Lossiranta Lodge: A tranquil retreat in a historic setting

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Timo Seppäläinen, Christian Irjala

Lossiranta Lodge, a boutique hotel in Savonlinna, Finland, offers guests a serene escape surrounded by history and natural beauty. Located directly opposite the historic Olavinlinna Castle, and near the old town centre, the hotel’s homely atmosphere and breathtaking views make it an exceptional destination all year round.

Lossiranta Lodge is a charming hotel, featuring five uniquely designed rooms, each with its own kitchenette, entrance and terrace offering stunning lake views.

The hotel is located in the oldest part of Savonlinna, near the town centre. But what is most striking about the hotel is the view: it overlooks the medieval Olavinlinna Castle, located on a small island in Lake Saimaa. During its long history, the castle has served as a border fortress, and now it provides a perfect backdrop for the annual Olavinlinna Opera Festival and other cultural events throughout the year. For those who want to explore more, the castle is open daily.

Lossiranta Lodge: A tranquil retreat in a historic setting

Lossiranta Lodge is situated directly opposite the iconic Olavinlinna Castle.

A deep commitment to sustainability

In summer, breakfast is served in the hotel’s picturesque garden. “Some of the berries and apples served at our hotel breakfast come directly from our organic garden. We only use environmentally-friendly cleaning products and when the weather permits, we dry the laundry outside. Small actions like these have a big impact,” says owner Christine Lund.

At the core of Lossiranta Lodge’s ethos is a commitment to sustainability. The hotel has a Green Key environmental programme and emphasises sustainable and eco-friendly practices. “Environmental responsibility is part of our daily operations,” Lund says. “We want to continue to be able to enjoy the clean nature and clear waters of Lake Saimaa also in the future.”

A seasonal café operates in the garden during summer and indoors in winter, in the cosy Aino Lounge. The treats are sourced from local bakeries, who use fresh, pure ingredients. The baked goods use flour from a nearby small mill, and fresh, pure ingredients. Among the delightful, melt-in-your-mouth options are several lactose-free and gluten-free options made by local patisserie Kakkukaaos. Café Lossiranta also serves refreshing mocktails and light sparkling beverages made from the pure waters and wild berries of the Saimaa region.

One of the most cherished features of Lossiranta Lodge is its traditional Finnish wood-heated sauna. Here, guests can experience authentic Finnish relaxation by alternating between the sauna and the outdoor hot tub.

Lossiranta Lodge: A tranquil retreat in a historic setting

Lake Saimaa has a lot to offer

For the adventurous, the private pier allows direct access to Lake Saimaa for a refreshing swim. Some visitors may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the endangered Saimaa ringed seal. From the pier, guests can embark on guided seal safaris to explore the lake and its unique wildlife. Alternatively, you can enjoy a scenic tour aboard a larger vessel around Savonlinna and the island it’s situated on.

“In summer, many of our guests go for a morning swim, followed by our hearty hotel breakfast in the garden. This is a calming, relaxing place for those who want to enjoy a bit of luxury,” Lund says. “The lake has its own magical energy – and quite unusually, it doesn’t freeze over around the castle, even in winter.”

Lossiranta Lodge: A tranquil retreat in a historic setting

Relaxation and one-of-a-kind experiences

Savonlinna offers a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors. Alongside the iconic Olavinlinna Castle, the city boasts picturesque walking routes, quaint cafés, and a vibrant cultural scene. During the summer months, the region comes alive with opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking. Winter transforms it into a wonderland, with activities like cross-country skiing and ice fishing.

The town of Savonlinna is easily accessible by train, bus, plane or boat from Helsinki and elsewhere. Train and bus journeys take around four hours from Helsinki, and the flight takes 45 minutes.

The combination of Lossiranta Lodge’s sustainability, comfort and prime location makes it an excellent destination for visitors wanting to explore Finland’s diverse cultural offerings. “The tranquil setting paired with our welcoming and warm home-like atmosphere ensures a truly memorable stay,” the owner concludes.