Valamo Monastery

Finland'S Orthodox Monastery, Refounded In Heinavesi In 1940 By Monks Evacuated From Valaam On Lake Ladoga · Heinavesi, North Savo

Valamo is Finland's Orthodox men's monastery, set on a quiet lakeside estate at Papinniemi in Heinavesi, North Savo. Its story begins on Valaam, an island in Lake Ladoga where monks lived for centuries; when Finland lost that area in the Winter War, the monks were evacuated in 1940 and brought icons, relics, books and bells with them, refounding the community here as New Valamo. Today a small brotherhood keeps a daily round of services in the main Church of the Transfiguration, built in the 1970s, and in the older church made from an estate building, while the monastery also runs a guesthouse, a restaurant and cafe, a shop of icons, books and local products, a winery said to make berry and fruit wines, and an educational lay academy. Visitors come for the icons and incense-filled services, the calm lake scenery and a night or two of quiet. The honest caveat: it is both a working monastery and a busy tourist stop, so summer coach groups can crowd the churches and cafe.

New Valamo, Papinniemi, Heinavesi, Heinavesi, North Savo, Finland

The monastery grounds are open to visitors all year, and entry to the grounds and churches is free. Services take place daily, usually in the morning and evening, with longer services on Saturday evening, Sunday morning and feast days - check the current service schedule. The cafe, restaurant and shop are open daily with longer hours in summer; guided tours run regularly in summer and by arrangement off season. Valamo is about 1.5 hours by car from Kuopio, Joensuu or Savonlinna; public transport is limited. Book the guesthouse, group tours and summer lake cruises from Kuopio ahead, especially in July.

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