One of the interesting settlements in Finland is the city of Savonlinna. Its location among the lakes and the corresponding landscapes has determined the second name of the city for travel lovers - "Finnish Venice". In addition to natural beauty, there are many interesting places in Savonlinna that can surprise and amaze all guests without exception.
Instructions
Step 1
The main attraction of the city is the Olavinlinna Fortress, or St. Olaf. It was around it that settlements were then built, which received the status of a city. At first, the fortress was intended to protect local territories from the encroachments of Russian troops. She several times passed from Swedish to Russian rule, but then found herself in the middle of the borders in Finland and lost her true purpose. Now on the territory of the fortress there are large-scale festivities and fairs in honor of big holidays. In winter, it becomes the site for the Ice Sculpture Festival, and in the summer it hosts classical opera performances. In the acoustics of medieval walls, something absolutely incredible comes out. Whatever is arranged in Olavinlinna, it always remains the main symbol of Savonlinna.
Step 2
Not far from the fort is the local history museum Riihisaari, which is also worth visiting upon arrival in Savonlinna. There are permanent exhibitions and temporary exhibitions showing the way of life of the Finnish people, culture and beauty of these places. There are many exhibits that tell about the history of the city and the country as a whole. Here you can see what Savonlinna looks like from a bird's eye view and see mini-copies of ships. The real ships, located on the dock behind the museum, can be explored in the summer when the entrance to their decks opens. One of the steamers can even take an hour cruise through the local waters.
Step 3
The oldest street in the city is Linnankatu Street. Previously, artisans lived here, but now it is one of the most prestigious areas of Savonlinna. An interesting Toy Museum is located on this street. It is called "Suruton", which translates as "Unaware of sadness." Indeed, both children and adults can plunge into a naive and spontaneous atmosphere here. Initially, the exhibits were collected by an art teacher, and now there are more than 3 thousand of them. There are ordinary dolls and soft toys, as well as doll furniture, cars, collectible dolls, items for children's games, old toys (created in the 18th century), dolls from around the world.
Step 4
There is also a lot to see around Savonlinna. For example, in the town of Punkaharju (30 km from the city) there is the largest art center in Northern Europe called Retretti. Interestingly, most of the exhibits are in halls organized in caves. Not only Finnish artists are exhibited here, but also foreign artists. Expositions in the caves are open to tourists only in summer.
Step 5
In the same picturesque place is the famous Kerimäki Church, which is the largest wooden Christian church with a capacity of about 5 thousand people. The construction of the church dates back to 1847. It functions (religious services, weddings, celebrations and concerts are held) only in summer, as heating is not provided for, and the winters in Finland are quite harsh. In winter, services are held in a small church that was built nearby in 1953. But on Christmas, everyone comes to the big church early in the morning, which is filled with warmth thanks to the many lighted candles.
Step 6
Also in Punkaharju there is a museum dedicated to the main wealth and symbol of Finland - the forest. In the Lusto Forest Museum, you can get acquainted with the rich world of the forest, see large-sized equipment, as well as hear invented stories about trolls and other fairy-tale characters. Children here can climb a tree, look into a clubfoot's den, play. For adults, there is a real forklift operation and an exhibition of large-sized equipment. For relaxation, there is a room of silence, where you can escape for a short time from the bustle of the city: sit, enjoy the sounds of nature, observe the inhabitants of the forest and dream of the most intimate.
Step 7
There is another forest that you should definitely visit when visiting Savonlinna. It is located on the path between Savonlinna and Imatra. This forest is called mystical, and for good reason. It is an open-air exhibition of surreal concrete figures. The sculptor from Finland Veijo Rönkösen is the author of this project. He initially created figures on his own site, where he let everyone in. The Mystical Forest is now his legacy. The author's fantasy is truly amazing, and walking between the mysterious figures of people standing alone or in groups is more like watching a scene of a science fiction movie, especially at night. Next to the statues there is a small wooden house where the sculptor lived at the time of the creation of these masterpieces.
