Valday is situated on the western side of Valday lake, in the middle of motorway Saint-Petersburg - Moscow.

It was first mentioned in chronicles in 1495. In 1776 Valday became the district centre of Novgorod province.

Valday developed due to the favourable location on the main Russian road. The second half of the XVIIIth century is a period of Valday prosperity and the development of its traditional crafts - bell, farrier, leather, soap production, carrier's trade. Valday became famous for baking special barankas called "Valdaysky". It was in Valday where people began to cast little bells.

After the main railway was built, the number of travellers abruptly decreased, and the fact led to the economic decline of Valday.

In the beginning of the XXth century Valday becomes a favourite pleasure resort of those who lived in both Russian capitals. Writer Solovyev, journalist Menshikov, educational specialist Ostrgorsky, spiritual writer Nilus, archeologist, painter and philosopher Rerikh lived in Valday.

In Valday you can find the unique Museum of bells, that was opened in 1995, and the Museum of provincial town that was opened in 1998 and shows provincial culture and way of life.

In 1991 the National Nature park "Valdaysky" was founded. Its territory is 158,5 hectares. On its territory there are 70 lakes, 20 rivers, rare flora and fauna representatives, about 500 archeological, historical and architectural monuments.