Valamo Residency

Located in peaceful Papinniemi in Heinävesi, on the shore of clean Juojärvi, Valamo Residence offers artists a bridge between everyday life and inspiration. The monastery's natural silence and simplicity provide a counterweight to a society driven by performance and consumption. Our residency offers space to think and time to create something new. Or to finish something unfinished.

Valamo has been a base for artists for decades. We welcome all creative professionals, regardless of art form or worldview. Our versatile facilities are suitable for writers, visual artists, and those working with music.

Some of the forests surrounding the monastery are untouched old-growth forests. In the immediate vicinity, there are several marked outdoor routes of varying lengths. A visit to the monastery's forest cemetery is a moving experience. Bicycles, kick sleds, and snowshoes can be borrowed from the monastery.

Valamo Monastery's outdoor routes

Residency Application Autumn 2026 (for the period 1.9-20.12.2026)

Apply for Valamo's Sillankorva residency for autumn 2026. A free-form application, briefly outlining the artist's previous activities and current work plan, should be submitted to myyntipalvelu@valamo.fi by 31.7.2026. Decisions on autumn residency placements will be made by 15.8.2026.

The application must state which period is primarily being applied for. The minimum period is 1 week, the maximum 1 month. Recommendations may be attached to the application if desired, but only a CV is mandatory as an attachment.

Further information and applications:

Valamo Monastery / Sales Service

Tel. 017 570 1810 (Mon-Fri 9 AM - 3:30 PM)

myyntipalvelu@valamo.fi

WORKSPACES

Studio - A peaceful studio, flooded with natural light, is suitable for visual artists or music creators, and also for a small workgroup.

1-2 weeks 100€ / month 150€

Nook - The cozy and practical Nook offers a bright workspace with magnificent church views for one artist.

1-2 weeks 75€ / month 125€

Both workspaces were completed in summer 2024 and are located in their own peaceful area in Valamo's college building.

Workspaces must be reserved in advance.

Valamo Library offers researchers quiet desk spaces, which can be reserved from the library in advance or on-site.

ACCOMMODATION

Sillankorva - This unique art house is located next to the bridge leading to the monastery, on the shore of Juojärvi. In 2009, the interior design of the house was planned by artist Kim-Peter Waltzer, funded by a private donor. The floors are made of black Ilomantsi stone, the walls of Kittilä green marble and art. The ceilings are made of ash. The house has three rooms, each with a bathroom, a bed for one, a desk, and a bedside table. The shared kitchen has a dining table, a refrigerator, a stove, a microwave oven, a dishwasher, a coffee and water kettle, a toaster, and recycling bins. Pets are not allowed in the Sillankorva house.

1 week 210€ / 2 weeks 320€ / month (28 days) 500€

College Hotel - Accommodation in single rooms with shower and toilet. You can also inquire about the possibility of a double room and a pet-friendly room. There are shared kitchens on both floors of the College Hotel. Valamo's wireless Wi-Fi network is available. The College Hotel entrance has a wheelchair ramp.

1 week 175€ / 2 weeks 275€ / month (28 days) 425€

Accommodation prices do not include breakfast or other meals. The price includes sauna twice a week (separate turns for men and women) and the opportunity to participate in Valamo College's courses at a special price.

Prices include VAT.

Through Valamo Monastery's cultural activities, the Orthodox Church of Finland began to open up to society in the 1980s, and the monastery became known as an "Orthodoxy"

Contact information

Driving directions and transport connections

Invoicing addresses and bank details
Accessibility statement

Visiting hours

Valamo Monastery is open year-round. Services' visiting hours vary by season.

In the newsletter, we inform you about Valamo Monastery's current events, upcoming proceedings, and institute courses. Subscribe to the monastery's newsletter

Visitor feedback

How was your visit to Valamo Monastery? We would appreciate feedback on the services you used.

Thank you and welcome again!

Valamo Residency