Sub-region Savonlinna sub-region Time zone EET (UTC+2) | Charter 1639 Local time Thursday 4:03 PM | |
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Area rank 27th largest in Finland Weather 4°C, Wind W at 24 km/h, 39% Humidity Points of interest Olavinlinna, Retretti, Savonlinna Cathedral, Linnansaari National Park, Kolovesi National Park | ||
Savonlinna (Swedish: Nyslott) is a town and a municipality of 35,504 (31 March 2016) inhabitants in the southeast of Finland, in the heart of the Saimaa lake region. The Finnish name of the town means "Castle of Savonia" and the Swedish name means "New Castle".
Contents
- Map of Savonlinna Finland
- History
- Transport
- Education
- Attractions
- Sports
- Twin towns Sister cities
- References
Map of Savonlinna, Finland
History
The city was founded in 1639, based on Olavinlinna castle. The castle was founded by Erik Axelsson Tott in 1475 in an effort to protect Savonia and to control the unstable border between the Kingdom of Sweden and its Russian adversary. During the Russo-Swedish War (1741–1743), the castle was captured by Field-Marshal Peter Lacy. It was held by Russia between 1743 and 1812, when it was granted back to Finland as a part of the "Old Finland".
In 1973 the municipality of Sääminki was consolidated with Savonlinna. In the beginning of year 2009 the municipality of Savonranta and a 31.24 km2 (12.06 sq mi) land strip from Enonkoski between Savonlinna and Savonranta were consolidated with Savonlinna.
Transport
This town is 335 kilometres (208 mi) away from the capital of Helsinki by road, some four hours away by train. There is an airport in the town, and the journey to Helsinki takes 40–60 minutes by plane. It is built on a chain of islands located throughout a number of large lakes.
Education
The University of Eastern Finland has a campus in Savonlinna, primarily for teacher education.
Attractions
The city hosts the famous annual Savonlinna Opera Festival. The operas are performed on a stage built inside the castle. It also has hosted the Mobile Phone Throwing World Championships annually since 2000.
Sports
The ice hockey team of Savonlinna, SaPKo or Savonlinnan Pallokerho, is playing in the second tier Mestis. Notable SaPKo alumni include Jarmo Myllys, Ville Leino, Tuukka Rask (Boston Bruins) and Hannu Aravirta. One notable hockey player from the city who did not play for SaPKo is Joonas Rask of HIFK and formerly the Nashville Predators, younger brother of Tuukka.
The top-tier volleyball team Saimaa Volley plays some of its home matches in Savonlinna. The football team Savonlinnan Työväen Palloseura (STPS), is playing in Kolmonen, the fourth tier.
Twin towns — Sister cities
Savonlinna is twinned with: