WORLD-CLASS OPERA IN A MEDIEVAL LAKESIDE CASTLE

Opera as you’ve never experienced it – in a medieval castle on the shores of Lake Saimaa 4 July – 2 August 2025.

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Macbeth

4.7. – 15.7.2025

The majestic Macbeth is the opera of all operas. Dubbed as „the best Macbeth ever“ this vibrant production of Ralf Långbacka has been in Savonlinna’s repertoire since 1993.

Turandot

5.7. – 25.7.2025

If you’re only going to listen to one opera aria in your life, you should choose the best one: Nessun dorma. Tenor Amadi Lagha returns to the role of Calaf after the success of summer 2018.

Boris Godunov is one of the most powerful classics in the history of opera, and is particularly impressive at Olavinlinna. It features the deep sound of low male voices, and its grand choral scenes are masterful.

The Last Temptations

22.7. – 30.7.2025

The opera The Last Temptations by Joonas Kokkonen is one of the most popular Finnish operas of all time. This is a co-production between the Savonlinna Opera Festival and Tampere Opera.

The Fairy Queen

29.7. – 2.8.2025

Based on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Fairy Queen is pure baroque, and just as rich, colourful and exuberant as you might imagine.

Timo Mustakallio Singing Competition

13.7. – 13.7.2025

The 33rd Timo Mustakallio Singing Competition highlights talents of the future.

Information

Season 2025

Olavinlinna Castle will be 550 years old. The world’s northernmost medieval castle has witnessed tales and hidden secrets, standing proud in war and peace. During the centenary year, Olavinlinna will showcase highlights from past decades. Classics that have touched audiences and made the Opera Festival world-famous.

Season 2026

In the summer of 2026, Italian opera takes center stage at the Savonlinna Opera Festival. Evenings at Olavinlinna will shine with Madama Butterfly, Nabucco, The Marriage of Figaro, and La Traviata – crowned by Bellini’s Norma, featuring the dazzling Lisette Oropesa.

How to get here

Located in the heart of Lake Saimaa region, Eastern Finland, Savonlinna is easily accessible by train, bus, car, or flying from Helsinki – or even by water of Lake Saimaa.

We recommend

Accommodation

A good night's sleep makes the opera visit a vacation

Services

Pit stops and excursions along the way

Restaurants

Our restaurant recommendations for a perfect opera evening

Enjoy the castle

Interval refreshments and dinner

News

24.6.2025

Italian passion and grand emotions at Olavinlinna – program 2026

27.5.2025

Boris Godunov brings great drama and political thrill to the Savonlinna Opera Festival – premiere 11.07.2025

13.5.2025

Gabriele Viviani to Replace Ludovic Tézier in Summer 2025 Production of Macbeth

8.5.2025

Turandot at the Savonlinna Opera Festival – majestic splendour, legendary arias, and world-class soloists

24.4.2025

Savonlinna Opera Festival 2025: Verdi’s Macbeth Returns Amidst Tribute to Anneli Qveflander to Olavinlinna

Lisää uutisia

Get in the mood

Over a century of opera festivals in Olavinlinna

The idea first came from the Finnish soprano Aino Ackté: ”The most wonderful castle in the world, surrounded by otherworldly lake scenery” would offer just the right backdrop for opera. Read more about the history of opera festivals in Olavinlinna.

What the audience says: why Savonlinna has one of Europe’s best opera festivals

Ever since renowned Finnish soprano Aino Ackté turned her dream into reality and launched the Savonlinna Opera Festival way back in 1912, the event has provoked a vast range of emotions amongst its visitors. Read what people from around the world said about their experience in our recent research.

The Savonlinna Opera Festival relies on ticket revenue

Little did the builders of the defence fortress in 1475 know that their work would one day provide a unique atmosphere and outstanding acoustics for opera.