With some great day trip options available in the surrounding area, having your own car makes sense. Without one, it’d be much harder to explore all that Savonlinna, 25 miles away, has to offer. Olavinlinna Castle, Savonlinna Market Square and Savonlinna Regional Museum alone justify the drive. The locals will also likely point you in the direction of Varkaus, 45 miles away. If you only see one thing here, let it be Taipale Canal Museum. (But we’re also big fans of Water Tower Sightseeing Platform and Art Centre Vainola.)