Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1
Soaring on the wing of an aria in the memorable castle setting of the
2
Paddling around the
Linnansaari and Kolovesi national parks
seeking a
glimpse of the rare Saimaa ringed seal
3
Peering at the visionary buildings of
Alvar Aalto
in the lively university
town of Jyväskylä
4
Sweating it out in Kuopio's sociable
smoke sauna
5
Relaxing in a cottage by one of the region's thousands of lakes, including
its largest,
Lake Saimaa
6
Cruising the picturesque lakeland en route to a visit to the Orthodox mon-
astery at
Valamo
7
Entering a fantasy land at the seriously offbeat
mechanical music museum
in Varkaus
Savonlinna
015 / Pop 27,420
One of Finland's prettiest towns, Savonlinna shimmers on a sunny day as the water ripples
around its centre. Set on islands between Haapavesi and Pihlajavesi lakes, it's a classic
Lakeland settlement with a major attraction: perched on a rocky islet is one of Europe's
most visually dramatic castles, Olavinlinna. The castle hosts July's world-famous opera
festival in a spectacular setting.
Even if you're no ariaholic, the buzz of the festival makes this the most rewarding time
to visit, with more restaurants and cafes open and animated post-show debriefs over dinner
or bubbly going deep into the darkless night. But Savonlinna rewards a visit any time, and
has lots to see in the surrounding area.
