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 3 July – 1 August 2026.

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The Marriage of Figaro

3.7. – 25.7.2026

Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro is a hilarious opera comedy where love, wit, and musical brilliance come together at Olavinlinna.

Madama Butterfly is a heartbreaking story of love and betrayal. Henry Akina’s direction highlights the emotional drama of human relationships, carried by Puccini’s beautiful music – this is one of the most moving love stories in opera history.

Nabucco

8.7. – 24.7.2026

With its grand choir scenes including opera’s undoubtedly most famous choir “Va, pensiero”, the monumental stage design and the heart-wrenching fate of the opera’s protagonists, Nabucco returns to Olavinlinna after it’s celebrated and highly acclaimed premiere in 2024 with world-class soprano Marigona Qerkezi as Abigaille.

La Traviata

27.7. – 31.7.2026

Verdi’s La Traviata is a touching story of love and sacrifice. The fate of Violetta and Alfredo comes to life at the Savonlinna Opera Festival — the music moves you and stays with you.

Norma & Lisette Oropesa

29.7. – 1.8.2026

Bellini’s Norma is a passionate tale of forbidden love, betrayal, and tragic fate. In Savonlinna, the concert version marks the much-anticipated debut of the brilliant soprano Lisette Oropesa in the title role.

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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.

CHORUS AUDITION APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026 FESTIVAL ARE OPEN

Singer, the stage of Olavinlinna Castle is calling you! Chorus audition applications for the 2026 festival are open.

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.