Võhandu jõgi weather today
Roosisaare — lower course, in natural condition
5-day forecast
River data
- Length
- 162 km
- Drainage basin
- 1320 km²
- Source
- the northern edge of the Haanja Uplands (Võru County)
- Mouth
- Lake Lämmijärv (southern part of Lake Peipus)
The Võhandu River is 162 km long and is the longest river that flows entirely within Estonia. The river rises in the Haanja Uplands and flows northward, having preserved through the ages its natural pattern of winding bends and open clearings. The Võhandu is Estonia's most popular canoeing river — almost the entire river is navigable by boat from May to September.
- Measurement point: 57,847° N, 26,981° E
History & culture
The ruins of Kirumpää and Vastseliina castles, built along the river, document the region's medieval military importance on the border between Livonia and the Russian principalities. The river's name is of disputed origin — one theory links it to an old Slavic loanword meaning 'dark water', describing the river's peat-coloured appearance. The Võhandu canoeing route gained international renown in the 1990s and is today one of Estonia's best-known nature-trekking routes.
Seasonal changes
The Võhandu swells in April with the spring high water, when peatland areas feed the river with mahogany-brown water; by summer the water clears to transparency, and the river freezes on average in January.
Local climate
| Month | Avg °C | Highest °C | Lowest °C | Precip mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -4.2 | 5.0 | -21.1 | 45.4 |
| Feb | -4.5 | 5.0 | -20.7 | 35.9 |
| Mar | -0.4 | 11.6 | -14.4 | 34.2 |
| Apr | 6.1 | 21.6 | -5.6 | 35.1 |
| May | 11.9 | 26.4 | -1.3 | 53.1 |
| Jun | 15.9 | 28.4 | 4.0 | 83.2 |
| Jul | 18.4 | 30.1 | 8.1 | 75.0 |
| Aug | 16.9 | 28.9 | 5.8 | 79.4 |
| Sep | 11.9 | 23.6 | 0.6 | 56.5 |
| Oct | 6.2 | 16.4 | -5.0 | 63.7 |
| Nov | 1.3 | 10.2 | -10.1 | 51.0 |
| Dec | -2.1 | 6.0 | -14.9 | 45.0 |
Frequently asked questions
When does the high water arrive?
The Võhandu swells in April with the spring high water, when peatland areas feed the river with mahogany-brown water; by summer the water clears to transparency, and the river freezes on average in January.
When does Võhandu jõgi freeze?
Võhandu jõgi usually freezes in January, when the area's average January air temperature drops to -4.2°C. The ice typically lasts until March, when the spring thaw begins.
Is Võhandu jõgi suitable for canoeing?
Võhandu jõgi is best for canoeing from May to September, when the water level is stable and the current moderate. During the April spring flood, expect a faster current.
Where does Võhandu jõgi begin and end?
Võhandu jõgi begins the northern edge of the Haanja Uplands (Võru County) and flows into Lake Lämmijärv (southern part of Lake Peipus).
How long is Võhandu jõgi?
The river is 162 km long.
Is Võhandu jõgi good for fishing?
Võhandu jõgi is rich in fish: common species are pike, perch and burbot. The best fishing is early spring (March–April) and autumn (September–October). Check the fishing rules on the Environmental Board website before you go.