Savonlinna: Castle, Islands and Saimaa Culture

Savonlinna combines an island-dotted city centre with Olavinlinna Castle and a landscape of shore forests, archipelagos and waterways. These different sides come together in the National City Park, which stretches from the city centre to extensive shore forests, the archipelago and the waterways. At the same time, the city park protects valuable natural areas and habitats of the Saimaa ringed seal. You can shape your stay around different interests—from city history and museums to nature and experiences on the water.

Castle and City History

Olavinlinna forms the heart of the National City Park and is Savonlinna’s most important tourist attraction. You can explore the castle on guided tours; its stories are also part of the visitor experience. If you are interested in the city’s history, you can also include Linnankatu. It is popular with travellers who want to experience Savonlinna’s history there.

At the foot of the castle lies Wanha Savonlinna, with its wooden houses and tree-lined avenues. This adds a different view of the city to your castle visit: here, wooden buildings and avenues take centre stage. If you are particularly interested in Savonlinna’s history, Olavinlinna, Linnankatu and Wanha Savonlinna can each offer a different starting point for discovering the city.

Museum and Culture on Lake Saimaa

Riihisaari – Savonlinna Museum presents the history and nature of South Savo. Other topics include Saimaa’s water traffic and the culture of the islanders. You can explore Riihisaari on your own or with a guided tour.

Olavinlinna focuses on a single historic building, while Riihisaari offers a perspective on the wider region. You can choose between a specific place and a museum visit covering a broader range of themes.

The Islands by Water and on Foot

Sightseeing cruises depart from the passenger harbour next to the market square. The routes pass through the intricate island landscape or around Savonlinna, which is built on islands. Motorboats and nostalgic steamships are available.

Sulosaari offers another way to spend time outdoors. It has an accessible walking trail suitable for everyone. You can reach Sulosaari via Casino Island, following a path past the car park and across a wooden bridge. As well as boat trips, you can also consider exploring a trail on foot.

Which Holiday Apartment Suits Your Trip?

When looking for a holiday apartment in Savonlinna, consider whether culture and history or time on the water and on foot will shape your stay more. If you are exploring Savonlinna with varied interests, you can mix these activities during your stay: cultural outings give your visit a different emphasis than time on the water or on foot. Think about which aspects you would like to experience more often and which you would like to include as a complement.

More Places to Explore

For further inspiration, you can also visit these destination pages: Sulkava, Punkaharju, Kerimäki, Enonkoski, Kallislahti, Savonranta, Hiukkajoki, Putikko, Lötjölä, Oravi, Ihamaniemi, Kumpuranta, Vuoriniemi and Piojärvi.

For the broader travel overview: South Savo.