The city hosts the famous annual Savonlinna Opera Festival. The operas are performed on a stage built inside the castle. It also has hosted the Mobile Phone Throwing World Championships annually since 2000.
The ice hockey team of Savonlinna, SaPKo or Savonlinnan Pallokerho, is playing in the second tier Mestis. Notable SaPKo alumni include Jarmo Myllys, Ville Leino, Tuukka Rask and Hannu Aravirta.
The top-tier volleyball team Saimaa Volley plays some of its home matches in Savonlinna. The football team Savonlinnan Työväen Palloseura (STPS), is playing in Kolmonen, the fourth tier.
Savonlinna and its Castle, blessed with superb acoustics, set amid some of the most beautiful scenery in a land famed for its lakes. For the Festival promises opera of the very highest standard in a unique setting. The City of Savonlinna is located in the middle of scenic lake district in eastern Finland. Saimaa is a labyrinth of blue lakes and green islands that forms the largest lake district in Europe. It is a breathtakingly beautiful destination for truly unforgettable opera visit. In addition to the stunning natural environment, you have a possibility to enjoy world class opera inside the walls of the medieval castle of Olavinlinna
