Riihisaari – Savonlinnan museo
The Savonlinna provincial museum next to Olavinlinna, in an old grain storehouse, presents the history and nature of Lake Saimaa and museum steamboats.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Riihisaari – Savonlinnan museo operates beside Olavinlinna, in the Crown grain storehouse built in 1852, which is protected as a culturally and historically valuable site. The area is no longer an island but a peninsula, and it belongs to the national landscape of Olavinlinna.
The museum presents the history and nature of South Savo, as well as the water traffic and archipelago culture of Saimaa. At the Riihisaari landing stage there are museum steamboats more than a hundred years old, which belong to the museum's collection and are open to the public in summer.
The museum was chosen as Museum of the Year 2023. In addition to the basic exhibitions, the museum has changing exhibitions, events and a museum shop, and Riihisaari is open all year round.
Highlights
- Basic exhibition Saimaan sylissä (In the Arms of Lake Saimaa) on the cultural history of Saimaa and the Saimaa ringed seal
- Doll exhibition on the story of the Finnish doll
- Steamboats over a hundred years old at the landing stage in summer
- Museum of the Year 2023
- Location in the national landscape of Olavinlinna
Permanent exhibitions
- Saimaan sylissä – The interactive basic exhibition tells the story of people, the town and the Saimaa ringed seal on the shores of Lake Saimaa, and of the conditions of living in the middle of the lake.
- Nukkenäyttely – The permanent exhibition presents the story of the Finnish doll.
- Founded
- 1985
- Operated by
- Savonlinnan kaupunki
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €11 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €6pensioners, unemployed people, students and those doing military service |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Children and young people under 18 always enter free. |
| Seniors | €6 |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Personal assistants enter free; the museum is a Vammaiskortti site. |
| Students & apprentices | €6 |
| Groups (10+ people) | €7 per personGroups of at least 10 people, price per person; the group leader enters free. Groups are asked to notify their numbers in advance. |
| Combined ticket for Riihisaari and Olavinlinna (adults) | €19Valid for the day of purchase. |
Free admission: On International Museum Day, 18 May, admission is free.
The Museokortti, Kaikukortti, ICOM card, Edenred card, Virike and ePassi mobile payment are accepted. Holders of the Hostel card pay the group ticket price. Admission is also free for group leaders, bus drivers and Savonlinna student groups.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials
- Audio description: no information
The museum building has a step-free entrance, and the main door opens automatically. A lift takes you to the second floor. The museum steamboats do not have a step-free entrance. In front of the museum there is one disabled parking space (the distance to the door is at most 20 metres), and in the adjacent car park there are two. Guide dogs are welcome indoors.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
Under-18s visit free. In the exhibition Saimaan sylissä (In the Arms of Lake Saimaa) you can turn a helm, peek into a seal's den and crawl into a cave. For children there is a museum bingo and the Riihisaaren mysteeri (Riihisaari Mystery) task. A changing area is next to the toilets.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Savonlinnan Kauppatorin rautatiepysäkki · 1.2 km
From the railway stop at Savonlinna Kauppatori it is about 1.2 km along the waterfront promenade, and from the bus station about 1.7 km.
By car
Parking available
Parking area next to the museum. Bicycle parking is near the entrance gate to the area.
- Accessible parking
Riihisaari is located in the old town of Savonlinna next to Olavinlinna; when arriving in town, follow the Olavinlinna signs.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
- Coat check
The museum shop is downstairs, next to customer service, and entry is free. There is an unattended self-service cloakroom by customer service.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours are available for groups, plain-language guided tours (selkokieli) and separate programmes for kindergarten and school groups. |
