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
🎁🎄 Christmas gifts, delightful winter moments and cosy charm await you in the lovely town of @visitelva ✨️
Photos by:
❄️ Photos 1, 4, 6: Jaak Jänes / Winter fun in Elva
❄️ Photo 2: Maarja Ilves / @visitelva
❄️ Photo 3: Aigar Jõeveer / Elva Railway Station
❄️ Photo 5: Heli-Anneli Villako / Lake Võrtsjärv
❄️ Photo 7: Kristjan Rautsik / @kivirannapuhkemajad
❄️ Photo 8: Merle Sule / @kadakaleivakoda
❄️ Photo 9: @lavendelloomeruum
❄️ Photo 10: Marko Hõrak / Elva central square
#visitelva #visitsouthestonia @visitestonia
Dec 19
🥂🎄🌟🍰 ‘Tis the season to treat yourself – discover the sweetest joys of Christmas in Tartu!
On the photos:
1) Tartu Christmas City @tartukorraldab
2) @ulikoolikohvik @drinkgeldbaar
3) @vcafetartu @kvartaltartu
4) @wernercafe
5) @alatskivimaitsed @sibulatee
6) @joyceresto
7) @taluturg @lounakas
8) @cruffinsaiatehas
9) @holmrestoran
10) @vilde.vine
#visittartu #tartucounty #tartuchristmascity #tartujõululinn #tartukorraldab
Dec 16
✨️ The University of Tartu celebrated its 105th anniversary! Congratulations to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey! 💙🇪🇪
📸 @aroundtheworldwithlogan 🙏
#unitartu #visittartu #visitsouthestonia ##visitestonia
Dec 2
🎄 The Christmas spirit is waiting for you in Tartu! The Town Hall Square has transformed into a magical Christmas City, filled with twinkling lights, cosy pavilions, and the scent of mulled wine ❄️
Skate under fairy lights by the Kissing Students fountain, soak in the festive vibes, and make memories to last a lifetime. Festivities continue for five magical weeks, all the way into January 🤍✨️
🎥 A special thank you to @sihtpunkt for beautifully capturing the magic at last year`s Tartu Christmas City 🫶
#visittartu #tartujõululinn #jõulilinntartu #tartuchristmascity #tartukorraldab #tartu2024 #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Nov 24
🍁 The charm of autumn in Tartu.
📸 @peeterpaaver
#visittartu #unitartu #tartu2024 #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Nov 19
🐾🍂 Who else loves a stroll through Tartu`s colourful trails?
📸 @peeterpaaver
#visittartu #tartu2024 #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Nov 5
🌿✨ Local ingredients, wild flavours! Discover tastes inspired by Estonian forests at `From Forest to Table` and explore over 60 restaurants across Southern Estonia!
💚 1–17 November in @tastytartu and all around @visitsouthestonia 💚
P.S. Tap on each photo to see which restaurants the dishes come from. There are so many delicious options—we wish we could`ve fit them all in this post!
👉 Find all participating restaurants at www.metsasttaldrikule.ee.
#metsasttaldrikule.ee #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia #visittartu #tartu2024
Nov 2
Tartu and October colours. 🍁🍂
📸 @kertk.photo
#visitestonia #visitsouthestonia #visittartu #tartu2024 #autumn
Oct 28
📍 Tartu Railway Station 🍂
📸 @veineleissa
@elron_eesti #tarturailwaystation #tartutrainstation #visittartu #tartu2024 #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Oct 22
🍁✨ Can’t get enough of these autumn colours!
📸 @maarjaevestusphotography
#tartu #visittartu #tartu2024 #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Oct 21
🎉 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
