Welcome to Tartu
Enjoy the hospitality of Southern Estonia and a holiday full of experiences
Exploring Tartu and Southern Estonia is truly worthwhile
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. Here, doors open to unique cultural experiences, memorable events, and the beauty of nature, offering countless opportunities to explore the region in inspiring and unforgettable ways.
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
Getting to Tartu is honestly easy.
You can hop on a bus or a train from Tallinn. About 2.5 hours and you are here. Simple as that.
Flying works too: come via Helsinki straight to Tartu airport. Or take the train from Riga or Vilnius if that suits you better.
💛 Once you arrive, you can slow down a little. The city is compact and great for walking. Smart bikes are easy to rent all around town and perfect for short rides. If you prefer, there are also cars for rent and taxis available. City and county buses run smoothly too, and paying by card is no problem.
You can also ride along the Emajõgi by boat and see the city from the water. The river carries you further out into the county as well.
ℹ️ If you want travel tips or a good old paper map, drop by the tourist information centre at the Town Hall. Free maps and advice from friendly locals await you there.
Come visit our city, join our events, and enjoy the rhythm of Tartu.
➡️ More information about visiting Tartu: visittartu.com
Photos:
1. Maanus Kullamaa
2. Visit Tartu
3.-4. Mana Kaasik
5. Renee Altrov / Visit Estonia
6.-7. Mana Kaasik
@visitestonia @visitsouthestonia
Jan 7
🎉 The direct train line between Tartu and Riga is now officially open!
From next Monday, you can travel straight between the two cities by train, without changing along the way. Smooth and comfortable, with several stops in between.
Hop on and see where the tracks take you – hopefully to Tartu 💛🚆
🔗 Find the tickets from elron.ee
@ylicool_ylicool @ylicoolevents #elron #visittartu #visitriga #elron
Jan 5
💛✨ Let’s meet tonight at 23.30 in Town Hall Square and welcome the new year together.
More information: @tartukorraldab
📸 Mana Kaasik
#visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Dec 31
Holiday greetings from Tartu! 💛 Thank you to everyone who have found their way here this year, and to the locals who keep loving and shaping this place every day. Happy holidays! ✨️
📸 Mana Kaasik & Silver Tõnisson
#visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Dec 22
Vote for Tartu`s story on the Green Destinations website, and help us win the People’s Choice Award at the @green.destinations Story Awards at the @itbberlin 🫶 We count on you!
Link in @green.destinations bio!
#visittartu #greendestinations
Dec 16
Tartu Christmas City welcomes you every day until January 4 ✨️ And the ice rink by the Kissing Students fountain keeps the winter going until early March.
More information ➡️ @tartukorraldab
📸 @kivarik
#visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Dec 15
One cozy cute Christmas market drives your winter depression away 💫
📽 @chromatique_delights 🙏
#visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Dec 8
The cutest place to be if you’re looking for a little Christmas spirit 💫
📍 Tartu Christmas City
#tartukorraldab #visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Dec 1
🌟❄️ Today, Tartu Christmas City opens.
If you’d like a touch of Christmas mood this December, drop by and enjoy the atmosphere.
💫 Keep an eye on @tartukorraldab for updates.
📸 @peeterpaaver
#visittartu #tartuchristmascity #tartukorraldab #tartujõululinn
Nov 30
✨️ This Sunday marks the 1st Advent and the return of a lovely tradition – Tartu Christmas City.
At its heart is the city centre ice rink, ready to offer you a little winter joy. It’s free to enjoy and open through early March. And if you’re not travelling with your own skates, no worries, you can simply rent a pair right next to the rink.
More information: @tartukorraldab 🌟
📸 Mana Kaasik
#visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Nov 24
🎄🌟 On November 30, Tartu Christmas City opens on the Town Hall Square.
Cosy pavilions, warm drinks and little moments filled with holiday spirit help bring the festive feeling back, and you can enjoy it all the way to early January.
⛸️ On the same day, November 30, the Tartu ice rink opens again for magical glides around the Kissing Students fountain ✨️
To stay up to date, check out @tartukorraldab 🙌
📸 @peeterpaaver
#visittartu #tartukorraldab #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Nov 23
@ahhaa_science centre is always a wonderful idea 🤩And starting this weekend, there’s a fresh spark of curiosity waiting for you!
🪲 The new exhibition "Aha, Giant Bugs" is now open and inviting you to explore tiny worlds up close. Wander inside and meet beetles, scorpions and other remarkable creatures that would normally fit in the palm of your hand.
#ahhaa #visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Nov 21
Toome hill, covered in a fresh blanket of snow ❄️🤍
📸 @kaisa.aarmaa photography
#visittartu #visitsouthestonia
Nov 19
A beautiful fox in the embrace of this morning’s frosty nature 🦊🧡
📸 @remosavisaar
#tartucounty #visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Nov 16
🩵 A warm welcome was exactly what we felt when the river suite @joe_sviit_vidiit_estonia invited us over. Calm river vibes and those beautiful Emajõgi views make you slow down right away.
If you’re planning a little celebration or just want a few quiet days close to nature, their river suite is a really lovely option. You stay right on the water with a comfy bed, a sauna, and everything you need to properly switch off.
And if you want to see Tartu & South Estonia from a different angle, VidiitEstonia’s river suite is definitely worth checking out. They know the river well, and you feel it from the first moment you step on board.
➡️ @joe_sviit_vidiit_estonia
PS. Hi @merekool 👋👋
#visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia #vidiitestonia #jõesviit
Nov 13
The beautiful Alatskivi Castle – a fairytale stop along the Onion Route 🏰✨
📸 @nele50mm
#visittartu #onionroute #sibulatee #alatskiviloss #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Nov 10
