Valaam, Karelia: Places of Power in Russia
Today's episode of the "Places of Power in Russia" project is dedicated to a mysterious, secluded, and spiritual place nestled in the harsh northern waters of Lake Ladoga. We'll embark on a journey through the land of a thousand lakes—Karelia. We'll discover unique natural beauty, explore masterpieces of ancient Russian wooden architecture, tell you about famous tourist destinations, and experience a stronghold of Orthodoxy and a reservoir of inexhaustible spiritual strength.
Before heading to Valaam, we decided to visit the equally famous surrounding places for which Karelia is so renowned: Kizhi Island, Ruskeala Park, and Kivach Waterfall.
Valaam Island is a natural monument, the largest island of the archipelago of the same name.
This corner of paradise is not measured by the temperature or the weather, but by its stunning, restrained northern beauty. This is a wonderful corner of extraordinary beauty, filled with a special peace and tranquility.
Valaam is located on Lake Ladoga in Karelia, 22 kilometers from the nearest shore.
The island, whose name means "high land" in Finnish, occupies a central position in the vast Valaam archipelago, which covers a total area of 36 square kilometers.
Valaam even has its own inland lakes and is connected to several other, smaller islands in the archipelago by wooden bridges.
In total, the Valaam archipelago comprises approximately 50 large and small islands.