Olavinlinna Castle
Olavinlinna Castle
4.5
About
The building of Olavinlinna, castle of St. Olaf, began in 1475. The Danish-born founder of the castle, knight Erik Axelsson Tott, decided that a powerful fortification should be build to protect the strategically important Savo region. The castle was supposed to repel Russian attacks from the east and to guarantee the control of the Savo region for the Swedish Crown. The history of Olavinlinna is a mixture of medieval arms clashing, cannons roaring and every-day chores inside the security of the castle's thick walls. The changes in the ownership of the castle left their mark on Olavinlinna: this can be seen in the varied architecture of the castle. These days the castle's halls and rooms can be rented and used for all kinds of events.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
659 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
198
Average
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Poor
10
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3
The Richie Reel
Ayia Napa, Cyprus160 contributions
Dec 2021
we visited out of season and was pretty much the only people there, in main part of Castle it was warm but obviously cold in the outer parts. The reception was very informative with leaflets on the history of the Castle in our language.
Entrance fee was resonable, it was very interesting as many small walkways and stair cases to take you around the outter Castle but not an abundance of artefacts inside.
We managed to go round the whole Castle within a few hours, we have been rushed a little due to outside temp that time of year.
There were area's setup for conferences and meetings which could be quite an original setting for such a thing.
There was parking across the way which was convenient and views of the surrounding lake and areas was lovely from the look outs at the top. Worth a visit if your in the area.
Entrance fee was resonable, it was very interesting as many small walkways and stair cases to take you around the outter Castle but not an abundance of artefacts inside.
We managed to go round the whole Castle within a few hours, we have been rushed a little due to outside temp that time of year.
There were area's setup for conferences and meetings which could be quite an original setting for such a thing.
There was parking across the way which was convenient and views of the surrounding lake and areas was lovely from the look outs at the top. Worth a visit if your in the area.
Written February 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Petsku83
Helsinki, Finland526 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
This castle is one of the most important historical sites and one of the oldest buildings in Finland. A must for a history buff, like myself. The castle has a fascinating history connecting Finland to Sweden and Russia, but the building is also very beautiful and situates in a beautiful natural scenery. It has three towers left and each of them has its own history.
Written July 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerard D
16 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Interesting castle. Join a guided tour, included in entrance price, running on the hour in multiple languages. Suggest starting at the nearby nautical museum and getting a combined museum and castle ticket castle has an excellent cafe that serves very good buffet lunch.
Written June 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Netra M
86 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Nestled on a small island; this castle stands testimony to a heritage more than five hundred years ago. The Swedes and the Russians left their mark on its architecture particularly visible in the two iconic towers. Today Olavinlinna castle is a famous tourist attraction in Savonlinna, Finland particularly in summer. World class opera performers grace Olavinlinna in summer. There are also boxing nights and music concerts. Themed events; group bookings and destination weddings also take place during the year. The castle offers scenic views of its surroundings from every angle.
Children love to try pieces of armour as well as costumes and sit on the baliff's chair at the Little Duke's Hall.
The castle is divided into various segments. The permanent exhibition is located on the ground floor near the entrance. With a chronological structure and touchable scale models present here; various stages of the castle's constructions are effectively displayed. The chapel continues to conduct service. The King's Hall is the centre of attraction. Parts of this castle have withstood fire and are reconstructed. Being a heritage site renovation and restoration is still going on to preserve the monument.
Guided tours are available in Finnish; English; Swedish and Russian. Family gets a discounted package on entrance fee. We had a English guided tour and our guide explained every aspect of the castle in detail which transferred us to the various stages of its rich past and present. The guide answered our queries patiently and was eager to share information which made the visit memorable. Special mention to the lady staff at the ticket counter who suggested to take the optional guided tour which comes free with the entrance ticket.
Olavinlinna Castle beckons every visitor to have a glimpse of its interiors and savour its past.
Children love to try pieces of armour as well as costumes and sit on the baliff's chair at the Little Duke's Hall.
The castle is divided into various segments. The permanent exhibition is located on the ground floor near the entrance. With a chronological structure and touchable scale models present here; various stages of the castle's constructions are effectively displayed. The chapel continues to conduct service. The King's Hall is the centre of attraction. Parts of this castle have withstood fire and are reconstructed. Being a heritage site renovation and restoration is still going on to preserve the monument.
