Savonlinna Opera Festivals 3.7.-1.8.2026

Italy arrives in Savonlinna

When the summer evening light shimmers on the waves of Lake Saimaa and the ancient stone walls of Olavinlinna reverb echoes across the water, a moment begins – a moment whose enchantment has captured opera lovers and curious travelers alike, year after year.

In the summer of 2026, that moment resonates with music and melody – sounds that have drifted through narrow streets as whispered lullabies and risen over great squares as voices of collective strength, generation after generation.

That resonance is Italian in origin. It leads us into a summer of stories – of love and despair, loyalty and betrayal, fragility and defiance.

Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells of longing, loss, and a love that cannot last. Verdi’s Nabucco, in turn, gives voice to a nation’s and an individual’s struggle beneath the weight of destiny and power.

Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro brings to the stage a vibrant and cunning opera buffa – a brilliant comedy that cloaks its sharp social insight beneath elegance and wit.

From our guest company in Gothenburg comes Silvia Paoli’s fresh new staging of Verdi’s La Traviata. And to crown the season: Bellini’s Norma, a bel canto masterpiece in concert form, marking the much-anticipated debut of the luminous soprano Lisette Oropesa in the title role.

Troppo dolce? Perhaps. But what could be more richly fulfilling than an Italian opera summer on Lake Saimaa.

Accommodation

Our hotels Seurahuone and Hotel Tott are located in the town center of Savonlinna.

Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone Savonlinna

Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone at the heart of Savonlinna wishes you a warm welcome!

Our hotel is located by Lake Saimaa, next to the Market Square and a stone’s throw away from Olavinlinna Castle.

You can choose to stay in one of our newly refurbished hotel rooms or the suite-like spacious Seurahuone Apartments just a walking distance from the main hotel. Almost every room boasts an unforgettable view over Lake Saimaa.

Legendary summer hotel Tott

The summer hotel Tott at Savonlinna harbour wishes you a warm welcome!

Hotel Tott, named after Erik Axelsson Tott, the founder of Olavinlinna Castle, is located in the centre of Savolinna. It is only a few hundred metres to the city’s summer activities from here: to the Market Square and the medieval Olavinlinna Castle. Enjoy the cosy atmosphere at the summer city!

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Restaurant services

Restaurant Perlina di Castello at Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone serves delicious Italian food.

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During the summer months, Muikkuterassi offers a menu of seasonal, local Saimaa flavours. We don´t take individual table reservations to Muikkuterassi; we serve customers in the order of arrival.

Olavinlinna Opera Buffet

Buffet is served in Olavinlinna Restaurant Linnantupa before the opera

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Welcome to enjoy the original athmosphere of Savonlinna and Savonlinna Opera Festival!