel Tips for Savonlinna

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Savonlinna

A guide to Savonlinna's local transportation

Walking

Bicycles

Rental Car

Boat

There are routes for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as routes for water sports enthusiasts. In winter, the routes pass through the frozen expanses of Lake Saimaa. Walking or biking in this area can provide unforgettable experiences.

Practical Tips for Savonlinna

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What are the famous tourist attractions in Savonlinna?

Savonlinna boasts many historical tourist attractions that you should visit, one of which is Olavinlinna Castle. The entrance fee for this destination is 12 Euros for one adult, including the cost of a one-hour guided tour. The castle features several rooms with historical artifacts, many displayed items, and a souvenir shop. In addition to Olavinlinna Castle, another interesting tourist spot is Kerimäki, located in the Saimaa Lake area. Kerimäki is a small rural town with many attractions, including the world's largest wooden church and the clean and clear waters of Lake Puruvesi.

In this area, you will also find Kerigolf, the most challenging golf course in Finland. For nature lovers, there are hiking and skiing trails through the magnificent forests and islands of Hytermä, a 7 km nature reserve east of the village. You can also enjoy the beauty of Enonkoski, an island with beautiful Lake Saimaa, steep rocky landscapes, and wild forests. Every summer, Enonkoski becomes the center of a large fish market. The summer festival opens with an event called Kesäkohinat. During Christmas, the city holds an event called Joulukuhinat. It's relatively easy to travel from Enonkoski to Savonlinna because there is a bus route.

Nature lovers can also explore the area in Kolovesi National Park, famous for its high cliffs towering majestically from Lake Saimaa straight into the sky. Kolovesi is a beautiful national park to explore by canoe. Beneath the cliffs lies the deep waters of Lake Saimaa, preserving the ancient history of the area.

There are many exhibitions held throughout the year in Savonlinna. In the summer, galleries hold exhibitions, such as the Art Manor Johanna Oras in the Punkaharju area. There is also an art exhibition, Villi Villa, by artist Pentti Ikäheimonen in Rantasalmi.

Are there shopping and culinary tourist spots?

Savonlinna is a city known for its delicious, fresh local cuisine, including fish dishes. Fresh fish products from Lake Saimaa and the surrounding countryside supply restaurants in and around Savonlinna. In addition to local cuisine, Savonlinna also offers unique and delicious international dishes.

Coffee lovers can visit coffee shops in Savonlinna, each with its unique charm. Inside the historic old wooden house of Savonlinna, there are small cafes and summer restaurants.

Savonlinna Market Square is the best place to enjoy coffee. Many visitors come by boat to Market Square because the harbor is right next to it.

A specialty food from Savonlinna is "lörtsy". It can be savory or sweet and is baked, and it's only available in Savonlinna.

Savonlinna is also known for its long tradition of beer brewing. There are three legendary breweries: Waahto Brewery, Olaf Brewing, and Karvilan Panimo.

The city also offers a variety of unique handmade crafts that make great souvenirs.

How to get to Savonlinna from the airport?

From Savonlinna Airport, located about 13.5 km outside the city of Savonlinna, you can take a bus via Enonkoskentie Route 471 or through the Savonlinnan - Punkaharjun tie/Savonlinnantie Route 14.

Alternatively, you can also use the train. From the airport, you have to walk to the train station, which is 600 meters away. Then take the train to Kaupungintalo kauko with a travel time of 22 minutes, and continue walking to the city center, about 300 meters away.

When is the best time to visit Savonlinna?

Savonlinna offers scenery and attractions almost year-round. The best time to visit is during the summer, specifically from June to August, and in winter, from December to March. Various types of winter festivals are usually held in February.

What are the typical souvenirs of Savonlinna?

Several shops in Savonlinna sell high-quality local handicraft products that can be taken as souvenirs. For children, you can bring souvenirs featuring the Moomin characters, created by Finnish artist Tova Jansson. The Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Area, which produces many souvenirs, has now become an arts and crafts museum and is a great place to buy souvenirs, such as wooden glasses.