The Valamo Monastery to the Transfiguration of Christ, known as New Valamo, is Finland’s most important cultural centre for the Orthodox religion. Valamo offers stunning scenery, a peaceful atmosphere, a restaurant and accommodation.
New Valamo continues the tradition of the original Valamo Monastery, which was established in the 12th century on the Valamo archipelago in Lake Ladoga. When Finland was forced to cede Karelia to Russia in 1940, the monastery was given just a few days to move back within Finland's borders.
The monks and other personnel moved to the Saastamoinen mansion in Papinniemi at the end of July 1940. The the monastery nowadays owns the mansion, the entire Papinniemi farm and buildings, and about 865 acres of forest and fields.
Find out more about Valamo’s history at the Valamo Historical Exhibition at the monastery’s Cultural Centre. You will also be able to find out about the phases in the reconstruction of the monastery, everyday life in the monastery and ecclesiastical work from the 18th century to the present day.
Take a guided tour and learn about the activities of the monastery and the church buildings, the main church and Valamo All Saints Church. Tours are arranged daily during the summer and for groups at other times of year.
Check out the temporary exhibitions and visit the Valamo boutique, selling beautiful objects and sweets made by the monks. For a slightly different tour, visit the winery to learn about wine production and see the wine cabin.
Crown your visit to New Valamo by stopping off at the Lintula convent. Lintula has a similar history to Valamo – it was originally located on the Karelian Isthmus but the nuns were evacuated during the war and moved to Savo, where they have upheld their traditions to this day.
New Valamo is on the shore of Lake Juojärvi in South Savo. Joensuu Airport is only about 40 miles away. Connect via Helsinki Airport.
The monastery is open to visitors daily and there is no entrance fee. Book a full-board holiday in New Valamo and you will get accommodation and seasonal food, as well as a monastery tour and admission to the exhibitions, sauna and the Valamo Institute.
