Most people speak English and even those who don't are helpful. Savonlinna has attractive hotels within walking distance of Olavinlinna Castle. Two great restaurants are in country houses just outside of town. Rauhalinna, outside Savonlinna, was built in 1900 in Russian style with lace-like wood carvings by a commandant of the czar for his Finnish wife. Olavinlinna Castle, which seats 2,233, has a tarpaulin roof to keep out the rain.
Evenings can get cold in the castle's great hall.
A wool shawl or blanket as well as a sweater or jacket is a good idea. The stage, backed by a medieval stone wall, is long and shallow. Throughout both operas, there's a lot of modern dance, depicting the emotion in the music. Jorma Hynninen will sing Wolfram in some performances. Raimo Sirkia, excellent last summer, will again sing Tannhauser.