Good to know
The opera performances begin at 19.00 (7 pm). The performances are held in the main, covered courtyard. The orchestra is in a pit in front of the stage. Please arrive at the Castle in good time and be in the auditorium at least 15 minutes before the opera begins. Late-comers will not be admitted until the first interval.
Transport to Olavinlinna
Transport to the opera performances and concerts is provided (for a charge) from the main Savonlinna hotels to the Castle and back.
Route/timetable in 2008
18.00 Malakias Summer Hotel (Hernemäki)
18.10 Tott Hotel
18.15 Seurahuone Hotel
18.20 Spa Hotel Casino and Vuorilinna
18.25 Pietari Kylliäinen Hotel
18.30 Olavinlinna Castle, Linnankatu stop
The return journey leaves the stop on Linnankatu for charter buses near the Castle 15 minutes after the end of the performance.
Fare: adults €4 single, children under 12 €2
No advance booking is required except for groups of ten or more.
Further information: Savonlinja-yhtiöt, tel. +358 (0)20 141 5580 or savonlinna@linja-karjala.fi.
The Castle auditorium
The Olavinlinna auditorium seats 2,257 and has facilities for three normal-sized wheelchairs. Section A rises from row 8, section B from row 12 and section C from row 11. All the rows in section D rise.
The box seats 96 and the box tickets include refreshments (sparkling wine/also non-alcoholic and a small savoury/sweet snack during the first interval).
The operas are sung in the original language. The Castle has a surtitling facility that may not be visible from all seats. The surtitles show the sung text translated into Finnish and English. The sets may obstruct the view of the stage from some seats.
How to dress for the performances
The Castle auditorium can be chilly even on summer evenings, so bring warm clothing. The Castle passages and floors are uneven, so wear stout shoes. If the weather is hot, bring a bottle of drinking water with you.
Photographing and smoking
Photographing, filming and smoking are prohibited during the performances and mobile (cell) phones must be switched off.
Young children
The presence of young children in the Castle auditorium may be a trial both for the children themselves and for other members of the audience. Children attending Opera Festival events must have their own tickets. The age recommendation for the children’s operas is six years or more.