Balaam
|
Due to latest advancements in language models this article could be translated from its original language into English. Still - as with any other articles - its correctness and up-to-datedness have to be confirmed. If you visited this place or are a local and could verify the present information, please remove this tag. Otherwise, you have the chance to correct this article! |
Balaam
| |
|---|---|
| <map lat='61.3833' lng='30.9333' zoom='9' view='0' /> | |
| Check out hitchhiking spots on Hitchmap | |
| Information | |
Country:  |
Russia |
| State: | Karelia |
| Meet fellow hitchhikers on Trustroots | |
Valaam (Karelian: Valamoi, Finnish: Valamo "high, mountainous land") is an island in the northern part of Lake Ladoga, in the southwest of Karelia, Russia, the largest in the Valaam Archipelago. The island is home to the settlement of Valaam, which is part of the Sortavala urban settlement, and a monument of Russian architecture—the Valaam Stavropegial Monastery.
Contents
Hitchhiking out
Getting here by hitchhiking in the literal sense is difficult, because this is an island. However, in some (read: not all) winters, there is an ice road from Sortavala to Valaam, which you can hitchhike on if it exists. If you attempt this, follow the ice situation and the news closely. In summer, one could try to use a personal watercraft—precautions apply as well; if anything goes wrong, you won't be the first to drown there.
Other (paid) ways to get to the island:
- Cruise and regular boats run from Saint Petersburg, Priozersk, and Sortavala to the island.
- In winter, there is a hovercraft and a helicopter from Sortavala.
- In winter, it is also possible to reach the island on skis from Lakhdenpokhya, Sortavala, or Uuksu. However, keep in mind the weather—Lake Ladoga in winter can sometimes be as harsh as the far Arctic.
Hitchhiking in
Places to avoid
Accommodation and Sleep
There is a hotel for pilgrims on the island, which is usually paid. It is difficult to stay for free, especially in the warm season, due to demand. In winter, however, crazed travelers who manage to cross the ice may sometimes receive the blessing of the monks, which could include full board and excursions. Camping is discouraged by the monastery in summer; their level of success against campers is currently unknown.
