Welcome to Tartu
Enjoy the hospitality of Southern Estonia and a holiday full of experiences
Tartu, together with Southern Estonia, is the European Capital of Culture for 2024
With its versatility and vibrant atmosphere, Tartu captivates everyone – whether you’re a passionate culture enthusiast, an adventurous sports fan, or a digital nomad. Tartu and Southern Estonia offer exciting activities and experiences, no matter if you travel solo, with friends, or family. The European Capital of Culture year opens doors to unique cultural experiences and international events, providing new opportunities to explore the region in an inspiring and memorable way.
Tartu has a bit of everything
A little bit of Old Town, high-rise buildings, wooden-house neighbourhoods, ruins and a little bit of street art here and there. Charming riverbanks, more parks than cities usually have and the atmosphere in the old industrial quarters is even a bit too cool. And it has been this way for a while. At least since 1632 when universities were beginning to be established here. World class science during the day and irresistible buzz at night.
Tartu is a green and compact city
Everything in Tartu is within your reach – 15 minutes by foot everywhere. Or by our popular public transport system – the bicycles. Our Smart Bike system and new bike lanes, green gas buses and the use of 100% renevable energy in city institutions, are only the first steps to become a completely climate neutral city. Tartu is also part of the Green Destinations network and has been recognized with the platinum-level award.
The meeting place for your next event?
There are about 2500 beds combined in various hotels and space for both small and large events: in those same hotels, theatre or concert halls, in university auditoriums, museums or why not at the Town Hall Square. And of course, all of this can be organized virtually or as a hybrid solution.
How to reach Tartu?
We do prefer to meet guests face to face. That is why we worked so hard to improve transport connections. It’s just a 45-minute flight from Helsinki, with dozens of buses or trains daily from Tallinn, or a direct bus from Riga. Once here, you can get around easily by foot, smart bikes or public transport.
What to see and do in Tartu?
The toughest part is, once you’re here, you won’t want to leave anymore. There’s just so much to do. Both in Tartu and South Estonia. Culture, stunning nature, wellness, the historic old town, museums and theme parks, shopping centres, world-class dining experiences and much more.
Share your experiences by tagging @visittartu in your post
🎉 We`re delighted to announce that Tartu has been recognised internationally for the fifth year running! @green.destinations has selected the opening event of @tartu2024, European Capital of Culture, as one of the year`s top 100 highlights! 👏
#visittartu #tartu2024 #greendestination #greendestinations #top100 #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Oct 16
Autumn moments 🍂✨
📸 @theworldofvoyage 🫶
#visittartu #tartu #tartu2024 #visitsouthestonia #autumn
Oct 14
Every celebration deserves a beautiful setting. Let Tartu be your picture-perfect choice ✨️
Congratulations to the wonderful couple!
📸 @susanmust 🫶
#visittartu #fotograafsusanmust #susanmustfotographie
Oct 10
Autumn moments in Tartu 🍁🧡
📸 @maxsaar.foto
#visittartu #tartu2024 #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Sep 29
Autumn is officially here 🍂🍁 Who’s ready to cosy up and welcome the golden season soon? 🙋
#visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Sep 23
"Our Tartu" is an exhibition about the people of Tartu and its neighbourhoods 🧡
The exhibition shows what makes each part of Tartu special, with locals sharing their own stories 🙌 It highlights how, in one small city, so many unique communities come together, making Tartu a beautiful mosaic of identities.
📍Tartu City Museum / @tartulinnaajaloomuuseumid
📸 @pekkotravels
#tartu #visittartu #lõunaeesti #visitsouthestonia #tartulinnamuuseum #linnamuuseum #tartu2024
Sep 16
Step into a fairytale at Alatskivi Castle! ✨
📸 @kehuang12
#visittartu #visittartucounty #visittartumaa #alatskivi #sibulatee #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Sep 14
Sunset time in the city 🌆
📸 @fotomutu © Ene Kuik
#visittartu #visitsouthestonia #tartu2024 #visitestonia
Sep 12
Check out the brand-new street art lighting up the walls at the @koidukeskus centre! 🌟 Such an amazing piece by the talented artist @maarisoe – you won’t want to miss it!
@preciousplastictartu #koidukeskus #maarisoekov #tartustreetart #visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia #tartu2024
Sep 11
🌅☀️ This amazing sunset was captured in July, but with the way September’s going, it feels like we’re still there! 🧡 Can’t get enough of this beautiful, warm summer weather.
📸 @aroundtheworldwithlogan 🙌
#visittartu #tartu2024 #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Sep 10
✨️ We can’t help but smile looking back at this incredible summer 🧡 Tartu city and county were filled with amazing concerts, festivals and events – more than we can fit in this post.
A big thank you to everyone who chose to spend their time here this summer! 🫶
📸 Photos by @tartukorraldab, @tartu2024, @tartu.laulutantsupidu, @livenationestonia, @silvovozne, @liikumisfestival, @sibulatee
#visittartu #tartu2024 #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Sep 9
✨️📍Pangodi, Tartu county
📸 @peeterpaaver
#pangodi #tartucounty #visittartu #tartu2024 #visitsouthestonia
Sep 7
🌫️ Snail tower peeking through the morning fog.
📸 @tarmohaud
#snailtower #tigutorn #visittartu #tartu2024c#visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Sep 2
📍 Tartu Town Hall is definitely one of the must-visit landmarks in Tartu, along with the iconic Kissing Students fountain in front of the building. To make the most of your visit, stop by when the Town Hall carillon chimes daily at 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m 🤗
📸 @aroundtheworldwithlogan 🫶
#visittartu #tartu2024 #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Sep 2
Morning mist and golden light 🧡☀️
📽 @silvovozne
#visitestonia #visittartu #luunja #visitsouthestonia #tartu2024
Aug 30
