3 Reasons to Wait Until Summer to Visit Olavinlinna Castle
- Cat
- May 26, 2017
- 3 min read
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We've said before how surprised we've been to hear Finns tell us not to visit someplace until summer, or ask us why in the world we were going somewhere in winter...Well, in the case of Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna, Finland, it was probably the right advice - we should have waited.
While the castle itself was pretty impressive, there were significant limitations to what we could view and the tour itself was frustrating. Below are 3 reasons to visit during the more popular summer season if you have the opportunity.
Weather - While we have enjoyed the winter weather, we got a few inches of snow this trip and missed out on some great opportunities (we think) - like seeing the ringed seals which call this area home. If you have a choice, wait for a warmer weather period - the possibilities of things to do open up significantly.
Activities - The castle wasn't open fully yet, so many rooms were off limits and the children's hall (where you get to dress up) wasn't open. Unfortunately, this was one of the biggest disappointments as it was touted as a great activity for kids which we were really looking forward to. G didn't seem to mind, but he didn't get much kids' time on this trip as a result. Also, in the summer, the Savonlinna Opera Festival is held here inside the castle and is supposed to be spectacular (it has been held here for more than 100 years!). Imagine watching an opera inside a building from the 1400s - it is surely moving.
NOTE: There is a small playground near the castle, but it wasn't much fun in a snow storm.
Guided Tour - At Olavinlinna, unlike other castles in Finland (Turunlinna and Hameenlinna), you must take a guided tour - there is no wandering about at your leisure (unless this changes in the summer). Because of this, you need to be mindful of the days and times tours are operated. We visited on a Saturday yet there were no English tours available that day. We joined a Finnish tour but did not get much out of it following along in the book. We missed the jokes and small stories which are so often the best parts of guided tours. We did get to see some of the oldest privys in Finland which G got a kick out of - imagining the waste dropping all the way down the side of the tower into the lake below.
While the castle itself was nice, we prefer Turunlinna above all others in Finland.
Outside of the castle, there isn't much to do in Savonlinna - in winter that is. We stayed at the Spahotel Casino (don't let the word casino fool you, it's not that type). The hotel itself was nice, if a bit dated. In the 60s and 70s, this hotel was likely THE place to be for vacationers. It had a great indoor pool with sauna, and the rooms were large and comfortable. Situated on an island but walking distance to the city, it had a beach (summer only) and hiking trails all around. Breakfast was a good spread buffet, as is typical in Finland. Judging from the other options we saw in the city while walking around, this is probably the nicest place to stay.
If you are interested in castles, this town should be on your list to visit, but wait until summer so you can fully experience all Savonlinna has to offer!
More images from our trip below, click through the gallery to see them.
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