15 tips for finding things to do in Savonlinna
Savonlinna offers great nature, culture and history. Explore Olavinlinna, Punkaharju Ridge and the scenery of Lake Saimaa.
City articles
16.12.2024
Savonlinna is one of Finland's most fascinating tourist destinations, offering a great combination of history, culture and natural beauty. Set amidst the lake scenery of Lake Saimaa, the city is particularly known for its medieval Olavinlinna Castle, but it also hides a number of other interesting sites and activities.
Whether you're a lover of culture, outdoor activities or fine dining, Savonlinna has something for everyone. You can explore the city's diverse museum offerings, enjoy delicious local food and experience the area's biodiversity on hikes, canoe trips or even backpacking. Savonlinna is also full of stories, which you can experience through historic buildings such as the town hall and churches.
Discover with us the best places in Savonlinna!
Olavinlinna is Savonlinna's main tourist attraction and one of the most beautiful buildings in Finland. This medieval castle was built in 1475 and is open all year round. The opening hours of Olavinlinna Castle vary according to the season.
You can discover the history and architecture of the castle on a guided tour. In summer, Olavinlinna is the main stage of the Savonlinna Opera Festival, which makes it a particularly lively destination.
The viewing platform of the castle offers stunning views of Lake Saimaa, so be sure to bring your camera to capture these breathtaking views. During your visit, it's also worth stopping by the museum shop, where you'll find some interesting souvenirs and gift ideas.
Savonlinna Town Hall is one of the most important buildings in the city. It is centrally located in the heart of Savonlinna, close to Olavinlinna Castle and the harbour. The building represents the neo-renaissance style and was completed in 1901. It was designed by the architect Jac. Ahrenberg, who is known for several public buildings in Finland.
The City Hall is the administrative building of the City of Savonlinna, where City Council meetings and other official events are held. The building has an impressive façade, and its ornate details have fascinated passers-by for over a century. The square in front of the Town Hall is a popular meeting place.
The Town Hall is an important part of Savonlinna's history and present day, and is a popular photographic destination for locals and tourists alike.
The Savonlinna area has several beautiful and historically significant churches, offering both architectural beauty and peaceful moments of contemplation. One of the most famous is the Pikkukirkko, located right in the centre of Savonlinna. This charming wooden church was built in the 19th century and is a popular wedding church due to its small size and beautiful appearance.
Kerimäki Church is another impressive destination, located about 20 kilometres from Savonlinna. It is the largest wooden church in the world, known especially for its huge size and magnificent interior. While visiting the churches of Savonlinna, you can admire their unique architecture and learn about local church history. Many churches are open to visitors during the summer, so make sure you check the opening hours in advance.
The Savonlinna Hall of Fame is a tribute to the city's outstanding people and achievements. It is centrally located in the city and is open to visitors all year round.
When you visit the Hall of Fame, you can learn about Savonlinna's history and culture through interactive exhibitions. You'll see presentations about local figures who have contributed to the city's development.
The Hall of Fame also hosts regular events and lectures. These events provide an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of Savonlinna's past and present. You can book a guided tour to get a more detailed overview of the exhibitions. The guides tell interesting stories and anecdotes about the history of the city.
The Hall of Fame has a small museum shop where you can buy souvenirs and local artisans' products as souvenirs. At the end of your visit, you can enjoy the café and reflect on Savonlinna's rich cultural heritage. The Hall of Fame is a great destination if you want to better understand the soul and identity of the city.
Savonlinna has several interesting museums that offer insights into the history and culture of the region. One of the most important is Riihisaari - Savonlinna Museum.
Riihisaari is located in a stunning location near the Olavinlinna Castle. In the museum you can learn about the nature, cultural history and art of the Saimaa region. The exhibitions in Riihisaari change regularly, so there is something new to see on every visit. You can buy souvenirs from the museum shop.
The Savonlinna Provincial Museum is part of the Riihisaari complex. It is responsible for preserving and presenting the cultural heritage of the area. There are also museum boats on the museum grounds, which tell the story of the history of water transport on Lake Saimaa. You can admire them while enjoying the beautiful lake scenery.
Savonlinna Theatre is a professional theatre located in the heart of the city, offering high quality performances for locals and visitors alike. Founded in 1914 as the Savonlinnan Työväenteatteri, the theatre is now known as the Savonlinnan Teatteri and is an important part of the city's cultural life.
The programme includes a wide variety of plays and concerts. You can enjoy classics as well as new Finnish productions. The theatre's performances are suitable for all ages: there are special shows for children and young people, and drama, comedy and musicals for adults.
You can buy tickets for performances online or at the theatre's box office. Check the current programme on the theatre's website to make sure you get to the performances you want to see.
Visiting the theatre is a great way to spend a cultural evening in Savonlinna. It offers experiences and stimulates ideas.
The Poets' Trail is a unique cultural route in the Savonlinna region, offering an opportunity to discover the rich folklore and history of the area. The trail passes through beautiful natural landscapes that have inspired many poet-singers over the centuries. Along the route you can admire the traditional Finnish countryside and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Along the way, you will find several information panels about the region's poetry singing tradition and notable poets. These panels provide interesting information and help you to better understand Finnish folklore.
The Poets' Trail is a destination for both culture lovers and nature lovers. The route is fairly easy to follow, making it suitable for a wide range of walkers. Allow a few hours to explore the trail, taking your time to explore the attractions and information panels it offers. Remember to bring suitable footwear and a water bottle.
Savonlinna Culture Cellar is a versatile venue right in the heart of the city. It is located in an old cinema, which has been converted into a lively cultural space.
