Savonlinna (or Nyslott in Swedish, literally Newcastle. The Finnish name means Castle of Savo.) is a municipality of 27 079 (30.4.2007) inhabitants in the southeast of Finland, in the heart of the Saimaa lake region.
The city was founded in the 17th century, based around Olavinlinna. 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. This town is 335 km (Kilometers) away from the capital of Helsinki by road, five hours away by train, and is 40-60 minutes away by plane. It is built on a chain of islands located throughout a number of large lakes.
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Attractions
The city hosts the famous annual Savonlinna Opera Festival. The operas are performed on a stage built within the castle. It also has hosted the Mobile Phone Throwing World Championships annually since 2000.
Demographics
- Population: 27 079 (2007)
- Area: 1,374.00 km²
- of which is water: 551.74 km²
- Population density: 33.5 inhabitants/km²
Sports
The ice hockey team of Savonlinna, SaPKo or Savonlinnan Pallokerho, is playing in the second tier Mestis. The volleyball team East Volley is playing in the second tier I-sarja. The football team STPS (Savonlinnan Työväen Palloseura), is playing in Kolmonen, the fourth tier.
External links
- Savonlinna - Official site.
- World66 - Open source travel guide.
- Map of Savonlinna
