Guided Tours

Guided Tours of the Monastery

GUIDED MONASTERY TOUR

During the tour, both churches in the area will be seen and the guide will tell about the history and present day of the monastery. The tour also includes a DVD presentation.

During summer, guided tours are organized daily in Finnish for individual visitors.
Guided tours in other languages require advance booking.

At other times, tours are arranged for groups by prior request.

Public Guided Tours for Summer 2026

June 1 - June 21

  • Mon-Sat at 10:00
  • Sun and on church holidays at 14:00

June 22 - August 9

  • Mon-Sat at 10:00 and 14:00
  • Sun and on church holidays at 14:00
  • Daily guided tour in English at 12:00

August 10 - August 30

  • Mon-Sat at 10:00
  • Sun and on church holidays at 14:00

Price 10 € / person, children 4-14 years old 5 €. Tickets from reception.

Right to changes reserved.
 

WINE PRESENTATION

During the presentation, you will learn about wine production and taste the monastery's own products in the cozy wine cellar.
For groups of min. 8 people by prior arrangement.

CEMETERY TOUR

During the guided tour, led by a guide, you will explore the monastery's cemetery, which is approximately 1 km from the monastery hill.
For groups of min. 5 people by prior arrangement. 

 

Guides

On the monastery's guided tours, we guides will tell you about Valamo's eventful history on Lake Laatokka, the monks' evacuation journey here to Heinävesi, and what factors led to the monastery being located right here in Papinniemi.

In the old church, one can sense the prayerful voices of the departed monks, which connect the past liturgical life to the present. From the guides, you will hear about monastic life, monkhood, and Orthodoxy.

In the monastery's Main Church, you will also hear about miracle-working icons, of which there are three in Valamo. In the church, we also tell about the first saint of the Orthodox Church of Finland, John of Valamo. At the end of the tour, we will watch a video presentation of the monastery's various services, accompanied by beautiful Orthodox church music.

On guided tours, you will get inside Valamo's life in a different way than exploring on your own. You will gain a deeper understanding of the living monastic community. We monastery guides are here for you, and during the tours, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about topics that interest you!

FURTHER INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS

Valamo Sales Service
Tel. 017 570 1810
myyntipalvelu@valamo.fi