Olavinlinna, Savonlinna, Finland

Olavinlinna ("St. Olaf's Castle" or "Olofsborg") is one of the greatest medieval castles in Finland. It was built to secure the eastern border of the Kingdom of Sweden-Finland. The construction started in 1475 by Erik Axelsson Tott. Russians disturbed construction work sequently, because the castle was sited in Savonia to the Russian side of the border established by the Treaty of Nöteborg. Olavinlinna was completed probably in 1483 and there were first a main castle and three towers (Church Tower, Bell Tower and St. Erik's Towers).

Olavinlinna withstood several sieges by the Russians during the First and Second Russian-Swedish wars. Gustav Vasa ordered to erect fourth tower (a "Fat Tower") in 16th century and fifth ("Kilj Tower") was built in the 17th century. The castle was conquered first time by the invading Russians in Great Northern War on 28 July 1714. St. Erik's Tower was badly damaged in cannon fire and Russians demolished it. Olavinlinna was returned to Swedish in Treaty of Uusikaupunki, but they lost it constanly only 23 years later in the end of the Russo-Swedish War of 1741-1743.

Russians enhanced Olavinlinna fortifications and it withstood the siege of Swedish in the war of Gustav III in 1788. The Fat Tower was destroyed in an explosion of gunpowder supply in 1791. When Russians occupied Finland in 1809, Olavinlinna lost its defensive status. It was used as garrison, storage and prison and was abandoded in 1850s. Renovation was started in the end of the 19th century.

Currently, the castle hosts several small exhibitions, including the Castle Museum which displays artifacts found in the castle or related to it, and the Orthodox Museum which displays icons and other religious artifacts both from Finland and Russia. The castle forms a spectacular stage for the Savonlinna Opera Festival, held annually in the summer since 1912.

Olavinlinna is the initial model for Kropow Castle in the comic book King Ottokar's Sceptre, an album in the series of Adventures of Tintin created by Hergé.

References:

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User Reviews

Duangporn Phulsuksombati (2 months ago)
Wonderful castle which was built during medieval period by Swedish emperor on the small island in the lake. We got here in early morning with less tourists. Some part of the castle are not allowed to visit. During summer time there are special events on the terrace outside the castle with spectacular view of lakes.

Derek Heath (6 months ago)
Interesting history of a place very much involved in regional conflicts. Joining the free guided tour meant we got to visit towers and castle walls. A well informed guide did a great job of showing us around.

King Vas (6 months ago)
Excellent trip there. The inside of the castle reminded so much of what we're seeing in the movies and the architecture from the 15th century (1475) was very vivid. The ticket includes a guided tour in English and our tour guide was helpful and gave lots of information. If you're visiting with a family it's going to be 30 euros and a 45 minutes tour around the entire castle, totally worth it! Make sure to stop there and also walk on the beautiful coastline of Savonlinna.

J B (7 months ago)
Beautiful 'proper' castle. Reasonably priced and stunning location. Parking can be a little tricky but still was plenty of options. Tour was good but clearly summer worker who struggled a little with the English. I certainly couldn't have guided the tour in Finnish so she still did a great job! However I found lack of signage and directions a problem. At end of tour we were left in an area with no idea how to get back to entrance. Found it in the end but no signs to it.

Agnes Dj (7 months ago)
It's worth it for a visit! Make sure you join the guided tour, also available in English. Spending 1-1.5 hours there. Very well maintained castle.

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