Olavinlinna Castle

Södra Savolax, Savonlinna · Finland · Castle

At this medieval fortress a maiden walled up alive is said to appear on the balcony at full moon — and a water spirit played the harp before every disaster.

Olavinlinna (Olofsborg) rises on an islet in Lake Saimaa at Savonlinna and is one of the Nordic region's best-preserved medieval castles. Its most famous legend tells of a young castle maiden walled up alive for treachery — at midnight under a full moon she and her officer are said to appear on the castle balcony. There is also the tale of the black ram that scared off an enemy, and of the vetehinen, the water spirit who played the harp whenever disaster or sudden death drew near. The castle is a museum and the stage for the opera festival.

FAQ

Where is Olavinlinna Castle located?

Olavinlinna Castle is in Södra Savolax, Savonlinna, Finland.

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Image: Tulipasylvestris / CC BY-SA 4.0 — Wikimedia Commons