The Inland Waters Festival is part of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 main program.


Embark on an unforgettable summer adventure with Estonia’s Inland Waters Festival!

From June 29 to July 10, immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Estonia as you journey through 18 charming ports along a scenic 500-kilometer route. Traverse the majestic waters of Lake Peipus, the Emajõgi River, and Lake Võrtsjärv, exploring a hidden gem untouched by the Baltic Sea. Each port beckons with its own vibrant cultural program, offering a rich tapestry of concerts, workshops, competitions, and tantalizing regional dishes to savor. Join us for a festival like no other, where every moment is filled with discovery and delight.


Lake Võrtsjärv
  • Võrtsjärv is the largest inland lake in Estonia. In terms of surface area, it is larger than all other Estonian lakes combined, excluding Lake Peipsi.
  •  Võrtsjärv is fed by 23 rivers, streams, or ditches, but water only flows out through the Emajõgi River."
River Emajõgi
  • Emajõgi is one of Estonia's largest rivers, ranking ninth in length in Estonia.
  • The Kavastu ferry is the only ferry in the Baltic States that can be used to cross the river.

Peipsi Lake

  • This sea-sized lake, which ripples along Estonia's eastern border, is the fourth largest in Europe and the largest in Estonia in terms of surface area.
  • Approximately 240 rivers and streams flow into Peipsi, but only the Narva River serves as its outlet.