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Valaam memorial reserve

Valaam archipelago is located in the northern part of Ladoga Lake. The territory of archipelago has received the status of a national park in 1999. Valaam Island gave its name to both the archipelago and the monastery. For its centuries-old history, dating back to the 10th - 11th centuries, the monastery has created an outstanding architectural complex, which received world fame.

The history of the monastery is full of events, but the main thing, that attracts the attention of tourists, is the nature of Valaam. The nature of Valaam is unusual and beautiful. Here mighty pines and fur-trees grow directly on rocks, which are on tens of meters elevated above water, so that the shores sometimes look as an unassailable fortress. In other places, on the contrary, the rocks go under water very slightly and are ironed by ice to the condition of "foreheads of mutton ". Quite often one can meet stone areas or fine sand beaches here. On many islands usual pines, fur-trees and birches are supplemented by groves and avenues of oak, fir, larch, cedar and many other species brought here by the monks from different regions of country a long time ago. All these plantations have rather a decent age - up to 100-150 years, and even more. All of these create an impression of a certain botanical oasis on severe northern rocks. The picture is completed with gardens, created by the monks. The gardens are especially beautiful during flowering time.

The main purpose of the park is to keep safe beautiful views of archipelago and with the help of the specially made routes to show tourists cultural, historical and natural sights of this place.

Opening time:
All the year round.

Additional information:
Pilgrimage service of the Valaam monastery and many tourist companies organize visits to the archipelago.

Boats and hydrofoil perfom regular voyages between Sortavala and Valaam in summer. In winter season the island can be reached by helicopter, but there are no regular helicopter flights. In winter excursions on snowmobiles are organized.