The Savonlinna region offers summer visitors much more than opera. This year, the city is celebrating its Dream Year of Culture, highlighting creativity, passion, and community spirit. The anniversary year is reflected in the city’s rich cultural program, but there are plenty of other activities on offer as well. We also recommend another music festival that is well worth experiencing after the opera season.
Magnificent Art in a Charming Wooden Villa
Villa Suruton, an art gallery and design office, presents exhibitions by both Finnish and international artists throughout the year. The gallery is housed in a wooden villa built in 1890, which over the years has been home to and visited by notable figures such as opera singer Aino Ackté, composer Otto Kotilainen, and writers Mika Waltari and Joel Lehtonen. A visit to the gallery is easy to include in any stay in Savonlinna, as Villa Suruton is located right in the city center, just a short walk from the railway station and market square.
villasuruton.fi
Unforgettable Experiences on Lake Saimaa
The vessels of Savonlinna Cruises take passengers daily to admire the historic Olavinlinna Castle, the maze-like archipelago, and the region’s pristine natural surroundings from the water. Visitors can choose from a variety of options, ranging from short sightseeing cruises to themed excursions and dinner cruises. A relaxed atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and high-quality service make these cruises a memorable part of any summer day.
savonlinnaristeilyt.fi
Over the years, the Villa Suruton Art Gallery building has been a popular residence and gathering place for artists.
Local History in a Historic Grain Warehouse
Located next to Olavinlinna Castle, Riihisaari – Savonlinna Museum operates in a former grain storehouse and showcases the history and nature of South Savo, as well as the maritime and island culture of Lake Saimaa. In addition to its fascinating exhibitions, the museum’s harbor is home to over one-hundred-year-old steamships that are open to visitors during the summer. Named Finland’s Museum of the Year in 2023, Riihisaari offers something for culture and nature enthusiasts of all ages.
savonlinna.fi/riihisaari
Retretti Fills with Art Once Again
Located in Tuunaansaari, Punkaharju, Retretti is one of Finland’s most distinctive and renowned art destinations. Here, art and nature meet quite literally inside a rock cavern. The historic and unique setting, combined with contemporary art, inspires visitors and artists alike. This summer, Retretti’s cave complex reopens in a new way with Pulse of the Earth, an immersive light and sound installation. The work incorporates sounds and materials collected from the caverns themselves, creating a unique sensory experience. Deep rock resonances and carefully composed soundscapes guide visitors into the extraordinary world beneath the surface.
retretti.fi
Savonlinna Cruises’ vessel m/s Elviira transports opera guests to Olavinlinna Castle on performance evenings.
Discover Lake Saimaa Beyond the Surface
The Saimaa region offers countless opportunities to experience nature in different ways. Luonnon Kutsu organizes guided kayaking excursions both in downtown Savonlinna and farther afield. Popular options include the Summer Night Paddle, Archipelago Tour, and Beginner’s Archipelago Kayaking Trip. The company also offers guided nature walks along Saimaa’s shorelines and forest trails, where participants can enjoy traditional campfire-brewed coffee and Finnish pancakes cooked over an open fire.
luonnonkutsu.fi
Sibelius Festival Invites Music Lovers to Lahti
In the coming years, the Sibelius Festival in Lahti will present not only the music of its namesake composer but also works by a wider range of composers. Artistic Director Hannu Lintu has planned a three-festival vision that will bring internationally acclaimed musicians to Sibelius Hall. This year’s program features works by Richard Strauss, Ferruccio Busoni, and Sergei Rachmaninoff. Guest soloists include soprano Olga Heikkilä, tenor Gabriel Kivivuori-Sereno, violinist Inmo Yang, and pianist Kirill Gerstein.
sinfonialahti.fi
Main image: Riihisaari – Savonlinna museum
