Valaam Transfiguration Monastery
Спасо-Преображенский Валаамский монастырь
A famous Orthodox monastery on Valaam Island in Lake Ladoga. The blue-and-white Transfiguration Cathedral and its monks' choir are the highlights of the trip.
Valaam Monastery dates back to around the 14th century and is known as the 'Mount Athos of the North.' The Transfiguration Cathedral at the central monastery has a blue dome and white walls. Its two tiers of interior walls are richly painted, and the monks' choir is renowned throughout Russia. In summer, take the Meteor hydrofoil from Sortavala. The trip to the island takes about one hour. On the island, you must either follow a monastery guide or walk the forest roads on your own. You can also book routes to St. Nicholas Skete and the Resurrection Skete. Women should wear headscarves and skirts, and men should not wear shorts. Book boat tickets early during peak season.
Opening hours
Summer boat schedule approx. 09:00–18:00; check sailing times
Nearby sights
- St. Nicholas Skete, Valaam
- Saint Vladimir Skete, Valaam
- Resurrection & Gethsemane Sketes, Valaam
- Ladoga Skerries National Park
- Sortavala Old Town
- Museum of Northern Ladoga Region
- Ruskeala Express
- Vakkosalmi Park