New Valamo Monastery
Valamon luostari
Finland's only Orthodox men's monastery. Its lakeside onion-domed church, monastery restaurant and distillery draw large numbers of visitors.
New Valamo Monastery stands on the lakeshore at Heinävesi. During the Second World War, monks from Valamo Island in Lake Ladoga evacuated here and rebuilt the monastery. The main church was built in 1977, and its interior houses icons brought from Old Valamo. The onion domes and gold iconostasis have a distinctly Russian Orthodox character, and visitors can attend morning and evening prayers. On site are a monastery restaurant (Trapesa), a hotel, a library, shops and a distillery famous for its berry wines and spirits. Entry to the monastery is free, but guided tours cost extra. It is about an hour's drive from Kuopio. In summer, boats run to the nearby Lintula Convent. When visiting the church, wear clothing that covers the knees, and women are best advised to bring a headscarf.
Opening hours
Grounds open all day; church, restaurants and shops follow their own hours
Nearby sights
- Lintula Holy Trinity Convent
- Juankoski Ironworks (Strömsdal)
- Tahko
- Lake Kallavesi Cruise & Kuopio Harbour
- Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Kuopio
- Väinölänniemi
- Kuopio Museum
- Old Kuopio Museum