Emajõe Lodjakoda and Barge
Witness traditional wooden boat building and embark on scenic river excursions at Emajõgi Lodjakoda, a living maritime heritage site.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best weather for boat rides
Emajõe Lodjakoda and Barge
Best Time
Best weather for boat rides
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness traditional wooden boat building and embark on scenic river excursions at Emajõgi Lodjakoda, a living maritime heritage site.
"Highly recommend for boat lovers and those seeking a unique cultural experience by the river!"
🎯 Book Boat Trips in Advance
Popular boat excursions, especially private charters, fill up quickly. Book ahead to secure your spot!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking around the workshop and potentially on the ship. Wear comfy shoes for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Viking Boat Construction
Lodjakoda Workshop
Witness the ongoing construction of a Viking boat, a testament to ancient shipbuilding techniques. A must-see for history buffs and craft enthusiasts.
Wooden Ship Excursions
Emajõgi River
Embark on a scenic journey along the Emajõgi River aboard a traditional wooden ship. Enjoy the views and the unique atmosphere of river travel.
Permaculture Garden & Beach
Adjacent to Lodjakoda
Relax by the clean sandy beach, enjoy the sunset, or explore the permaculture garden. A perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Emajõgi Lodjakoda
Tickets and Excursions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Boat Trips in Advance
Popular boat excursions, especially private charters, fill up quickly. Book ahead to secure your spot!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking around the workshop and potentially on the ship. Wear comfy shoes for exploring.
📸 Capture the Craftsmanship
Bring your camera to photograph the intricate boat building process and scenic river views.
🧺 Prepare Your Own Meal
The ship has a kitchen onboard, perfect for preparing your own dishes during a longer excursion.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Boat Trips in Advance
Popular boat excursions, especially private charters, fill up quickly. Book ahead to secure your spot!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking around the workshop and potentially on the ship. Wear comfy shoes for exploring.
📸 Capture the Craftsmanship
Bring your camera to photograph the intricate boat building process and scenic river views.
🧺 Prepare Your Own Meal
The ship has a kitchen onboard, perfect for preparing your own dishes during a longer excursion.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Emajõgi Lodjakoda for its unique living museum concept, where traditional wooden boats are actively built. The opportunity to witness this craft, combined with scenic river excursions and a pleasant beach area, makes for a memorable experience. Some find the admission prices a bit high, and the museum exhibition is noted as being small.
"Very nice place. Boats are built here, it is a small museum with a small exhibition, at the same time the workers are building a Viking boat. The boat must be ready by 2024. In 2024, Tartu is designated as the European Capital of Culture. Admission to this place costs 8 € (children 2-6 years), 12 € - students and 17 € for adults. Additionally, you can order a ride on a wooden ship. Maximum 36 people. The price varies depending on the duration of the walk (1h -280 €, 1.5h -360 €, 2h -440 €). From personal experience, 1.5 hours is enough. By the way, there is a kitchen on board where you can prepare your dishes. Highly recommend."
Veaceslav Corcodel
"Do you like boats,rivers ,etc?it is your place)There is a beach near here ,where you can tan and do many activities)"
Roman M
"Clean sandy beach, beach lifeguards, beautiful sunset, multiple changing room, good place to swim. Can also play volleyball. Too bad you are forbidden to swim across the river."
Harri Bendi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Emajõgi Lodjakoda is located in Tartu, Estonia. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options also serve the area, making it easy to reach from the city center.
While efforts are made to maintain the area, accessibility can vary due to the nature of the historic site and boat construction. It's advisable to contact them directly for specific accessibility information.
Opening hours can vary depending on the season and scheduled events. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees are typically around 8€ for children (2-6 years), 12€ for students, and 17€ for adults. Prices may vary, so check their official sources for current rates.
Yes, you can book rides on the wooden ship. Prices vary based on duration, with 1.5-hour trips being a popular choice. Private charters for up to 36 people are also available.
Discounts are usually offered for students. Check with the venue directly for any other potential group or special discounts.
For general admission, booking in advance might not be strictly necessary, but it's recommended, especially during peak season or for special events. Boat trips, however, should definitely be booked ahead.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can observe traditional wooden boat building, explore a small museum exhibition, enjoy boat rides on the Emajõgi River, relax on the nearby beach, and visit the permaculture garden.
Yes, there is a small museum with an exhibition that complements the boat-building activities, offering insights into maritime history and craft.
There is a clean sandy beach nearby where you can tan and play volleyball. Swimming is permitted at the beach, but swimming across the river is forbidden.
The venue frequently hosts great concerts, parties, and other events, making it a vibrant cultural hub. Check their schedule for upcoming happenings.
Yes, Emajõgi Lodjakoda also features a sauna, adding another dimension to the visitor experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there might not be a full-service restaurant, the wooden ship has a kitchen onboard where visitors can prepare their own dishes during excursions.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food, especially if you are planning a boat trip, as you can utilize the onboard kitchen facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the intricate details of wooden boat construction, the scenic Emajõgi River during a ship excursion, and the beautiful sunsets from the nearby beach.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but it's always good practice to be respectful of the workers and their craft. Ask permission if you plan to take close-up shots of ongoing work.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a shorter boat excursion, as 1.5 hours is often sufficient for younger attention spans. The combination of historical craft, river fun, and beach time makes it a well-rounded family outing. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the site.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opting for the general admission to see the boat building and exploring the grounds can be a fulfilling experience without necessarily taking a pricier boat excursion. Look out for student discounts if applicable.
💑 Couples
Alternatively, a leisurely afternoon exploring the boatyard, followed by relaxation on the sandy beach or a stroll through the permaculture garden, offers a peaceful and engaging way to spend time together. The venue also hosts events that can add a lively touch to your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Traditional Boat Building
This commitment to preserving traditional skills is what makes Emajõgi Lodjakoda more than just a museum; it's a working shipyard. The ongoing construction of the Viking boat, slated for completion in 2024, is a major draw, especially with Tartu being the European Capital of Culture that year. The atmosphere is one of active creation, where you can learn about the materials, tools, and methods used in building these magnificent wooden ships. It’s an educational and inspiring experience for all ages.
River Adventures on the Emajõgi
What makes these excursions particularly special is the onboard amenities. The ships are equipped with a kitchen, allowing passengers to prepare their own meals during the voyage, adding a unique culinary element to the adventure. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely cruise or a private charter, the river trips offer a memorable way to connect with the natural and historical landscape of the region.
Leisure and Events by the River
Furthermore, Emajõgi Lodjakoda is a popular venue for various events, including concerts and parties. This vibrant atmosphere transforms the location into a lively cultural hub, offering visitors a chance to experience local entertainment. The presence of a sauna also adds to the appeal, providing a relaxing end to a day of exploration or event participation.

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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit