1
Olavinlinna Castle
Olavinlinna is the world's northernmost medieval stone castle, founded in 1475 and standing dramatically on its own rock island with water all around. Guided tours run year-round and walk you through its towers, chambers and the layered history of a fortress built on the shifting border between East and West. Even from the outside it's the unforgettable image of Savonlinna, but the interior tour is what brings the centuries to life. It's the one unmissable sight in town.
budget1-2 hoursyear-roundOlavinlinna, on its island
From the scout
Take the guided tour for access to the towers and the best stories; it's a short walk over the pontoon bridges from the old town.
2
Savonlinna Opera Festival
Each July the courtyard of Olavinlinna becomes one of the most spectacular opera stages in the world. Founded in 1912 by the singer Aino Ackté, the festival fills the medieval castle with grand productions, the 2026 season leans into Italian opera with Madama Butterfly, Nabucco, The Marriage of Figaro, La Traviata and Bellini's Norma. Hearing voices fill a candle-lit medieval courtyard by the lake is a genuinely once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the reason many people come to Savonlinna at all.
expensiveAn eveningsummerOlavinlinna courtyard
From the scout
Book tickets and a hotel months ahead; you can even arrive by boat to the castle's rear dock.
3
Lake Saimaa steamboat cruise
Savonlinna is the steamboat capital of Europe, and historic white-hulled vessels still run from the harbour beside the market square out into the Saimaa archipelago. In summer cruises leave roughly every half hour, from short sightseeing loops to longer trips, gliding past islands, summer cottages and the castle from the water. It's the most authentic, relaxing way to feel the scale of the lake, and the castle looks its best seen from a passing deck.
moderate1-3 hourssummerMarket square harbour
From the scout
Even a short harbour cruise is worth it for the view of Olavinlinna from the water; longer trips reach the open archipelago.
4
Riihisaari – Lake Saimaa Museum
Set on an island right opposite the castle, Riihisaari tells the story of Lake Saimaa, from the endangered Saimaa ringed seal to centuries of water transport and steamboat culture. Historic steamships rest at its pier, and the exhibitions are an easy, engaging way to understand the lake world you're travelling through. It pairs naturally with the castle visit, just across the water, and adds real context to a Savonlinna trip.
budget1 houryear-roundRiihisaari, opposite Olavinlinna
From the scout
Combine it with the castle, they're a couple of minutes apart, and check out the steamships moored outside.
5
Savonlinna Market Square (Kauppatori)
The lakeside kauppatori, right by the harbour on the shore of Saimaa, is one of the prettiest market squares in Finland and the social heart of the town. Stalls sell local produce, crafts and lake fish, market cafes spill onto the waterfront, and it's the home of the lörtsy, Savonlinna's own sweet or savoury fried pastry. It's the place to graze, people-watch and catch your cruise, and it costs nothing to wander.
budget1 hoursummerKauppatori, by the harbour
From the scout
Try a lörtsy here, the most authentic ones in Finland, and grab a coffee with a harbour view.
