Olavinlinna

About the museum

Olavinlinna was founded in 1475 by the knight Erik Akselinpoika Tott, who served as governor of Viipuri. The castle was built to defend the eastern border of Sweden, on a rocky island surrounded by flowing water in the Kyrönsalmi strait. The three-towered main castle was completed first, followed by a two-towered outer castle on the eastern side of the island.

The castle became a target of military action as early as the late 15th century, and it changed hands several times. In 1714, during the Great Northern War, it surrendered to the Russians, and under the Treaty of Turku in 1743 the castle remained in Russian possession. During the period of Russian rule, the castle was strengthened through extensive construction work.

Today Olavinlinna is a museum and tourist destination run by the Kansallismuseo (National Museum of Finland). The castle is also known as a venue for opera festivals and concerts. In the medieval halls and courtyards, meetings and celebrations are also held.

Highlights

• Five-towered medieval water castle on a rocky island
• Permanent exhibition with 3D-printed scale models and an introductory film
• Guided tour of the towers, which can only be entered with a guide
• Pikku Herttuan sali (Little Duke’s Hall) for children in summer
• Exhibition on the castle’s history and its defensive use

Permanent exhibitions

• Olavinlinnan perusnäyttely – The exhibition presents the castle’s history by means of tactile 3D-printed scale models and an introductory film.
• Jos muurit osaisivat kertoa – The exhibition tells the story of the castle’s defensive use and of life in the castle.

Founded

1475

Operated by

Suomen kansallismuseo

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission on International Museum Day, 18 May.

The Museokortti (Finnish Museum Card) and Kaikukortti are accepted. On St Olaf’s Day, 29 July, the normal admission fees apply. Payment primarily by card.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The castle is not step-free: the courtyard is paved with uneven natural stones, the stairs are steep and some doors are narrow and low. The permanent exhibition space can be reached by wheelchair and rollator. The upper floors of the castle can be explored with the help of an introductory film, and the exhibition has tactile objects and exhibition texts in Braille at the ticket desk.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

In the Pikku Herttuan sali, which is open in summer, children can dress up in period costumes, set the bailiff’s table and build with blocks of the castle. There are learning packages for kindergarten and school groups.

Getting there & parking

The castle is located on the rocky island of Kyrönsalmi in the centre of Savonlinna.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

The Ravintola Linnantupa restaurant serves daily in the summer months; at other times it operates as a restaurant by reservation. The garden terraces are open during the restaurant’s opening hours. The museum shop is open during the castle’s opening hours.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Spaces available for rent include the Kuninkaansali (King’s Hall), Linnantupa, the Kongressisali (Congress Hall), the Keskushalli (central hall), the ground floor of the Kellotorni (clock tower) and, in summer, the covered Iso linnanpiha (Great Castle Courtyard).

Plan your visit