Olavinlinna
Etelä-Savo
Olavinlinna, also known as St. Olaf's Castle, is a medieval fortress built in the 15th century on a rocky island in the Kyrönsalmi strait connecting lakes Haukivesi and Pihlajavesi in Savonlinna, Finland. Founded in 1475 by Erik Axelsson Tott, it was strategically designed to secure the Swedish realm's eastern border against Russian advances. The castle is notable for its three thickset circular towers, an early adaptation to withstand cannon fire, and its well-preserved Vaubanesque bastions added in the late 18th century. Olavinlinna has never been captured by force despite several sieges during the Russian-Swedish wars, and it played a key role in the region's military history. Today, it hosts the renowned Savonlinna Opera Festival, attracting visitors worldwide. The castle also houses exhibitions including a Castle Museum and an Orthodox Museum, showcasing artifacts from its storied past. Its picturesque setting on an island surrounded by water and historical architecture makes Olavinlinna a unique cultural and historical landmark in Finland.
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Tip: The best time to visit Olavinlinna is during the summer months, especially for the Savonlinna Opera Festival, which provides a unique cultural experience. Tickets for events and guided tours are recommended to be booked in advance due to popularity. The castle offers discounted admission for children and holders of the Finnish Museum Card. Visitors should check opening hours ahead, as the site is closed on Mondays and has shorter hours during other days. Comfortable footwear is advised due to the castle's historic stone surfaces and island location.
Interesting facts
- •Olavinlinna is the northernmost medieval stone fortress still standing in the world.
- •It was the first Swedish castle designed with circular towers to resist cannon fire.
- •The Savonlinna Opera Festival, held at Olavinlinna, began in 1912 and is internationally renowned.
- •One of the castle's original towers, St. Erik's Tower, collapsed due to a weak foundation.
- •The Thick Tower exploded in 1791 and was replaced by the Thick Bastion built in Vaubanesque style.
- •Olavinlinna served as the inspiration for Kropow Castle in the Tintin comic 'King Ottokar's Sceptre'.
- •The castle had a maximum population of about 200 people during its active use, living in cold and damp conditions.
History
Olavinlinna was founded in 1475 by Erik Axelsson Tott to fortify the eastern border of the Swedish realm after the Treaty of Nöteborg.
Construction included three main towers completed by 1485 and outer walls by 1495, pioneering cannon-resistant architecture.
The castle endured multiple Russian sieges but was never taken by force, surrendering only twice under terms.
It lost military significance after Finland became an autonomous Grand Duchy under Russia in 1809, and the garrison was disbanded by 1847.
Throughout its history, Olavinlinna influenced the development of the town of Savonlinna and stands as the northernmost medieval stone fortress still intact.
Place Guide
Main Keep with Three Towers1475-1485
The central fortress features three thick circular towers built to withstand cannon fire, representing advanced 15th-century military architecture. Visitors can explore the stone walls and imagine medieval defense strategies.
Outer Curtain Walls and Bailey1490s, bastion added late 18th century
Constructed by 1495, these walls and two towers form the outer defenses. The Thick Tower once stood here before exploding in 1791 and being replaced by the Thick Bastion, showcasing later fortification styles.
Castle Museum
Exhibits artifacts discovered in the castle and related to its history, offering insights into medieval life and military technology.
Orthodox Museum
Displays religious icons and artifacts from Finnish and Russian traditions, reflecting the castle's historical borderland culture.
Contact
Phone: 029 5336942
