St. Nicholas Skete, Valaam
Никольский скит
A white monastic hermitage built on a small island, first seen by boats entering the monastery bay. It is Valaam's most photogenic view.
St Nicholas Skete stands on Nikola Island at the entrance to the Monastery Bay. Its centrepiece is a small white church with a green dome, dedicated to St Nicholas, patron of seafarers, and it is linked to the main island by a stone bridge. Boats entering and leaving the bay offer a panoramic view from the water, or you can walk about 20 minutes along the lakeshore path. The site has a small display of icons, and opening hours are set by the monastery. It is recommended to visit alongside the Central Monastery, and to choose a seat by the window for photos.
Opening hours
Summer daytime, per monastery arrangements
Nearby sights
- Valaam Transfiguration Monastery
- Saint Vladimir Skete, Valaam
- Resurrection & Gethsemane Sketes, Valaam
- Ladoga Skerries National Park
- Sortavala Old Town
- Museum of Northern Ladoga Region
- Ruskeala Express
- Vakkosalmi Park