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Olavinlinna – A Unique Stage for Opera

Olavinlinna is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the Nordic countries and a valuable protected heritage site. As the setting for the Savonlinna Opera Festival, it is magnificent, unique—and highly challenging.

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A Celebration of Culture and the Beauty of Nature – Savonlinna’s Summer Is Full of Things to See and Experience

The Savonlinna region offers summer visitors much more than opera. The city’s rich cultural program highlights creativity, passion, and community spirit, and 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.

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Tips for the opera trip accommodation

Savonlinna and its surrounding areas offer opera visitors a wide range of accommodation options. Whether you want to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city, the peace of nature, or the charm of history, these tips will help you find the perfect place to stay to suit your needs.

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Every action counts 

When a shared future is at stake, every action counts. Our sustainability programme has made great progress, and the results show that our actions are moving in the right direction.   

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The orchestra’s secret 

When the conductor raises his baton for the first time, Olavinlinna is filled with the sound of a large orchestra. Every nuance is finely honed and tells the story of the evening’s opera. At moments such as these, it seems extraordinary that the Opera Festival Orchestra only meets for five weeks each year. What is the orchestra’s secret? We asked clarinettist Patrik Stenström. 

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Olavinlinna, a unique opera stage

Olavinlinna Castle is one of the best preserved medieval castles in the Nordic countries and a valuable heritage site. As a setting for the Opera Festival, it is magnificent, unique – and very challenging. 

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Find suitable accommodation for your opera trip – check out our recommendations

The historical ambiance of an old manor, cottage life near National Parks, or a hotel in the center of Savonlinna? Discover the most suitable accommodation for your opera journey from many options.

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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.

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Rumours, ladders and a barber

Gioachino Rossini grew up in an opera orchestra pit, for his mother sang and his father played the trumpet. His musical career, first...

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Stage director Kari Heiskanen: is it ok to laugh at the opera?

“Good heavens, you should be able to laugh just anywhere,” cries Kari Heiskanen, stage director of The Barber of Seville. Renowned for his...

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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.

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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.

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