Monastery Hike: Valamo–Lintula

The Monastery Trail connects Finland’s only Orthodox monasteries: the Valamo Monastery and the Lintula Convent. The trail is 20 km long one way. The route features a variety of narrow trails, interspersed with convenient sections along sandy roads.

Every summer, a procession of the Cross walks the Monastery Trail from Valamo to Lintula.

The Monastery Hike, which runs through Heinävesi in North Karelia, offers a wonderful mix of Eastern Finnish landscapes. In addition to narrow trails, the route includes both boardwalks and sandy roads.

When setting out from the gate of the Valamo Monastery, be sure to look for the blue trail markers. A shorter route, the Prayer Trail, also starts at the gate; its orange markers run partly parallel to and partly intersect with the Monastery Trail. If you’d like an extra kilometer of narrow trail to start with, you can follow the orange-marked route for the first two kilometers, then continue along the blue route.

Overall, the Monastery Hike is a relatively well-marked trail. The blue trail markers are supplemented by weathered wooden signposts. However, it’s recommended to bring a GPX file, a topographic map, or a trail map in case you miss a signpost.

In the first few meters, you’ll cross Juurikkasalmi, next to which there’s a small boat ramp with campfire sites.

The cultural landscape gives way to a narrow forest trail lined with spruce trees. About 4 km from the starting point, you can take a detour to the shore of Monikkalahti. There, a modest campfire site awaits hikers.

After crossing the Heinämäki ridge and Kansalantie Road, the trail descends toward Varissuo and some of the most challenging sections of the hike. The nearly 2-kilometer-long marsh section is mostly traversable via boardwalks. The condition of the boardwalk varies, and in some places there are wet spots where your shoes can easily get wet. There are several benches along the marsh section, and it’s well worth taking the time to stop and soak up the atmosphere.

After Varissuo, the trail continues through an old, moss-covered spruce forest until you reach Taivalkoda. The cabin is owned and maintained by the Varistaipale Village Association. This neat and spacious building can accommodate eight hikers for the night.

The next few kilometers from the cabin to the Taivallahti Canal pass quickly, partly along sandy roads.

It’s worth slowing down in the canal area, as the canal and its surroundings are listed as a nationally significant built cultural environment. The Taivallahti Canal is part of the Heinävesi waterway route, which is one of Finland’s national landscapes.

Winding along small sandy roads, you’ll reach the Paloki hydroelectric power plant. Shortly after the power plant, the route enters more forested areas and crosses a beautiful wooden footbridge; from there, it’s just over a verst to Lintula Monastery.

Safety

• Download the 112 app to your phone
• Download the GPX file in advance or bring a route map with you.
• It’s recommended to carry a small first-aid kit

Location, Arrival & Parking

From Joensuu, drive west on Kuopiontie for about 26 km, then turn left onto Varkaudentie and continue along Vallantie for about 35 km, then turn right onto Valamontie. Continue along Valamontie for about 4 km, and after crossing the bridge over Juurikkasalmi, turn left into the Valamo Monastery parking lot.

There is an irregular bus service to Valamo from Joensuu. Some buses run about 4 km from Valamo. It’s a good idea to check the bus schedules on the Matkahuolto website.

Parking is available at Valamo Monastery.

Directions

The trail has new blue signposts. The route is relatively well-marked, but to be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to bring a GPX file and/or a trail map.

Equipment and gear

• Weather-appropriate gear
• A jacket for when you stop
• Drinks and snacks
• In some places along the boardwalk, the terrain is marshy, and your shoes can easily get wet.