Narva-Jõesuu Silmufestival 2026: visitors can go out on the river with fishermen to watch lamprey fishing

The traditional Silmufestival will take place at Narva-Jõesuu harbour on 26 September 2026—one of Ida-Viru County's most distinctive autumn events. Visitors can look forward to a fish market, street food, lamprey dish tastings, a cultural programme, and activities for the whole family. The most special part, however, is the opportunity to go out on the river with fishermen and see for themselves how lamprey are caught.

Silmufestival takes place on Saturday, 26 September at Narva-Jõesuu harbour at Suur-Lootsi 4. Admission to the festival is free.

Going out on the river with fishermen to watch lamprey fishing

This opportunity is precisely what distinguishes Narva-Jõesuu Silmufestival from an ordinary autumn fair or food festival.

According to the official event information from Visit Estonia, visitors can go out on the river with fishermen and see how lamprey are actually caught.

The Narva River and lamprey fishing are closely linked to the history of the region. In autumn, lampreys migrate from the sea into the river, and local professional fishermen use traditional fishing gear to catch them. The festival gives visitors a rare opportunity to see this activity in its natural setting, rather than merely reading about it or watching from the shore.

Important: the exact departure times for river trips, registration procedure and number of places may still be subject to change. If you want to attend the festival specifically to see lamprey fishing, check the organiser's latest information before setting off.

Fish market, fresh fish and lamprey dishes

Local food is naturally at the heart of the festival. A fair is held at Narva-Jõesuu harbour, where visitors can buy fresh fish and various fish products and try dishes made from lamprey.

According to the official Narva-Jõesuu tourist information, the festival programme also includes street food, lamprey tastings, a cultural programme, and activities for the whole family.

Lamprey is one of the best-known local delicacies in the Narva-Jõesuu region. At the festival, visitors can compare different preparation methods and learn more about the food culture shaped in large part by the Narva River and local fishermen.

Why is lamprey so important in Narva-Jõesuu?

Lamprey fishing in Narva-Jõesuu did not begin because of the festival. It is a long-standing local tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Narva-Jõesuu tourist information describes lamprey as a historical delicacy of the region, and Silmufestival has become one of the city's best-known autumn events. The festival brings together local food, fishing, harbour life, and regional culture.

Therefore, the event is worth seeing not only as an opportunity to taste lamprey, but also as a chance to experience a part of local life and the fishing tradition of Ida-Viru County.

Is Silmufestival suitable for visiting with children?

Yes. According to information published by the organiser, the programme also includes activities for the whole family. For children, the harbour, fish fair and opportunity to see real fishermen may already make the day much more interesting than an ordinary visit to a fair.

If you are planning to take children out on the river as well, it is worth checking before the festival whether there are any age restrictions or other safety requirements for the boat trip.

Make a whole day of the Silmufestival in Ida-Virumaa

It is worth coming to Narva-Jõesuu on 26 September for a longer day trip as well. A visit to the festival can be combined with a walk along Narva-Jõesuu beach and promenade or a visit to other places in Ida-Viru County.

If you are coming from farther away, Silmufestival does not have to be just a stop lasting a few hours. The local food, harbour, river, and seaside resort town make it possible to turn the visit into a complete autumn day trip.

What should you know before going to Silmufestival?

• The festival takes place on 26 September 2026.
• The event takes place at Narva-Jõesuu sadam.
• Admission to the festival is free.
• There will be a market on site, with street food and lamprey dishes on offer.
• The programme includes cultural entertainment and activities for the whole family.
• According to Visit Estonia, visitors can go out on the river with fishermen to watch lamprey fishing.
• It is advisable to double-check the exact terms and times for the river trip before the festival.

Narva-Jõesuu Silmufestival is one of September's most distinctive day-trip ideas

If you are looking for something out of the ordinary to do in Estonia in September, Narva-Jõesuu Silmufestival is worth adding to your calendar. It is not just another fair: local food, the Narva River, fishermen and a decades-old tradition of lamprey fishing all come together here.

On 26 September, visitors to Narva-Jõesuu harbour can try lamprey dishes, visit the fair, and go out on the river with fishermen to see how lamprey fishing is actually done.

Frequently asked questions about Narva-Jõesuu Silmufestival

When will Narva-Jõesuu Silmufestival 2026 take place?

The Silmufestival takes place on Saturday, 26 September 2026.

Where does Silmufestival take place?

The festival takes place at Narva-Jõesuu harbour aadressil Suur-Lootsi 4, Narva-Jõesuu.

Is Silmufestival free?

Yes. According to information published by the organiser, admission to the festival is free. Food and goods on sale are charged separately.

Can visitors go out on the river with fishermen during the festival?

Yes. According to Visit Estonia's event information, visitors have the opportunity to go out on the river with fishermen and see how lampreys are caught. It is worth checking the exact departure times, registration details and number of available places before the event.

Is Silmufestival suitable for families with children?

Yes. According to the official programme description, the festival offers activities for the whole family. If you would like to go out on the river with children, check the boat trip conditions and any age restrictions before travelling.

Official information:
Narva-Jõesuu Silmufestival
Visit Estonia – Lamprey Festival

 Artificial intelligence was used to prepare this article. Although the information has been verified using public sources, the text may contain inaccuracies or information that has become outdated due to subsequent changes.