Tartu

Akva:rium Lake Museum

For everything you've ever wanted to know about freshwater fish in Estonia but were afraid to ask - this museum located on the shore of Võrtsjärv pretty much covers everything from perch to bream.
Lake Võrtsjärv is a lake in Southern Estonia with an area of 270 km2  and it is the second largest lake in Estonia (after Lake Peipus) with around 35 species of fish that have been found in the lake. The lake has been the largest natural eel breeding farm in Europe for years, with close to a million glass eels released into the lake annually. The lake and the nearby wetlands are also an important breeding ground for birds, as well as a staging site for migratory birds.
The museum houses 33 tanks and 2 large aquariums located under the floor with various common Estonian freshwater fish such as pike, pikeperch, bream, roach, tench, perch as well as some foreign species. They provide a wealth of information and displays about aquatic creatures that live in Estonia now as well as those that have lived here in the past. A great place to educate the kids as well! And to make it more fun - the new and unique virtual reality experience "Expedition in the Underwater World of Lake Võrtsjärv" allows visitors to dive into the lake Võrtsjärv and study different Estonian freshwater fish. You can even find out what sound a fish makes! The virtual reality experience is viewed with a VR headset and can be used by two visitors at the same time. The experience takes approximately 10 minutes and is suitable for everyone above the age of 7. The VR experience is included in the price of the museum ticket.

If Estonian fish is not exciting enough for you, the institution cooperates with the scientists of the Võrtsjärve Limnological
Center. The local scientists have been on an expedition to the Amazon (which is the largest river basin in the world) and have created an exhibition for the museum where you can explore amazonian nature, history, legends and learn how the local people have adapted to the living conditions. This kind of exhibition is unique in the Baltic countries.

If you haven't had enough of the lake just yet, the museum also offers sauna raft rental for a sauna session or a pleasurable cruise. You can also use a seminar room with a million dollar view and visit the on-site café.

Website

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Amenities

Facilities for disabled
Guarded parking
Dogs Allowed
Wi-fi

Email

heli-anneli.villako@emu.ee

Open

From June through August open Tue - Fri 10:00 - 18:00, Sat 11:00 - 18:00, Sun 11:00 - 16:00. Closed on Mon. From September through May open Tue - Fri 10:00 - 17:00, Sat 11:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun, Mon.

Price/Additional Info

Admission €8, reduced €6, family €18. Guided tour €40.

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