Valamo–Matkamies Cross 4 km

An approximately four-kilometer-long and Valamo Monastery's most popular walking route takes you to the Matkamies Cross, known as the bowing cross.

Along the route, you will find well-being trail signs with information about the area’s history and self-guided well-being exercises.

The route starts from the northern edge of the monastery area, next to a field clearing. There is an information board at the starting point.

You walk through the monastery area to reach the starting point. In the monastery area, you must respect the rules and keep both shoulders and knees covered. If you have pets, you must approach the route by going around the monastery yard.

During the first few hundred meters, the route crosses a wet swamp area. Although the path is a clear and wide ski trail base, the lightest shoes might get wet here.

At 300 meters, you must decide your walking direction. If you go clockwise, you quickly get to enjoy lake views; going counterclockwise, you can focus on the well-being trail signs in the early part and save both the water scenery and the lean-to break for the later part of the route.

Halfway through, the path detours from the ski trail base to the shore. The endpoint of this detour is the Matkamies Cross, near which there are several picnic tables for a snack or rest.

From the Matkamies Cross, it is about half a kilometer to the lean-to shelter. The lean-to has a fireplace, an outdoor toilet, and a wood storage shed.

The route returns via the wide ski trail base back to the monastery. Along the way, the walker finds several icons on the trees.

It is recommended to download the 112 emergency app on your phone.

Valamontie 42, Heinävesi.

There is no public transportation to this route.

Valamontie 42, Heinävesi.

The route starts at the edge of the yard area of Valamo Monastery. You can reach the starting point by taking the path past the restaurant Trapesa on the left side when facing the main church, walking about 100 meters. There are signposts at the starting point.
The route circles counterclockwise along the base of the ski trail. At the first intersection of the illuminated trail, the directed route is to the right. However, the best parts of the route are to the left at the first intersection, so you can walk back and forth to the Matkamies Cross along the left-hand route, following the shore of Lake Juojärvi.

Dress according to the weather. The route is mostly on dry land except for a few short wet spots. The route can be completed with sneakers.