Savonlinna Overview

The captivating town of Savonlinna (pop. 30,000) spans three islands in the heart of Finland’s lake region, a popular summer destination. Tourists flock here to see the beautiful scenery and the medieval castle.

Transportation And Practical Information.  Trains run to Helsinki (4-6hr., 7 per day, around €50). The Savonlinna-Kauppatori stop is in the center of town; Savonlinna Station is closer to the bus station. The tourist office and travel agency , Puistokatu 1, is across the bridge from the market. (☎517 510; www.savonlinnatravel.com. Open M-F 9am-5pm, extended hours July 4-Aug. 2 daily 9am-7pm. AmEx/MC/V.) Postal Code: 57100.

Accommodations And Food.  Summer Hotel Vuorilinna (HI) , on Kylpylaitoksentie, shares its complex with the casino hotel. (☎03 739 5495; www.spahotelcasino.fi. Linens and laundry included. Free Internet and Wi-Fi in some buildings. Reception 7am-11pm. Open June-Aug.; call ahead for specific dates. Dorms from €28. €2.50 HI discount. AmEx/MC/V.) Bus #3 (€2.90) runs to Vuohimäki Camping , on the Lake Pihlajavesi shore. (☎03 537 353. Bike rental €10 per day. Laundry €2.50, dry €1.50. Electricity €5. Showers €3. Reception 9am-midnight. Open mid-May-Aug. €25 per bed with linens, towels, and shower. Tent sites €12. 4- and 6-person cabins with bath €56-€84. MC/V.) The Kauppatori market sells local produce and pastries. (Open June and early Aug. M-F 6am-4pm, Sa 6am-3pm; July M-F 6am-8pm, Sa 6am-4pm, Su 9am-4pm; mid-Aug. to May M-F 7am-3pm, Sa 7am-2pm.)

Sights. The town draws 60,000 people for July’s month-long Opera Festival, which features stunning performances in   Olavinlinna Castle. (www.operafestival.fi. Tickets, from €30, can be booked up to a year ahead. Check online.) The castle was built in 1475 to reinforce the eastern border against the tsars. (☎015 531 164. Open daily June to mid-Aug. 10am-6pm; mid-Aug.-May 10am-4pm. Tour departs on the hour. €5, students €3.50. MC/V.) Near the castle, Riihisaari, the Provincial Museum explores the history of the region, focusing on the shipping industry. (☎015 571 4712. Open June and Aug.-May Tu-Su 11am-5pm; July daily 11am-5pm. Ships open from mid-May to Aug. €4, students €2. Cash only.) The secluded northern island Sulosaari has several walking trails. From the Kauppatori, go under the train tracks, cross the footbridge, go through the parking lot, and pass the hotel to cross the next bridge. Daytrip to the   Retretti Art Center, where caves have contemporary art pieces that play off subterranean illumination and water reflections. (☎015 775 2200; www.retretti.fi. Open daily July 10am-6pm; June and Aug. 10am-5pm. €15, students €10. AmEx/MC/V.) Trains (4 per day, €3.60) make the 20min. trip from Savolinna. Walk along Punkaharju Ridge to reach Lusto (Finnish Forest Museum), which details environmental history of the area. (☎015 345 100; www.lusto.fi. Open daily June-Aug. 10am-7pm; Sept.-May reduced hours. €10, students €8. MC/V.)