WELLNESS PATH 1.6 KM
Valamo Monastery has a wellness path, which is a clearly signposted and marked 1.6-kilometer path located in the monastery's immediate surroundings for self-guided walking and contemplation. Along the path, there are six information boards providing information about the monastery's history, church teachings, and nature. The boards also feature self-guided wellness exercises.
The monastery's wellness path is modeled after the Metso Wellness Path concept, developed in a joint project by Tapio Oy and the Finnish Forest Centre, emphasizing the well-being effects of nature.
Valamo's wellness path combines contemplation with the health and well-being benefits of nature. Studies show that 10 minutes in nature lowers blood pressure, 20 minutes in nature lifts mood, and 60 minutes in nature increases attentiveness.
Quietly walking the wellness path on your own takes less than an hour, a guided walk takes a little longer. Outdoor footwear and weather-appropriate gear are sufficient for the path.
PRAYER FOREST PATH 3 KM
The marked route leads from the monastery's cemetery to an atmospheric prayer forest. The path is about three kilometers long in total. At the end, the traveler will find a small hermitage inviting to contemplation, with prayer books and icons, as well as the chapel of St. Seraphim of Sarov.
TRAVELER'S CROSS PATH 4.7 KM
The monastery's most popular walking route leads the traveler to a bowing cross called the Traveler's Cross, which the brotherhood erected on the shore of Juojärvi in the late 1980s. The route meanders through varying landscapes, partly following the lake shore. Along the way, there is also a lean-to where one can stop to eat snacks or grill.
PILGRIM'S PATH 5.8 KM
Slightly longer than the Traveler's Cross Path, the Pilgrim's Path leads deeper into the monastery's forests and also ends up in the area of the Traveler's Cross, from where you can return via the Traveler's Cross Path.
MONASTERY HIKE 20 KM
Those looking for a longer walking route can choose the 20-kilometer monastery hike, which leads from Valamo to Lintula Convent. The marked route runs partly on narrow forest paths, so it is advisable to be well-equipped with walking shoes. Suitable places for snack breaks include the kota (hut) found along the route or Taivallahti Canal.
The Monastery Hike connects Finland's only Orthodox monasteries: a 20-kilometer hike into the Eastern Finnish landscape, leading the route from Valamo Monastery to Lintula Convent. The route is open from spring until the snow falls.
The hike begins at the gate of Valamo Monastery, from where blue markings guide the traveler towards Lintula. For friends of shorter distances, there is also an alternative: the orange-marked Prayer Path, which partially intersects with the Monastery Hike and offers an additional kilometer at the start. However, we recommend a map to support navigation and ensure the route, should any sign be missed.
The Monastery Hike is not just a route, but an experience that combines the peace of nature, cultural history, and Orthodox tradition. It is suitable for both experienced hikers and those who want to spend a day in nature, combining exercise and spiritual contemplation. The hike is clearly marked, but the route's diversity and varied terrain make it an experience that will be remembered for a long time. The terrain varies from duckboard routes to dirt roads, and the estimated duration of the route on foot is about 5-6 hours. The route is classified as moderately challenging. The moderately challenging classification means that movement requires some experience, and includes ascents and descents and some terrain challenges.
Monastery hike maps are available at the monastery reception.
