Olavinlinna Castle

Earlier this week, me and my friends Saila and Emil, Emil's brother Alex and my semi-brother Jan, drove to Savonlinna to see its famous Medieaval castle, Olavinlinna (St. Olaf's). First built by the Swedish Empire sometime in 1475 to protect its interests against the Russians, it is one of the oldest castles in Finland. It's also the world's most northern stone fortreess still standing.

In the photo above (taken by Emil), Alex, Saila, I and Jan are just admiring the view before crossing the draw bridge to take a better look. Over the years it has been extended a couple of times, new towers have been built etc., and it's seen plenty of actual warfare. It surrendered once after a longer siege, but no-one has ever broken into it. Olavinlinna was built on a rock island, so it has splendid natural protection on all sides.

Since 1912 Olavinlinna has hosted the most famous opera festival in Finland, Savonlinna's Opera Festival. During this few day long festival the castle is not open to tourists. The government actually rents the castle out. You can even rent the King's Hall, only, or any other of the various rooms or court-yards for your friends, your wedding, and the like. Our tourist guide told us that the King's Hall costs only 600 euros a day. Think about it! Emil and I immediately started to talk about planning some sort of theological seminar or get-together there.