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Savonlinna

Finland · City · EUR · 61.869900, 28.880000
Family friendly 2.4/10 · Rank 2693 of 2 709
Best season: June-August

Best for

Suitable for lovers of history and culture, romantic couples, families with children and anyone wanting to enjoy the nature of Finnish lakes.

Best season

June-August

Daily budget
$156.00 (≈ 13 092 ₽ · ≈ 139 EUR)
For 7 days
$1 092.00 (≈ 91 641 ₽ · ≈ 975 EUR)
Savonlinna is a castle town on Lake Saimaa, where the medieval Olavinlinna fortress, built in 1475, is one of Finland's most recognizable symbols. Surrounded by endless waterways and forests, the city invites you to canoe trips and fishing. The annual opera festival, held right in the castle courtyard, attracts music lovers from around the world.
Summer
29.0°C
Winter
-14.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Savonlinna residents are friendly and proud of their city. Many families and creative people create a calm and open atmosphere.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Medieval Olavinlinna Castle
  • World-class opera festival
  • Scenic Lake Saimaa
  • Diverse outdoor activities
  • Quiet and authentic atmosphere

Cons

  • Cool water even in summer
  • Limited nightlife
  • Transport needed to get around the region
  • Cold winters
  • Few tourist attractions
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
18.2°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
20.8°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
29.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
-7.5°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
-5.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
-14.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
July-August
Attractions

Olavinlinna Castle

Medieval 15th-century castle on Lake Saimaa, the city's main attraction

Savonlinna Opera Festival

Annual international opera festival held in Olavinlinna Castle

Market Square

Main square with a market, cafes and lake views

Savonlinna Museum

Museum with exhibits on the region's history and culture

Lake Saimaa Cruises

Boat trips on the lake with the chance to see the Saimaa ringed seal

Best areas

City Centre

Close to the castle, market square and main attractions

Waterfront

Scenic promenade with views of the lake and castle

Kauppatori Area

Close to the market and cruise pier

Must-try food

Lohikeitto

Creamy salmon and potato soup, a traditional Finnish dish

Muikku

Fried vendace, a popular snack in the Saimaa region

Karjalanpiirakka

Karelian pastry with rice porridge or potato filling

Ruisleipä

Dark rye bread, a staple of Finnish cuisine

Korvapuusti

Sweet cardamom pastry, popular with coffee

Where to go next

Mikkeli

Town with a historic centre and museums, 1 hour by car

Kuopio

Lakeside city with museums and a market, 2 hours by car

Lappeenranta

Coastal town with a fortress and parks, 2 hours by car

Joensuu

Town with a museum and nature, 2.5 hours by car

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Савонлинна (SVL).
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Visa
Visa requirements
required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
June-August
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 45 EUR
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽ · ≈ 89 EUR
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽ · ≈ 134 EUR
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$220.00
≈ 18 462 ₽ · ≈ 196 EUR
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$190.00
≈ 15 945 ₽ · ≈ 170 EUR
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$90.00
≈ 7 553 ₽ · ≈ 80 EUR
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$13.00
≈ 1 091 ₽ · ≈ 12 EUR
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽ · ≈ 31 EUR
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽ · ≈ 3 EUR
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 6 EUR
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 2 EUR
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 11 EUR
Burger
Average price for a burger
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 11 EUR
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 4 EUR
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 9 EUR
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 54 EUR
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 3 EUR
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 9 EUR
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 54 EUR
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 27 EUR
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 22 EUR
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 71 EUR
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 45 EUR
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 18 EUR
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Frequently asked questions
Savonlinna: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is June-August. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Savonlinna: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +29.0°C, during the day — up to +20.8°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Savonlinna: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +-14.0°C, during the day — up to +-5.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Savonlinna: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on July-August. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Savonlinna: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $156.00 (≈ 13 092 ₽ · ≈ 139 EUR) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Savonlinna: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $50.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $100.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $150.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $220.00 per night, an apartment — $90.00 per night, a villa — $190.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Savonlinna: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $13.00, dinner at a restaurant — $35.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.50, a 0.5L beer — $7.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $2.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Savonlinna: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $60.00, a single public transport ticket — $3.00, a short taxi ride — $10.00, car rental — $60.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Savonlinna: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Olavinlinna Castle — Medieval 15th-century castle on Lake Saimaa, the city's main attraction; Savonlinna Opera Festival — Annual international opera festival held in Olavinlinna Castle; Market Square — Main square with a market, cafes and lake views; Savonlinna Museum — Museum with exhibits on the region's history and culture; Lake Saimaa Cruises — Boat trips on the lake with the chance to see the Saimaa ringed seal. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Savonlinna: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Lohikeitto — Creamy salmon and potato soup, a traditional Finnish dish; Muikku — Fried vendace, a popular snack in the Saimaa region; Karjalanpiirakka — Karelian pastry with rice porridge or potato filling; Ruisleipä — Dark rye bread, a staple of Finnish cuisine; Korvapuusti — Sweet cardamom pastry, popular with coffee. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Savonlinna: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: City Centre — Close to the castle, market square and main attractions; Waterfront — Scenic promenade with views of the lake and castle; Kauppatori Area — Close to the market and cruise pier. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Savonlinna: is a visa required?
Visa: required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Savonlinna: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Савонлинна (code SVL). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $60.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Savonlinna: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — EUR. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $156.00 (≈ 13 092 ₽ · ≈ 139 EUR). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Savonlinna: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Savonlinna: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Savonlinna: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Mikkeli — Town with a historic centre and museums, 1 hour by car; Kuopio — Lakeside city with museums and a market, 2 hours by car; Lappeenranta — Coastal town with a fortress and parks, 2 hours by car; Joensuu — Town with a museum and nature, 2.5 hours by car. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

2.4/10
Overall rank: 2693 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 1288