WELLBEING PATH 1.6 KM
Valamo Monastery has a well-being path, which is a 1.6-kilometer-long path located in the immediate vicinity of the monastery, clearly signposted and marked for independent walking and quieting down. There are six signposts along the path, providing information about the history of the monastery, the teachings of the church and nature. The signs also include well-being exercises that can be carried out independently.
An example of the monastery's well-being path is the Metso Well-being Path concept, developed in a joint project between Tapio Oy and the Finnish Forest Centre, which emphasizes the well-being effects of nature.
The Valamo Well-being Path combines quieting down and the health and well-being benefits of nature. According to research, 10 minutes of spending time in nature lowers blood pressure, 20 minutes in nature boosts mood, and 60 minutes in nature increases alertness.
A leisurely self-guided tour of the wellness trail takes just under an hour, a guided tour takes a little more. You can do the trail with outdoor shoes and weather-appropriate gear.
PRAYER FOREST PATH 3 KM
The signposted route leads from the monastery cemetery to the atmospheric prayer forest. The Mittaa trail is about three kilometres long in total. Upon arrival, a small hermitage with prayer books and icons, as well as the tsasuna of Saint Seraphim of Sarov, awaits the traveler.
THE TRAVELER'S CROSS PATH 4.7 KM
The monastery's most popular walking route leads the traveler to the bowing cross called the Traveler's Cross, which the brotherhood erected on the shore of Lake Juojärvi in the late 1980s. The route winds through varied landscapes, partly following the shore of the lake. There is also a lean-to along the way, where you can stop for a snack or a barbecue.
PIGGER'S PATH 5.8 KM
The Pilgrim's Path, which is slightly longer than the Traveler's Cross Path, takes you deeper into the monastery forests and also ends in the Traveler's Cross area, from where you can return to the Traveler's Cross Path.
MONASTERY HIKING 20 KM
Those looking for a longer walking route can choose the 20-kilometer monastery hiking route, which leads from Valamo to the Lintula nunnery. The signposted route partly runs along narrow forest paths, so it is worth equipping yourself with good walking shoes. Suitable places for a snack break include a hut along the route or the Taivallahti Canal.
The Monastery Hike connects Finland's only Orthodox monasteries: a 20-kilometer hike through Eastern Finnish landscapes, leading the route from the Valamo Monastery to the Lintula Nunnery. The route is open from spring until the snow falls.
The hike starts at the gate of the Valamo Monastery, where the blue markings that follow the route lead the traveler towards Lintula. For those who prefer a shorter route, there is also an alternative: the orange-marked Prayer Path, which partially intersects with the Monastery Hike and offers an additional kilometer to the beginning. However, we recommend using a map to confirm the route in case you miss a sign.
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 relaxation. The hike is clearly marked, but the diversity of the route and the varying terrain make it an experience that will be remembered for a long time. The terrain varies from tree-lined paths to dirt roads, and the estimated duration of the route is about 5-6 hours on foot. The route is classified as medium difficulty. Medium difficulty means that the activity requires some level of dedication, and includes ups and downs and some terrain challenges.
Monastery hiking maps are available at the monastery reception.
