Helen's Trip to Savonlinna Opera Festival

Senior Travel Consultant Helen Howard recently visited Finland to attend a summer opera festival – below she shares her experience;

Finland isn't the first place that I think for opera holidays so I was excited to experience an opera festival in a stunning setting. Each July a medieval castle in the Saimaa region of the country is transformed into an opera venue with world-class performances of some of the best-loved operas. The castle is set on a tiny island just off the pretty lake-side town of Savonlinna and was originally built to defend the Swedish realm (as it was then).

As Artistic Director of the festival, Ville Matvejeff quotes: “World class opera in a medieval lakeside castle, under the barely setting sun of the magical Nordic summer – this is only possible at Savonlinna Opera Festival.”

The temporary auditorium is within the castle courtyard and it is covered meaning performances can go ahead even if it rains. As it's a temporary structure it is reasonably open so it's wise to bring an extra layer as evening temperatures can dip. Characterful swallows and house martins nest within the castle and auditorium and they were industriously tending to their young throughout. The opera performance was accompanied by swooping and twittering of these agile birds and it added to the unique experience.

I watched Madame Butterfly and it was utterly entrancing; a truly spell-binding production. All operas are performed in their original language with English and Finnish surtitles and the majority of seats give excellent unrestricted views. Beforehand I had the privilege to take a backstage tour, ascending and descending narrow staircases to visit make-up, hair, wardrobe and props departments, all squeezed into tiny spaces in the ancient castle. This was an excellent insight to the opera experience and I gained a greater appreciation for how each production is staged and how impressive quick costume changes are!

After each performance the stage is set for a different opera to be performed the following night, so it is possible to see two or sometimes even three operas across consecutive evenings.

For an extra special experience it's possible to have a pre-opera dinner in the castle - a wonderful experience that I highly recommend!

Has the programme for July 2027 been announced?

Yes, in 2027 The Barber of Seville, The Magic Flute and Andrea Chenier – Umberto Girodano’s opera in the verismo style (post-Romantic operatic tradition) will be staged. There is also a short run of just four performances of Carmen at the end of the festival.

Is there a dress code?

No - one can dress up to the nines or go in jeans, anything goes. Heels should be avoided, flat footwear is best as there are lots of uneven steps and uneven ground – it is a stone medieval castle after all!

What's the best length of time for a trip to attend this festival?

It partly depends on whether you would like to see more than one opera. Other considerations include combining the opera festival with a stay in Helsinki for two or three nights, or perhaps extending the trip to stay in a rural part of the Saimaa region. I recommend a minimum of four nights and ideally longer to enjoy more of Finland!

How far in advance should I book this opera break for 2027?

I recommend booking as early as possible - accommodation options are limited within Savonlinna itself but there are also hotels within easy reach of the opera venue.

What's the best way to travel to Savonlinna?

It's possible to fly from the UK to Savonlinna via Helsinki. Depending on the UK airport and flight schedules it may be necessary to stop over in Helsinki - it's a great capital city to explore and we’ll be pleased to make suggestions for your time there. From Helsinki either fly to Savonlinna (under 1 hr) or travel by train (around 4 hrs) for the opera festival.

What can I do as well as attend the opera festival?

Savonlinna is a pretty town set on the edge of a lake and it's lovely just to wander along the lake edge promenade behind which sit cafes and restaurants. Perhaps take a private backstage tour or enjoy dinner in the castle prior to the opera performance. The wider Saimaa region is beautiful, full of forests and lakes and therefore is a tranquil place to relax and enjoy the scenery. There are also boat trips, fantastic restaurants, innovative museums, art galleries and studios set in rural manor houses and the world's largest wooden church to visit. Plus no visit to Finland would be complete without a sauna, possibly followed by a refreshing dip in a lake!

Take a look at our Opera Holidays or get in touch with a specialist and we will be pleased to put together a bespoke opera trip for you.