The best ways to explore Estonia's lakes and rivers
Canoe, kayak, SUP, scuba — even floating saunas! There are so many ways to enjoy Estonia's inland waterways.
Water is everywhere in Estonia.
This compact country has over 1,500 lakes and countless rivers, streams, and marshy waterways.
You can tool around a lake in a floating sauna or get a shot of adrenaline navigating swollen spring rivers. Pick your preferred mode of transport: kayak, canoe, SUP board, wakeboard, raft, or motorboat. Even scuba fins and a tank can be used to explore under the water!
Canoe and kayak trips in Estonia
Estonian waterways are generally calm, perfect for kayaks and canoes.
Canoe and kayak trips are suitable for families, solo travelers, novices, and advanced paddlers alike. Most service providers provide equipment, transportation, and guidance.
The Ahja River is one of Estonia's most picturesque kayaking and canoeing routes. The Taevaskoda sandstone outcrops, clear water, and a fairytale-like atmosphere make it an unforgettable place. Another popular destination is the Võhandu River, where you can paddle peacefully in summer or ride the rapids during the spring thaw.
Photo author: Giulio Gröbert
Cultural experiences on Estonia's waterways
Estonia’s rivers are not just for paddling; they also serve as cultural routes, connecting regions and communities.
On the Narva River, you can take the riverboat Caroline through the historical landscapes of Eastern Estonia. The M/S Pegasus, meanwhile, cruises on the Emajõgi River around Tartu. At the Lodjakoda theme park in Tartu, you can get to know the traditional riverboat culture.
Lake Peipsi is the largest lake in Estonia and the fifth largest in Europe. When Old Believers fled Russia in the 1600s, they settled on the lake's western shore, surviving as fishers and onion farmers. The road connecting their villages along the lake is known as the Onion Route. Get to know these unique communities by taking a boat trip on Lake Peipsi and visiting the island of Piirissaar.
Photo author: Hans Markus Antson
Photo author: Hans Markus Antson
Boat trips on lakes and rivers
There are tons of options for exploring Estonian waterways by boat.
Rent your own or hire someone to drive you. Join a tour or head out on a private trip with only your friends or family. Use a motor to zip over the water or row, row, row your boat.
Estonian waters are usually gentle, so you won't have to worry too much about getting seasick. Bigger boats may have toilets on board or offer trips with food included. You can also experience sunset from the water or try an evening on Rummu Quarry, looking down into the clear water with light-up rafts.
Water adventures for daredevils
Wakeparks and water parks will satisfy your thirst for adventure.
Wakeboarding, water skiing, and water parks bring adrenaline-filled experiences to the water, challenging your balance and ending with a dunk in the water.
Wpark, located in Põltsamaa, is one of the largest wakeboarding parks in the country. It is suitable for both first-time and experienced riders. They host competitions, courses, and summer camps for all ages. You can also go wakeboarding at Pidula Wakepark in Saaremaa or at Männiku Wakepark outside Tallinn.
Vudila Playland on Kaiavere Lake in Tartu County is a must-visit for families with water babies. This large water park has a three-level slide, saunas, trampolines, and rowing and pedal boats.
Photo author: Timo Müürsepp, WPark
Discover the otherworldly waters of Rummu Quarry.
The former limestone quarry in Rummu is one of Estonia's most unique semi-natural sites. Prisoners from the nearby Murru Prison once worked in the quarry, but since both have closed, nature has taken over. The quarry's crystal clear water hides abandoned buildings beneath its glass-like surface; you can check them out on a SUP board, canoe, or even on a diving trip. It's the perfect combination of adventure and photographic beauty!
Photo author: Christian Dimitrius
Balance your way through a bog lake
Where to SUP in Estonia
Stand-up paddleboarding is a great way to explore the Estonian nature. This water sport requires balance, but it is suitable for beginners and children who know how to swim. SUP boards can be rented at many lakes and rivers, and several outfitters organize guided tours. You can even rent an inflatable SUP board and take it to explore a lake hidden deep in a bog.
Photo author: Hans Markus Antson
Fishing in Estonia's fresh waters
Estonian lakes and rivers provide excellent conditions for fishing all year round.
Lake Peipsi is particularly famous for its whitefish and perch, and attracts ice fishers every winter. Fishing is a popular hobby in Estonia, and it's also a way to relax in nature. And when it goes well, you can enjoy a meal you caught yourself by the campfire at the end of the day.
Photo author: Susann Kõomägi
Floating saunas and hot tubs
Just when you thought Estonian saunas couldn't get any more relaxing...
Most countryside saunas have a body of water nearby for cooling off after a steam session, like a pond, river, or lake. Floating saunas are actually on a body of water. You can literally jump from the sauna into the water.
Photo author: Taavid Meedia OÜ, Visit Viljandi
Chasing (frozen) waterfalls
Water fun doesn't stop during winter.
Once the temperatures drop, water sports don't disappear; they just change shape. Lake Peipsi is an amazing winter destination, as the ice formations along the shore make for interesting exploring. Plus, locals have created their own way of accessing the ice — the hardy karakat. These big-wheeled trucks are an exciting way to travel across the frozen lake.
Ice skating is a favorite winter activity in Estonia. Towns fortunate enough to be located on a lake, like Viljandi, often open natural ice rinks once the water freezes. But an even better winter adventure is to go skating in a bog, where you can follow the frozen waterways and enjoy the crisp fresh air.
Photo author: Priidu Saart
Get inspired
Last updated
09.05.2025