Lake Peipus

Lake Peipus is the site of the Battle on the Ice in 1242, where Alexander Nevsky's forces defeated the Teutonic Knights. The battle took place on the frozen surface of the lake. It became one of the most celebrated military engagements in Russian medieval history.

Lake Peipus forms a natural border between Estonia and Russia, making it the largest transboundary lake in Europe. The lake covers an area of approximately 3,555 square kilometers across its three sections. These three sections are Lake Peipsi, Lake Pskov, and the connecting Lake Lämmijärv.

Lake Peipus is a significant commercial and recreational fishery, particularly known for its peipsi whitefish, perch, pike-perch, and bream. Fishing is an important livelihood for communities on both the Estonian and Russian sides. The lake's freshwater ecosystem sustains dozens of native fish species.

Lake Peipus freezes over completely in winter, typically from December through late March or April, with ice thickness often exceeding 50 centimeters. An official ice road between Estonia and Russia has historically operated across the frozen lake. However, the ice road's opening depends each year on safe ice conditions.