Savonlinna: The Pearl of the Finnish Lakeland

• HelloHei
  [hay]
• GoodbyeNäkemiin
  [nah-keh-meen]
• YesKyllä
  [kuu-laa]
• NoEi
  [ay]
• Please/You're welcomeOle hyvä
  [oh-le huu-vaa]
• Thank youKiitos
  [kee-tohs]
• Excuse me/SorryAnteeksi
  [ahn-tehk-see]
• How are you?Mitä kuuluu?
  [mee-taa koo-loo]
• Fine. And you?Hyvin. Entä sinä?
  [hoo-veen. en-taa see-naa]
• Do you speak English?Puhutko englantia?
  [poo-hoot-koh eng-lahn-tee-ah]
• I don't understandEn ymmärrä
  [en uh-maa-rraa]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaisinko ruokalistan, kiitos
  [sai-sin-koh roo-kah-lee-stahn, kee-tohs]
• I don't eat meatEn syö lihaa
  [en sue lee-haa]
• Cheers!Kippis!
  [kip-pis]
• I would like to pay, pleaseHaluaisin maksaa, kiitos
  [ha-lu-aai-sin mahk-saa, kee-tohs]

• Help!Apua!
  [ah-pu-ah]
• Go away!Mene pois!
  [meh-neh poh-ees]
• Call the Police!Soita poliisille!
  [soi-tah poh-lii-sil-leh]
• Call a doctor!Soita lääkärille!
  [soi-tah laa-kah-rii-leh]
• I'm lostOlen eksyksissä
  [oh-len ek-syksi-saa]
• I'm illOlen sairas
  [oh-len sai-rahs]

• I'd like to buy...Haluan ostaa...
  [ha-lu-an ohs-taa]
• I'm just lookingKatson vain
  [kaat-sohn vain]
• How much is it?Paljonko se maksaa?
  [pahl-yon-koh seh mahk-saa]
• That's too expensiveSe on liian kallis
  [se ohn lee-ahn kahl-lis]
• Can you lower the price?Voisitko alentaa hintaa?
  [voi-sit-koh ah-len-taa hin-taa]

• What time is it?Paljonko kello on?
  [pahl-yon-koh keh-loh ohn]
• It's one o'clockKello on yksi
  [keh-loh ohn uuk-see]
• Half past (10)Puoli (kymmenen)
  [poo-oh-lee (kuum-meh-nehn)]
• MorningAamu
  [ah-muu]
• AfternoonIltapäivä
  [eel-tah-pai-vaa]
• EveningIlta
  [eel-tah]
• YesterdayEilen
  [ai-len]
• TodayTänään
  [ta-naan]
• TomorrowHuomenna
  [hoo-oh-men-nah]
• 1Yksi
  [uuk-see]
• 2Kaksi
  [kahk-see]
• 3Kolme
  [kohl-meh]
• 4Neljä
  [nel-yaa]
• 5Viisi
  [vee-see]
• 6Kuusi
  [koo-see]
• 7Seitsemän
  [sait-seh-mahn]
• 8Kahdeksan
  [kah-dehk-sahn]
• 9Yhdeksän
  [uh-dehk-sahn]
• 10Kymmenen
  [kuum-meh-nehn]

• Where's a/the...?Missä on...
  [mee-ssah ohn]
• What's the address?Mikä on osoite?
  [mee-kah ohn oh-soi-teh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Voitko näyttää minulle (kartalla)?
  [voi-tkoh nay-stah min-oo-leh (kart-tah-lah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Milloin seuraava (bussi)?
  [mil-loh-een seu-rah-vah (boo-see)]
• A ticket (to ....)Yksi lippu (jonnekin)
  [uuk-see lip-poo (yohn-neh-keen)]

Savonlinna, originally known as Nyslott, was founded in 1475 by Erik Axelsson Tott, a Swedish nobleman. The town was established around Olavinlinna Castle, which was built to protect the strategically important region from Russian attacks. The name Savonlinna directly translates to 'The Castle of Savonia,' reflecting its origins and historical significance.

Olavinlinna Castle is the most prominent landmark in Savonlinna. This medieval fortress, constructed on an island in Lake Saimaa, played a crucial role in the conflicts between Sweden and Russia. The castle has three towers and massive stone walls, making it a formidable defensive structure. It has been remarkably well-preserved and today serves as a venue for the annual Savonlinna Opera Festival.

The Treaty of Nystad, signed in 1721, marked the end of the Great Northern War between Sweden and Russia. As a result of the treaty, significant parts of Finland, including Savonlinna, were ceded to Russia. This shift in power significantly impacted the region's cultural and political landscape, integrating it into the Russian Empire for over a century.

The Savonlinna Opera Festival is one of Finland's most celebrated cultural events. Established in 1912 by Finnish opera singer Aino Ackté, the festival has grown into an internationally renowned event. Held annually in the historic Olavinlinna Castle, the festival attracts opera enthusiasts from around the world, blending the town's rich history with high culture.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought significant industrial development to Savonlinna. The town became an important hub for the timber industry, with sawmills and paper mills driving economic growth. This period also saw the construction of key infrastructure, including the Savonlinna Railway Station, which linked the town to the rest of Finland and facilitated trade.

During World War II, Savonlinna experienced both Soviet bombings and occupation. Despite the destruction, the town's spirit remained resilient. After the war, Savonlinna underwent reconstruction and modernization, emerging as a symbol of Finnish perseverance and recovery.

Lake Saimaa, the largest lake in Finland, is a significant feature of Savonlinna's landscape. The lake's intricate network of waterways, islands, and forests has shaped the town's culture and lifestyle. It offers numerous recreational opportunities, from boating and fishing to hiking in the lush surroundings, making Savonlinna a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

Savonlinna is located in the heart of the Finnish Lakeland. The nearest international airport is Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, approximately 335 kilometers away. From Helsinki, you can take a direct train to Savonlinna, which typically takes around 4-5 hours. Alternatively, you can opt for a domestic flight from Helsinki to Savonlinna Airport, which is about a 20-minute drive from the city center. Buses and rental cars are also available for those who prefer a road trip through Finland's scenic landscapes.

Savonlinna is a relatively small city, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local buses and taxis are readily available. The city also offers a variety of rental services, including bikes and boats, which can be a unique way to explore the lakes and islands around Savonlinna. During the summer, boat cruises are a popular option for sightseeing.

The official currency in Finland is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Savonlinna, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are easily accessible throughout the city. Contactless payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also commonly accepted. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets.

Savonlinna is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always recommended.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Savonlinna has a local police station and well-equipped medical facilities, including a hospital. Pharmacies are available in the city for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Avoid overly casual attire in fine dining restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your hat when entering churches. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't talk loudly or disturb other passengers. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A nod or a smile is also a sign of politeness. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like muikku (fried vendace) and kalakukko (fish pie). Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Savonlinna like a local, visit the local markets, especially the Savonlinna Market Square, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Finnish goods. Attend the Savonlinna Opera Festival, held at the medieval Olavinlinna Castle, for a unique cultural experience. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss a cruise on Lake Saimaa to see the beautiful Finnish archipelago.