Guided tours are available in Finnish; English; Swedish and Russian. Family gets a discounted package on entrance fee. We had a English guided tour and our guide explained every aspect of the castle in detail which transferred us to the various stages of its rich past and present. The guide answered our queries patiently and was eager to share information which made the visit memorable. Special mention to the lady staff at the ticket counter who suggested to take the optional guided tour which comes free with the entrance ticket.
Olavinlinna Castle beckons every visitor to have a glimpse of its interiors and savour its past.
Written July 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aekrfk
Newport Beach, CA247 contributions
May 2022
We were expecting to see more than just forests during our eight day self drive Finland tour. Olavinlinna Castle did not disappoint us and it was worth a drive through the beautiful lakes district. It really is a unique castle in a nice town. You must take the tour with a guide. It provides so much more information than just walking through it alone and was reasonably priced. We had the last English tour of the day at 3 pm and it was just us and the guide. It was wonderful and I would say if you are in that area of Finland a must see attraction.
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mWrite
Helsinki, Finland1,323 contributions
Jul 2020
During this summer, the tours at castle are unique. As opera festival doesn't take place due Covid-19 restrictions, the castle tours take you behind the scenes of the opera. We participated on a tour guided by Heidi, who told lot of stories about the castle, less facts. As we walked around I heard guy explaining more about structures and military perspectives of the life at castle.
Towers are closed due Covid-19 and they being renovated in some extend.
Summary: Be early and take a guided tour, no extra fee in my opinion.
Towers are closed due Covid-19 and they being renovated in some extend.
Summary: Be early and take a guided tour, no extra fee in my opinion.
Written July 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ugurd
Stockholm, Sweden7,856 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This is one of the most photographed iconic places in Finland. I was happy to finally be able to explore it. it is special in that so much of the old medieval castle is preserved. There are round gun towers, outside passages on the walls and tricky stairs inside the walls. We took a guided tour in Swedish (there are other choices).
Written September 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Davenium
Vancouver, Canada160 contributions
Apr 2022
We got to the castle about an hour before closing and spent the next hour exploring. The castle itself is in great shape and there are a number of rooms to explore and some old walk passageways to walk on the outer walls. Can only imagine how cool it would be to see a concert or opera there.
Written April 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Excursion557138
15 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We visited the castle as a family. Family price was a good value however there wasn't much to see in the castle. During the pandemic they have closed probably the most interesting areas of the castle which was a big disappointment. I had expected more from a castle where they usually organize the big opera festival during summertime.
Tours are available but you should check the times ahead of time.
Tours are available but you should check the times ahead of time.
Written September 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kellog79
Mariehamn, Finland55 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Visit place with 3 year old girl and she did like it. Long que in and not everything open because corona so spend just about 1h there.
Some steps are hard to walk on because old and dark kid scared to walk.
Otherwise nice place to go.
Some steps are hard to walk on because old and dark kid scared to walk.
Otherwise nice place to go.
Written July 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hi, sorry but just received your question.
Hope this will help: savonlinnanyt(dot)fi
Written November 13, 2019
What are the working hours on Jan 03rd 2018? What are the ticket prices for adults? For children 9 y.o. Are the guided tours available in Russian or English?
Written December 30, 2017
Добрый день! Зимой замок закрыт для посещений, поскольку лестничные переходы становятся опасными из-за наледи. Не помню точно цену, но на мой взгляд, очень низкая. Есть экскурсии на русском, английском, финском, шведском. Интересно. Детям тоже будет интересно.
Written January 10, 2018
What are the working hours on Jan 03rd 2018? How much is the ticket for adults? For child 9 y.o.?
Are the guided tours available (Russian or English)
Written December 30, 2017
Как работает 3 января- лучше узнать на сайте, думаю как в обычный день.
Туры есть на русском иу нас была потрясающая русская гид с очень интересным рассказом и отличным русским.
Хорошего путешествия!
Written December 30, 2017
I am visiting on the 29th Of december 2016. Will the castle be open? And will it be covered in snow ? thanks
Written August 16, 2016
Hi, unfortunately the Castle will be closed between 19th Dec - 1St Jan because of Christmas.
I would suggest you to visit the castle during summer months as the castle and surrounding lake with islads are so beautiful.
Written August 16, 2016
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