Tartu
Year-round cultural events and thousands of students fuel the vibrant aura of Tartu, Estonia's second-largest city and the gateway to South Estonia.
Tartu is known as Estonia's cultural "heart and soul."
Tartu hosts a varied calendar of plays, concerts, festivals, conferences, and sporting events throughout the year. It is also home to over 20 museums and has been part of the UNESCO Creative Cities network as an International City of Literature since 2015.
In 2024, Tartu was the European Capital of Culture, catching the eye of major publications such as National Geographic Traveller, which called it "one of the 30 most exciting destinations to visit in 2024."
Source: Hans Markus Antson
Tartu is a university town...
The University of Tartu was founded by King Gustav II Adolf of Sweden in 1632, making it one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. The university has given the city a long scientific and intellectual tradition; that collegiate spirit is still felt today.
Every fifth resident of Tartu is a student, giving the city extraordinary energy. Popular with strolling professors and students, spacious Toome Hill Park lets you enjoy nature in the middle of the city. Likewise, students fill the narrow streets of Tartu's Old Town and relax on the banks of the Emajõgi River.
Thanks to the large student population, Tartu has a refined yet adventurous cafe culture, with an atmosphere similar to that of some Central and Southern European countries. Werner Cafe is one of the oldest cafes in Estonia and has been a popular meeting place for writers, poets, and other historical figures for the past 125 years. Across the street, you will find another historical eatery, Ülikooli Cafe, which often hosts live music. Steps away from the university, you can also find some of the best sweet and savory pancakes in town at Krempel.
Tartu's MICHELIN-recommended restaurants
...with the charm of a medieval village
First mentioned in writing in 1030, Tartu, known as Dorpat until the first Estonian independence, was once an important Hanseatic trading city, along with Tallinn, Pärnu, and Viljandi.
In 1775, a huge fire destroyed nearly the entire city center, so most of the historic buildings left standing today date from the 18th and 19th centuries. While medieval relics may not be as plentiful as in Tallinn, there are still a few places to visit and imagine yourself traveling back to the Middle Ages.
Source: Tartu University, Visit Tartu
... and the hipster vibes of a changing city
The bohemian quarters of Karlova and Supilinn (Soup Town) are known for their small wooden houses, slightly eccentric atmosphere, colorful street art, and fascinating stories.
Soup Town is an area filled with historic wooden houses and streets named after root vegetables. Hopefully, the area will remain an iconic part of Tartu for decades to come, thanks to the work of local residents who seek to preserve the neighborhood identity. The neighborhood of Karlova is also characterized by colorful wooden houses but is more middle-class than Soup Town. The district attracts visitors with its bohemian atmosphere and impressive street art, and nightlife focuses around its central meeting point, Barlova.
Tartu also recently created a playground for creative people modeled after Tallinn's Telliskivi Creative City. Aparaaditehas (Widget Factory) was built on the grounds of an old factory on the outskirts of the Karlova district. A favorite hipster spot, Aparaaditehas hosts small, stylish local design shops, cozy eateries, and lively parties.
Source: Hedrica Hargats, Visit Tartu
Where to go and what to see in Tartu
Getting there and around
In early 2024, Finnair began two flights a day between Tartu and Helsinki, making it easier for visitors to bypass the Helsinki-Tallinn ferry and head straight to South Estonia.
Once you're in Tartu, getting around is a breeze, as part of the city's charm is its compact footprint. Since 2020, Tartu's city buses have run on renewable biomethane. It's one of the few medium-sized European cities whose entire public transport system has been switched to renewable fuel.
Tartu is best explored at a leisurely pace. You can wander about on foot or rent an electric bike through the city's Smart Bike Share app.
Source: Peeter Järvelaid
Looking for more things to do in Tartu?
ERM - Berta Vosman
Hans Markus Antson
Eva Maria, Visit Tartu
Peter Paxx
Maanus Kullamaa, Visit Tartu
Hedrica Hargats, Visit TartuThe National Museum is a must-see to learn more about Estonian history and culture.
It's always worth checking out the temporary exhibitions.
Tartu, the gateway to South Estonia
South Estonia is filled with traditional cultural experiences, captivating towns and villages, and stunning scenery. There are endless options for soaking in the area's "Estonian-ness."
South Estonia is home to two important communities: Setos, who have long inhabited the area along the border between Estonia and Russia, and Old Believers, who fled Russia over three hundred years ago because of religious persecution. Both communities practice Orthodox Christianity, but each has unique cultural practices and traditions.
Smaller cities in South Estonia have their own local flavor. Head to Viljandi for the famous Viljandi Folk Festival or visit its castle ruins. Otepää is known as the winter capital of Estonia, though it is equally charming in the summer; sports enthusiasts enjoy the options for skiing, hiking, running, and disc golf.
Both Viljandi and Otepää sit beside picturesque lakes — another feature of South Estonia. Lake Peipsi, the fourth-largest lake in Europe, has plenty of places to swim, paddle, or relax by the water. In winter, you can even explore the ice in a karakat, a special vehicle designed by the fishermen of Lake Peipsi.
Source: Hans Markus Antson
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Last updated
03.12.2024