The Culture Cellar offers a wide range of events. You can enjoy jazz music, dance music and a variety of concerts. There are also improv and open stage nights, which provide opportunities for local artists and performers.
In addition to events, the Culture Cellar has a cosy restaurant located at street level on the corner of Olavinkatu and Kalmarinkatu. Here you can enjoy drinks and food in a cosy atmosphere.
The Culture Cellar is an excellent place to discover local cultural life. You can attend events or just enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant. It is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike.
Punkaharju Ridge is one of Finland's most famous natural attractions. This narrow ridge formed by the ice age runs between Puruvesi and Pihlajavesi, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding lake landscape. The road along the ridge makes it possible to make several stops to admire the scenery and take photographs.
The Punkaharju area has been protected since 1803, when Emperor Alexander I ordered the forests in the area to be protected for their natural beauty. The ridge offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation and hiking. You can hike on marked trails, cycle or ski in winter.
In summer, you can also enjoy the mountain scenery on cruises, which are regularly organised from Punkaharju to Savonlinna. There are also other places of interest in the area, such as the Finnish Forest Museum in Luston and the Retretti Art Centre, which offer additional experiences for visitors.
Kasinonsaari is a charming island in the centre of Savonlinna, offering a beautiful setting for walks and relaxation. The island is home to the historic Olav's Spa, now a popular hotel and restaurant. You can enjoy a delicious meal in the stunning lake scenery.
On the casino island you will also find a pleasant park area where you can spend time. During the summer, the park often hosts events and concerts. A viewing platform has been built at the tip of the island, offering a magnificent view of Lake Saimaa. It is an excellent place to watch the sunset.
The casino island is connected to the city centre by a footbridge, allowing easy access to the island. In winter, the island offers good opportunities for ice-skating and skiing, allowing you to enjoy winter activities in stunning scenery.
The Sulosaari nature trail offers an excellent opportunity to explore Savonlinna's most valuable natural site. This trail, about one kilometre long, is located near the city centre and runs mainly along longitudinal trees, making it easy to walk. The trail starts from the yard of the Kisko hut at the end of Hiihtomajantien.
Hatlamminsuo is a diverse wetland with several dozen different vegetation types. The area remains almost in its natural state, which makes it particularly valuable. Along the nature trail there are information displays presenting the nature of Hatlamminsuo. You can read them on your mobile device using QR codes.
The reserve is about 60 hectares in size and provides an excellent opportunity to observe the marshland and its biodiversity. The Sulosaari nature trail is a great day trip destination, offering fresh air and natural tranquillity all year round.
The Savonlinna region offers excellent opportunities for backcountry skiing in winter. With long-bladed skates, you can enjoy spectacular icy landscapes and fresh winter air. The skating season usually lasts from January to March-April, and there are several maintained trails in the Savonlinna area where you can safely practice this winter sport.
Linnansaari National Park and Punkaharju have daily-maintained hiking trails that offer varied scenery and different challenges for skaters. Other popular ice-skating destinations include Pullinlahti, Oravi and Tuunaansaari. You can also try your skills on natural ice in the lake district of Rantasalmi.
You can rent hiking skis and other necessary equipment from local equipment rental shops. Remember to dress warmly and take a snack to keep your energy levels up. Backcountry skiing is a great way to explore Savonlinna's winter nature, offering both fitness and experiences in the stunning lake scenery.
Vuokalanmäki outdoor recreation area is located near the centre of Savonlinna, offering a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying nature. The area is popular with locals and visitors alike.
The outdoor area has well-maintained paths, ideal for walking and jogging. In winter, some of the trails are converted into ski trails, making it possible to practice winter sports. From the top of Vuokalanmäki you can enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding landscape, where you can admire the lake landscape of Lake Saimaa and the city of Savonlinna from high above.
There is also a shelter where you can take a break and enjoy a snack in the lap of nature. However, remember to follow the principles of litter-free camping and take your rubbish with you.
The Vuokalanmäki outdoor area offers a great setting for outdoor activities all year round. It's a great destination if you want to combine fitness with the peace and quiet of nature during your visit to Savonlinna.
Savonlinna offers a wide range of shopping opportunities. Olavinkatu in the heart of the city is the main shopping area, where you can find both large chain stores and small specialist shops. Linnankatu has several boutiques selling art, design and handicrafts, offering unique local products and souvenirs.
Savonlinna market is a lively meeting place where you can do some fresh shopping. You'll find local delicacies, handicrafts and seasonal products. The Riihisaari museum shop is also worth a visit for books, gifts and nature-related products.
Savonlinna is also home to high-quality domestic and international fashion and design. The city's diverse shopping offer is perfect for yourself, as a gift or to take home or to your cottage. While shopping, you can enjoy local cafés and restaurants serving Saimaa delicacies and local delicacies, complementing your shopping experience.
Savonlinna has a diverse and attractive range of restaurants. The city offers options ranging from fine dining to street kitchens. You can enjoy your meal in cosy restaurants, on atmospheric terraces or even in restaurants by the boat.
The local specialities are definitely worth a try. The fresh fish of Lake Saimaa, especially vendace, is the pride of Savonlinna's culinary culture. Fish caught in the morning may already be on your plate by lunchtime.
Local food and clean ingredients are the cornerstones of many Savonlinna restaurants. Try a local delicacy, lörtsy, which is available with both sweet and savoury fillings.
In summer, the city's streets are enlivened by numerous terraces and garden restaurants. They provide an ideal setting to enjoy a delicious meal and the beautiful scenery of Savonlinna.
In the vicinity of Olavinlinna Castle you will find several cosy eateries where you can sample local cuisine in a historic setting.
