Estonia's oldest university town, known for its 19th-century architecture, lively parks, and cultural events. A gateway to explore the surrounding Estonian countryside.
Tartu, Estonia's second-largest city, is a university town with a history dating back to 1030. As the home of the University of Tartu, the city is filled with students and academics. You can visit the Town Hall Square with its Kissing Students fountain, walk along the Emajõgi River, or explore the Estonian National Museum. Tartu's cultural events and its location near southern Estonia's forests and lakes make it appealing for both city explorers and nature lovers.
University of Tartu
The University of Tartu, established in 1632, is Estonia's oldest higher education institution. Its main building, a neoclassical structure with six Ionic columns, is a prominent part of the city's skyline. You can visit the university's historical interiors, including the Assembly Hall with its detailed frescoes. The university's Botanical Gardens, founded in 1803, contain over 10,000 plant species and are located in the city center.
Tartu's Old Town
Tartu's Old Town is centered around the Town Hall Square, where you'll see the Kissing Students fountain. This bronze sculpture shows two young people under an umbrella and has become a popular meeting point. As you walk through the cobblestone streets, you'll see well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings, many now housing cafes, shops, and art galleries. St. John's Church, a red brick Gothic building decorated with unique terracotta figurines, is worth a visit.
Museums and Cultural Attractions
Tartu has many museums covering various topics. The Estonian National Museum, in a modern building on the city outskirts, presents Estonian culture and history. If you're interested in art, visit the Tartu Art Museum, located in the "Leaning House" on Town Hall Square. To learn about Soviet-era history, you can explore the KGB Cells Museum in the basement of the "Gray House," a former KGB headquarters.
Emajõgi River and Outdoor Activities
The Emajõgi River flows through Tartu, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. You can take a river cruise, rent a canoe, or have a picnic on the banks. The river promenade is suitable for walking and cycling, particularly during summer. Toomemägi (Dome Hill) Park, which surrounds the ruins of Tartu Cathedral, offers views of the city and is popular among locals for relaxation.
Food and Nightlife
Tartu's restaurants serve both traditional Estonian dishes and international cuisine. You can try local specialties like black bread, smoked fish, and wild mushroom dishes at Püssirohukelder, a restaurant in a historic gunpowder cellar. For modern Estonian cuisine, visit Umb Roht, known for using foraged ingredients. In the evening, you'll find many student-friendly bars and clubs. Werner Café, a historic meeting place for intellectuals, and Genialistide Klubi, a multi-purpose cultural venue, are active spots for evening entertainment.
Day Trips from Tartu
From Tartu, you can easily explore southern Estonia. Lake Peipus, Europe's fifth-largest lake, is about an hour's drive away. Here you'll find beaches, fishing villages, and communities of Old Believers with their unique culture. If you enjoy nature, you can visit Soomaa National Park, known for its extensive bogs and seasonal floods that transform the landscape. The town of Viljandi, with its medieval castle ruins and folk music traditions, is another interesting place to visit for a day.
