Sacret Paths and Waters – A Walking Week in the Valamo Monastery in Karelia

Silence Paths and Waters – A Walking Week in the Valamo Monastery in Karelia

Every step brings you closer to peace. Experience the joy of walking, fascinating stories and beautiful destinations on this unforgettable journey through Finnish nature and serene monasteries.

Embark on a soul-enriching pilgrimage along the sacred paths and peaceful waters of Heinävesi, where spirituality, nature and history intertwine. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Finland’s monastic heritage, discover profound stories and refresh your spirit through peaceful walks and heartfelt moments. Embark on a soulful adventure filled with beauty, history, and spiritual discovery. This week-long walking retreat promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Highlights

• Spiritual & Cultural tour: Explore beautiful monasteries
• Nature & Tranquility: Walk through pristine forests, along serene lakesides, and rural Finnish landscapes.
• Local Flavors: Savor fresh, local cuisine, including traditional meals cooked over open fires and wild herb tastings.
• Personalized Experience: Small group sizes (4-12 participants) ensure an intimate and personalized journey.

Group Size: 4-12 participants
Level of difficulty: Easy and moderate

Valid:  27.6.-3.7.2026 | 15.-21.8.2026

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Valamo Monastery 

• Arrival: Group Transfer from airport or train station:
• Accommodation: at Valamo Monastery 
• Evening: Dinner and introduction to the week ahead at the monastery's Trapesa restaurant

Day 2: Guided experiences in the surrounding nature and at Valamo Monastery

• Breakfast in Trapesa
• At 10:00 a.m. walk to the Traveler's Cross, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Lake Juojärvi – sootpan coffee and a savory/sweet snack at the lean-to along the way. The walking distance is approx. 4.5 km in total. Departure from the reception. Hammocks ready for the lean-to… relaxation by nature while waiting for coffee Instructions for the next day's hike, what to pack in your daypack. 
• Lunch in Trapesa
• Getting to know the monastery and the area – guided tour of the monastery led by a monastery guide
• Evening free time in Valamo
• Dinner in Trapesa

Day 3: First Hiking Day – Through the Forests and Trails 

• Breakfast in Trapesa
• Pack lunches and water bottles in your backpack.
• The hike starts at the church, where there is a short prayer and lighting of the bonfires.
• The walking distance on the first day is approximately 10 km. Most of the time you will walk in various forests along paths and tree-lined paths, with a short section along a dirt road.
• Lunch at the Taivallahti hut at approximately 1:30 PM
• Return to the monastery by car
• Sauna with a foot bath with herbs you have collected yourself, possibility of swimming.
• Free time at the monastery
• Dinner in Trapesa

Day 4: Second Hiking Day – Monastery to Monastery 

• Breakfast in Trapesa
• Lunch bags and water bottles for backpack and on the way.
• Transfer to Taivallahti hut, from where the journey continues hiking towards Lintula Monastery.
• The day's walking distance is about 10 km. In addition to beautiful forest trails, today we will travel along dirt roads in Finnish rural landscapes. The monastery hike ends at the Lintula Monastery church, where we will take the thanksgiving offerings to burn.
• Return to Valamo by car 
• Sauna and a small salty snack and drinks in the sauna hut. 
• Dinner at Trapesa

Day 5: Monastery Lintula Day

• Breakfast at Trapesa
• Departure to Lintula Monastery
• Guided tour at the church 
• Possibility to walk the monastery's nature trail (approx. 1.5 km) 
• Soup lunch at Lintula Monastery
• Shopping at the souvenir shop
• Finally, an afternoon coffee at your own expense in Lintula or alternatively in Ronttopuisto, which is within walking distance (approx. 1-1.5 km from Lintula), from where you would then get a ride back to Valamo
• Afternoon and evening free time in Valamo
• Dinner at Trapesa. Enjoy dinner with a monk and hear fascinating stories about life in the monastery.

Day 6: Cruise day

• Breakfast in Trapesa
• After breakfast, free time in the monastery
• On the water, i.e. cruise on the Sergei ship. Departure from the monastery at 10:30. On the boat trip, you will see the beautiful Juojärvi from the water and will be able to walk along the same Taivallahti canal that you saw on the previous day's monastery hike.
• Lunch in Trapesa after the cruise
• In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to participate in the "Mother Nature's Ointment Jar" workshop, where you will make foot cream and lip balm to take home. The creams use plants that grow naturally in Finland. 
• Dinner in Trapesa

Day 7: Departure

• Breakfast in Trapesa
• Spending time in the monastery, preparing for departure and making final purchases
• Check-out of rooms no later than 12:00
• Lunch in Trapesa before departure or after check-out of rooms.
• On the way home, a ride from the monastery to the train station

Price: Group 4 - 6 person 1900€/person | Group 7-10 person 1600€/person /  6 nights, 7 days
Accommodation: Double room at Valamo MonasterHotel /shared showers and toilets. The monastery’s location and peaceful surroundings are a significant part of the experience.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Guiding: Expert tour guide who will provide insights into the history, culture, and spiritual significance of the monasteries and Karelian villages.
Transfers: Transportation to and from the various locations on the itinerary. Group transfer from/to Airport 
Daily Programs: Scheduled activities each day, such as walks, visits to monasteries, cultural activities, and time for reflection and exploration.

On request and at extra cost:

• Single room + 30€/day.
• Extra nights in the monasteries. 
• Extra tranportations.

Notice: As this tour is highly dependent on the weather, there may be changes to the itinerary at short notice. Changes do not affect the nature and content of the tour.

Travel insurance: Travel insurance is highly recommended for overseas travel. A comprehensive plan should include coverage for trip interruption, delay and cancellation, medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, loss and damage to baggage. Travel Insurance Info