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Published: August 1st 2012
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After our last Finnish hotel breakfast we took a short walk through downtown Kuopio. Dock area was quiet that early in the morning and had a nice view of the lakes but unfortunately we didn't spot any of the extremely rare freshwater seals (Saimaa Ringed Seal) rumored to live somewhere in the multitude of connected lakes. After the docks we walked to the central cathedral with an imposing exterior, the interior however was really austere. Then we passed the kauppatori open market area that was completely under construction (underground parking lot?) to arrive at our goal, a small row of preserved wooden houses called Pikku Pietarin. We checked a few of the crafts stores but then we had to hurry back to the hotel as the check out was at 11AM this time.
Next destination was Savonlinna but on the way we had to stop at another birdtower. The only birds that we spotted were on the interpretative sign but at least we saw a couple lizards and one even climbed on our streched hand. That was fun. However the rain caught up again with us so it was back to the car.
Savonlinna was the most touristy city
that we visited in Finland. This coupled with the fact that it sits between two lakes with only one major road is a recipe for traffic jams and that is exactly what we got. After quite some time and missed turns we made it to a parking spot close to the castle which is a Unesco Heritage Site and the reason for our visit. During summer it also hosts an Opera Festival which contributes to the throngs of tourists that we notice.
The castle sits on an island in the middle of the lake and looks really impressive so we hurry to see the interior especially as it seems that a black rain cloud is following us. To our surprise as we close to the bridge to the castle it starts to swing away and then we notice that it is opening to let a ship use the channel. The cloud decides that now it is a good time to start pouring and even though we run to the castle when the bridge is back in position we are soaked (again).
We take an English tour through the castle (the only other options were Russian and Finnish) which
is surprisingly informative. We find out that after the building of the castle by the Swedes it was taken over by the Russians for quite some time and that they did a lot of building also including raising the towers making them more impressive. The tour is quite stair intensive as we climb to the highest tower and then of course have to climb back down. The tour ends in the Kings Hall which was impressive and was where the King was holding court/having banquests when visiting the castle. After a few more photos from outside where it is sunny again we find our car and continue south toward Helsinki.
Trying to avoid being late at the car rental we stop sparingly during the evening. Once we have to stop to have dinner and to finish as much as we can from our provisions as we will have to carry them after we return the car. Second time we stop to get gas and then also stretch our legs in the nearby forest. To our surprise we find edible mushrooms (that we collect) and wild strawberries (that we eat). Now we have dinner for tomorrow.
The bus trip
from the airport to downtown Helsinki after returning the car is uneventful and then it is a long walk to our hotel. Hotel looks great and really modern with lights even under the bed and lots of little touches like a plush tiger on the bed. The big negative is that the breakfast is expensive at $12 per person so we decide to skip it. After the long day we can't wait to go to sleep to recuperate for the following day which is what we promptly do.
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