OLAVINLINNA CASTLE
Read moreBuilt in 1475 on the orders of the Danish knight Erik Axelsonn Tott and intended to protect the Savo region from Russian incursions, the castle was occupied repeatedly from the 1710s until the country's independence in 1917. Its massive granite walls with loopholes, its ramparts topped by 3 round towers and its keep evoke the world of the Middle Ages. It is the best preserved medieval fortress in the Nordic countries. The opera festival, which is held every year in July, has a site that is as lyrical as it gets.
PROVINCIAL MUSEUM OF SAVONLINNA
Read moreThe museum helps to understand the importance of the forest and its resources to the country and the region before the industrial take-off. The museum tour includes a visit to the nearby museum boats. In the lobby is the Nestori Center, which features permanent and temporary nature exhibits and information on hiking and canoeing in the area. Museum shop on site with postcards, natural objects...
CENTRE DE LA NATURE NESTORI-SAIMAA
Read moreThere is information on hiking in the Lake Saimaa region and Linnansaari, Kolovesi and Siikalahti National Parks. Also on where to camp, where to rent canoes and boats... The centre sells books and maps. Permanent exhibitions on endangered species, such as the seals of the lake. There are currently 310 of them with between 10 and 20 births each year. Very interesting to make a detour there before going on an adventure by canoe or on foot.