Savonlinna travel guide

Nestled in the heart of Finland's lake district, Savonlinna boasts a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages.

Established in 1639, the city is best known for its majestic Olavinlinna Castle. The fortress was built in 1475 by Erik Axelsson Tott, a Danish-born knight, to assert control over the Savo region and to protect against Russian invasions.

Over the centuries, Savonlinna has changed hands between Sweden, Russia, and Finland. This has left an indelible impact on its architecture, culture, and traditions.

During the 19th century, the city emerged as a significant center of trade and industry. It was also during this period that the city's iconic Savonlinna Opera Festival was established, which continues to attract international acclaim to this day.

Today, Savonlinna's history is preserved in its well-preserved medieval castle, charming timber houses, and rich cultural events, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.

The culture of Savonlinna is deeply rooted in Finnish tradition and the natural beauty of its location. The town is renowned for its annual Opera Festival held in the medieval Olavinlinna Castle, making it a hub for music lovers. Visitors should remember to dress formally for this event. Savonlinnans take pride in their rich history and it is customary to respect the historical sites.

In everyday life, the Finnish love of nature is evident. Sauna culture is integral to Finnish life and is a must-try experience in Savonlinna. Be prepared that it's traditional to sauna naked, although it's also acceptable to wear a swimsuit or towel. Savonlinna's cuisine is heavily influenced by its proximity to Lake Saimaa, with vendace fish and Saimaa ringed seal being local delicacies. Remember, the Finns value punctuality and directness in communication, so keep to your schedule and avoid unnecessary small talk. Lastly, remember to enjoy 'kalsarikännit', a Finnish custom of relaxing at home in your underwear with no intention of going out, perfectly capturing the Finnish appreciation of simple pleasures.

The best time to explore Savonlinna, a charming city in Finland, is during the summer months of June, July, and August. During this season, the weather is pleasant, typically ranging between 15°C to 25°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. This is also the time when Savonlinna hosts its world-famous Opera Festival, a cultural highlight that attracts opera enthusiasts from around the globe. However, this peak tourist season also means higher crowd levels and potentially higher prices for accommodation. If you prefer a quieter visit, consider traveling in late spring (May) or early autumn (September). The weather is still relatively mild, and you can enjoy the city’s attractions with fewer tourists. While winter in Savonlinna is picturesque with its snow-covered landscapes, temperatures can drop below freezing, which may not be ideal for everyone. Remember, whenever you decide to visit, Savonlinna’s breathtaking castles, serene lakes, and vibrant culture promise a memorable experience.

The scenic beauty of Savonlinna, nestled in the heart of Finland's lake district, is best enjoyed by getting out on the water. An insider tip from locals is to rent a rowing boat or canoe for a leisurely paddle around the city's surrounding lakes. But the real hidden gem is the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Finnish 'Savusauna' (smoke sauna) experience at a lakeside summer cottage, away from the usual tourist routes. Many locals have their private summer cottages equipped with a smoke sauna, which they might rent out. It's a truly authentic and serene Finnish experience, enjoying the gentle heat of a smoke sauna followed by a refreshing dip in the lake. This might not be commonly advertised, but asking around or searching online for rental possibilities could significantly enhance your Savonlinna visit.

On this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Savonlinna, Finland. Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Savonlinna, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place.

Discover the cheapest and most popular flights offered by a variety of airlines that fly to Finland. Check out the best things to do in Savonlinna. Compare the rates and services of the 4 types of stays and 1 car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage.

Experience the best of Savonlinna with an expertly curated and fully customizable itinerary. Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Savonlinna from our free 24/7 customer support. We make it easy for you to find and book every detail of your trip to Savonlinna with this travel guide.

Continue reading this Savonlinna travel guide to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the town of Savonlinna!

With destinations such as Savonlinna, a trip to Finland needs no further explanation. Spanning over 338,145 square kilometers, Finland is an expansive playground of discovery, offering a wealth of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and captivating experiences awaiting exploration. From bustling metropolises to historic towns and modern urban hubs, Finland has something to enchant every traveler.

In Savonlinna alone, travelers are spoiled for choice with an array of experiences and world-famous attractions such as Olavinlinna, Savonlinna Market Square, and Riihisaari – Savonlinnan museo, Savonlinna Museum. Thus, a trip to Finland becomes essential. Whether you're drawn to historical sites, natural wonders, or vibrant cultural experiences, Finland offers an abundance of treasures waiting to be discovered.

There's so much to explore and uncover in Finland. Click or tap the link below to discover more about Finland and its offers.

Expect an exhilarating journey through Savonlinna, a haven brimming with attractions to suit every traveler’s taste. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, and delectable cuisine, Savonlinna offers an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered. Dive into this ultimate Savonlinna travel guide to uncover must-visit spots and get the scoop on what makes the town so special.

International travelers can fly to Savonlinna by booking flights with Eurowings Discover, and Transaviabaltika, offering flights to Savonlinna. From the arrival airport, travelers can choose from various public and private transfer options to Savonlinna.

For those seeking the best flight ticket deals to Savonlinna, knowing the cheapest travel times and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we provide this information to help you discover the cheapest and most popular flights to Savonlinna.

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a town as fantastic as Savonlinna is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience. The best place to stay in Savonlinna usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodations in central Savonlinna offers a ton of benefits.

Staying in the heart of the town allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Savonlinna and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Savonlinna planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

In Savonlinna, you'll find 4 different types of places to stay, catering to every taste, budget, and reason for travel. For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in Finland can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the luxury hotels in Savonlinna. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range and budget-friendly hotels in the town, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Savonlinna.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Savonlinna in the following sections.

To navigate Savonlinna effortlessly, renting a car is an excellent choice. With your own wheels, you can explore every nook and cranny of the destination without relying on public transportation and even venture off the beaten path. On our website, you'll discover a selection of over 1 car rental companies in Savonlinna, ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Savonlinna start at 55 EUR per day or 384 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a B3 Toyota Yaris Aut. If you prefer driving a manual car, you'll find multiple options for rent in Savonlinna, starting at 48 EUR per day or 336 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Ford Fiesta.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Savonlinna, Finland below.

The town of Savonlinna is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Finland. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Finland has it all.

Each destination in Finland offers something unique to experience! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Finland that are as magical as the town of Savonlinna. The most popular travel destinations in Finland are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

Experience the authentic charm of Finland by expanding your travels beyond the boundaries of Savonlinna. Explore other destinations around Finland with a domestic flight. A domestic flight is typically a short-haul flight, with the longest duration not exceeding two hours. To find the best flights from Savonlinna to other amazing locations in Finland, add the required details below and select 'Search' to view the best domestic flights in Finland for your chosen dates. You can also jump to the last section of this travel guide to find the most popular domestic flights from Savonlinna.