It was in 1912 that the city of Savonlinna, nestled in the heart of the Finnish Lakeland, first opened the gates of its imposing medieval fortress to welcome opera lovers eager to hear the finest works of the repertoire.

In the summer of 2026, on the shores of Lake Saimaa, the festival opens with a celebration of Italian opera, set against enchanting landscapes and powerful emotions. The program features Madama Butterfly by G. Puccini and Nabucco by G. Verdi—two masterpieces filled with passion, pain, and struggle. The Marriage of Figaro by W. A. Mozart adds a touch of lightness and satire in a refined social comedy. From our guest company in Gothenburg comes a new staging of La Traviata, directed by Silvia Paoli. The season concludes with a concert performance of Bellini’s Norma, starring the remarkable Lisette Oropesa in the title role.

During your journey, you will spend two nights in Helsinki, allowing for a peaceful departure by train to Savonlinna and time to explore the charms of the Finnish capital. With its blend of neoclassical and modernist architecture, its museums, abundant parks, and its proximity to the sea, Helsinki is a refreshing and pleasant city to explore on foot.