The expedition: Ladoga and Valaam

We will start in Lakhdenpokhya, visit Valaam, Sortavala, and many different skerries and islands of northern Ladoga, and finish the trek in Lahdenpohja.

The main attraction of this trip is the Valaam Monastery.

The founders of monasticism on Valaam are considered Saints Sergius and Herman of Valaam. The earliest documentary evidence of the monastery dates back to the 14th century. The monastery was repeatedly ravaged by the Swedes. In the 18th century, under Abbot Nazaria, the Sarov monastery charter was introduced on Valaam. The Valaam Monastery reached its peak in the 19th century. under Abbot Damascus. Until 1917 Valaam Monastery was one of the largest Russian monasteries, it was called North Athos. By 1917, there were 21 churches (15 stone and 6 wooden ones) with 26 altarpieces, 22 chapels on Valaam; the total number of brethren was 600 monarchs and 86 workers; there were small industries (resin, brick, candle, tanneries, various workshops), a farm, gardening, horticulture, fishing, handicrafts flourished. The Valaam Monastery possessed an extensive archive and library, and was famous for its singing traditions.