A few years ago, the Kynnys ry association carried out a survey on accessibility at Olavinlinna Castle. The survey revealed that the castle’s accessibility was very challenging. Olavinlinna was built in 1475 for defensive purposes on the rocky island of Kyrönsalmi and was designed to be as inaccessible as possible. The castle’s courtyard is paved with uneven natural stones, the steps are steep, some doorways are narrow and low, and the interior is labyrinthine with many changes in level and thresholds. Due to the castle’s great cultural and historical value, it is almost impossible to alter its historical structures. The Cultural Heritage Act prohibits alterations to historical monuments. However, we are actively seeking solutions within the limits of our resources to improve the castle’s accessibility. In June 2015, an accessible route was opened from Tallisaari via a pontoon bridge to the castle’s first courtyard at the Vesiportti bastion.
The Olavinlinna ticket office is located next to the museum shop on the second floor of the main castle. During the summer months, a second ticket office is available at ground level near the castle’s main gate.
Access
You can take a taxi or other vehicle all the way to Tallisaari. The route from Tallisaari to the pontoon bridge at Olavinlinna, and on up to the castle gate, is wheelchair-accessible with the assistance of a carer. An accessible route was opened in June 2015 to the castle’s first courtyard, the Vesiportti bastion, where the castle’s accessible exhibition and the children’s workshop ‘The Little Duke’s Hall’ are located. Braille versions of the texts for the accessible exhibition are available from the museum ticket office. Visitors using a wheelchair or walking frame can visit the accessible exhibition and workshop free of charge with the assistance of a carer.
All other courtyards paved with uneven natural stone (the Small courtyard, the Grand courtyard and the Suvorov courtyard) are accessible with the help of an assistant. The stairs are accessible via portable ramps.
Pets, assistance dogs
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome. Otherwise, pets are not permitted in the palace.
Cloakroom
A free self-service cloakroom is located next to the palace ticket office. There is no secure storage for belongings at the palace.
General accessibility
There are no lifts in the building. During guided tours, the castle’s towers are accessed via narrow, steep staircases.
The castle’s restaurant and summer café are located on the second floor, which is accessed via stairs. Entry to the café is free.
The museum shop is on the second floor of the castle, next to the ticket office. The shop is accessed via steep natural stone stairs. Entry to the shop is free. Enquiries: tel. 0295 33 6349.
In June 2015, an accessible route to the castle’s first courtyard was opened at the Vesiportti bastion, where there is an accessible exhibition and the children’s workshop ‘The Little Duke’s Hall’. It is difficult to get around the castle’s floors with pushchairs or buggies; it is impossible during guided tours. Prams or pushchairs can be left during the castle tour, for example next to the self-service coat rack near the ticket office.
Toilets
Public toilets are located near the ticket office at the top of a steep spiral staircase.
The accessible toilet is located in the castle’s main courtyard. Call 050 428 5542 to have it opened.
Children
The nappy-changing table is located next to the ladies’ toilet. The Linnantupa café-restaurant has high chairs.