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
Freezing cold, but so, so lovely ❄️🥰
📍Tartu, Estonia
Post by @aroundtheworldwithlogan 🙏
#visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Jan 30
A usual winterday on the Onion Route in Tartu county, Estonia.
Gather your friends. Dress warm.
Head to the Onion Route.
Then it’s on to the ice of Lake Peipus – together in a karakat (a big DIY off-road vehicle).
Drill a hole, catch some fish.
Then: clothes off and straight to the sauna!
Afterwards: fish soup and hot tea.
Where to book?
Check sibulatee.ee and mesitare.ee.
📝 Text and video by @sibulatee & @mesitare 😊
#mesitare #sibulatee #onionroute #visittartu #visitsouthestonia
Jan 29
🎉 Two years ago today, Tartu officially began its journey as a European Capital of Culture @tartu2024.
The title year may be over, but the rhythm of the city is still the same. If you have been here before, you know. If you have not, this might be your sign to wander a little – it might be time for a visit 🧡 See you in Tartu!
📸 Photos:
1. Eva Maria Tartu
2. Mikk Otsar
3. Andrus Liivamäe
4. Mikk Otsar
5. Reigo Teervalt
6. Andrei Ozdoba
#visittartu #tartu2024 #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Jan 26
Kissing since 1998 💕
📸 Thanks for the capture, magda_arteviaggi_roma 🙏
#visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Jan 25
Tasty Tartu menus are out 👏 Take a look and start choosing: maitsevtartu.ee/en.
In February, Tartu becomes a restaurant city. For a whole month, local restaurants serve special three-course menus, created just for this season and offered at a friendlier price.
Browse the menus and see you at the table.
➡️ maitsevtartu.ee/en.
📸 Photos: Luisa Greta Vilo
#tastytartu #visittartu #visitsouthestonia
Jan 23
❄️💙 No matter if you’re more of an outdoorsy or an indoorsy person, winter in Tartu is the kind of winter you actually enjoy.
You can skate on ice in Town Hall Square, out in nature across the county, or even inside the biggest shopping centre in South Estonia. There’s sledding and tubing in the hilly landscape, and skiing on the legendary Tartu Maraton track or on the many trails around the area. And that’s just the start. There are plenty of other winter activities to discover too 🤩
Everything feels close. The air is fresh and getting around is easy.
☕🧖♀️ When the cold starts to sneak in, warm options are always nearby. A sauna, a spa, a hot drink in a cosy café. You can fit it all into one day if you like. But let’s be honest, winter in Tartu city and county deserves more than just a quick visit 🙌
Jan 16
🐾 Meet the furry friends of Karlova neighbourhood, captured by @susanmust.
#visittartu #karlova #visitsouthestonia
#visitestonia
Jan 15
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
