| Savonlinna is a
small town in eastern Finland with 28,000 inhabitants; the population of the entire region
is about 52,700. Around 40 % of the surface area of Savonlinna is covered with lakes and
ponds. The town of Savonlinna developed around Olavinlinna Castle which is its emblem and
best-known sight today. The castle was built in the late 15th century as a defence
fortress for the easternmost frontier of the country. Nowadays, Savonlinna is well-known
for its international opera festival. The white steamboats sailing on Lake Saimaa are also
part of the living heritage of the Savonlinna region. In the
district of Enonkoski, there is Kolovesi National Park, and Kerimäki boasts the largest
wooden church in the world. In Punkaharju, famous for a magnificent ridge winding between
lakes, you can find the Retretti Art Centre (www.travel.fi/int/Retretti) with its
underground exhibition space, and the Finnish Forest Museum Lusto. Sulkava is renowned for
its spectacular annual rowing event and the ridge formations of Vilkaharju. The
attractions in Rantasalmi include Linnansaari National Park, the Lakeland Centre and
geological exhibition.
Further Information
Savonlinna Tourist Service
Puistokatu 1, FIN-57100 Savonlinna, FINLAND
Tel. +358 (0) 15 517 510
Fax +358 (0) 15 517 5123
Savonlinna@touristservice-svl.fi
www.travel.fi/int/Savonlinna
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