Olavinlinna Castle (Olofsborg) is the most beautiful castle in Finland — a magnificent 15th-century medieval fortress built on a rocky island in the middle of Lake Saimaa in the town of Savonlinna, whose three sturdy round towers and atmospheric stone walls rising directly from the water create one of northern Europe’s most romantic castle settings. Founded in 1475 to protect the Swedish kingdom’s eastern border against Russia, Olavinlinna is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the Nordic countries and the spectacular venue for the world-famous Savonlinna Opera Festival, held every summer in the castle’s atmospheric courtyard.

Quick Facts: Olavinlinna Castle

• Best time to visit: Year-round; the castle museum is open daily; July for the Savonlinna Opera Festival — one of the world’s most prestigious opera events, held in the castle courtyard since 1912
• How to get there: ~4 hours from Helsinki by car; ~4 hours by train (Helsinki–Savonlinna); Savonlinna has a small regional airport with flights from Helsinki
• Entry fee: ~€12 (adult)

Olavinlinna medieval castle lies on a rocky island in Lake Saimaa area in the town of Savonlinna, in Finland. Olavinlinna Castle is one of the best preserved castles in the Nordic countries. The castle (fortress) was built in 1475 by Dano-Swedish statesman and regent of Sweden Erik Axelsson Tott and should serve to repel attacks from the east and as a protection of the eastern border of Sweden. The castle had an important strategic position, as it lies on the channel connecting many lakes around.

Olavinlinna Castle in Finland by Miraceti

In 1714, the Castle Olavinlinna became the property of the Russians for a few years until 1721; but by 1741 it was once again in Russian hands, and remained so until Finland was granted independence from Russia in 1917. The castle has three massive towers, however it originally had five towers. Today there are several museum exhibitions and Castle Museum. In the museum there are objects associated with the castle. There is also a museum with a collection of religious icons and religious objects in Finland and Russia. Olavinlinna Castle Opera Festival takes place here every year already since 1912.

Olavinlinna Castle is one of Finland`s biggest tourist attractions.

Have you visited Olavinlinna or attended the Savonlinna Opera Festival? Share your Finnish castle experiences in the comments! 🏰

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