At Olavinlinna Castle in the town of Savonlinna,southeast Finland

 “A lake is the landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature. It is earth’s eye, looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.”

-- Henry David Thoreau
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(in the heart of the Saimaa lake region, in the southeast of Finland) Savonlinna is a town in the heart of the Saimaa lake region, which is is also nicknamed the "Capital of Saimaa." Together with Mikkeli, it is one of the largest towns in the South Savonia region (The town is internationally known for its medieval St. Olaf's Castle and the annual Savonlinna Opera Festival.) A town built on a chain of islands surrounded by a lake, Savonlinna is one of the best places to experience the peace and gracefulness of Finland’s Lakeland. Lake Saimaa is the largest one in Finland and home to the Saimaa ringed seal -- an endangered species that is only found here.

+ The area of Savonlinna is also a paradise for anyone who enjoys nature. At Linnansaari National Park you can find some of the best lakeland scenery in Finland and it’s also where you can try to spot the Saimaa ringed seal. The best way to explore the area is by canoe or boat in summer. In winter, tour skating -- which is meant to cover longer distances and is different from regular ice skating -- is the best way to cross the frozen lake.

+ Olavinlinna Castle is a medieval three-tower castle in Savonlinna. It is built on an island in the Kyrönsalmi strait that connects the Haukivesi and Pihlajavesi lakes. Built in the 15th century, the castle was originally named St Olaf’s Castle (by a Danish noble called Erik Axelson Tott). The castle was historically a key strategic fortress along the former border of the Swedish and Russian Empires. Over the centuries it changed hands between the two empires several times after bloody medieval battles were fought on its grounds. These days, Olavinlinna Castle is a heritage protected national icon in Finland. The castle dates back to when Sweden and Russia strengthened their borders with castles and fortifications. In the Middle Ages, Sweden controlled most of present-day Finland until the Great Northern War of 1714-1721, when Sweden lost its position of power. By 1743, the castle became a Russian border fortification. From 1855 to 1861, the castle's military role ceased, and it served as a prison from 1855 to 1861. By the 1870's, the castle was beginning to be transformed into a historical monument. The northernmost medieval stone fortress still standing, the castle forms a spectacular stage for the world famous Savonlinna opera festival, the largest opera venue in Finland. (Built in 1475, the castle is yet known for its excellent acoustics.) The first opera was held in the castle in 1912 at the behest of Finnish soprano opera singer Aino Ackte. (In addition to the festival, the town of Savonlinna hosts a number of other forms of live music, art, and theater.)