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
🌲 Have you ever been in an Estonian forest? Maybe you have – but have you experienced it mindfully, present and with all your senses engaged?
@meelegametsas offers a guided forest experience where you notice the small details and sounds, and tune into the calm rhythm of the forest while reconnecting with yourself.
The teams of @visittartu and @visitsouthestonia were kindly invited to take part, and we truly felt the effect ourselves.
The experience ends with a cosy taste journey by the campfire, with warm drinks and snacks blending Estonian and Japanese flavours.
And the best part? Every experience is different, shaped by the seasons, the weather and the unique vibe of each group 💛
Perfect for teams and groups of friends. It works wonderfully for international guests and often surprises locals with how deeply it affects them. Tours are available in Estonian, English and Japanese.
📸 Anneli Armus
#meelegametsas #visittartu #visitsouthestonia
Feb 22
Just 8 more days of Tasty Tartu! 🥂🍽️
🤩 PS! Rate your Tasty Tartu experience on maitsevtartu.ee for a chance to win gift cards from local restaurants: @humalbistro, @spargelrestaurant, @papertiger.resto, @pussirohukelder, @antoniushotel, @hoteldorpat
And a big thank you to the lovely @lumirull for visiting, tasting, and sharing your Tasty Tartu experience 🫶
#visittartu #tastytartu
Feb 20
Just wow! 🤩 This is not a road. This is the Emajõgi river – completely frozen ❄️ Even locals haven`t seen this very often.
📽 @erkierki
#visittartu #tartu #emajõgi #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Feb 18
❄️ Today is the day when thousands of skiers gather in South Estonia for the legendary Tartu Maraton!
One of the oldest ski marathons in the world, it brings together ski enthusiasts every year from all across Estonia and from far beyond.
You don’t even have to be on skis to be part of the experience – you can also join as a spectator, cheer along the course and enjoy the special winter atmosphere.
A true winter highlight in South Estonia 💙
📸 @tartumaraton
#visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Feb 15
Grab a friend and celebrate Valentine’s Day with the best of Tasty Tartu 🩵 Here in Estonia, the day is all about friendship and is even called sõbrapäev – Friend’s Day!
➡️ Tasty Tartu is a restaurant month that takes place every February. All month long, restaurants across the city serve special offers and delicious three course menus. A perfect excuse to try something new.
More information: maitsevtartu.ee
Feb 11
Cutest Valentine’s date? Skating by the Kissing Students fountain in Tartu 💕
📸 Photos 1 & 3 Mana Kaasik, photo 2 Peeter Paaver.
#visittartu #visitsouthestonia #tartukorraldab
Feb 10
Perfect timing for a little sweet hunt in Tartu 🧁 Vastlapäev is coming next week, which means one very important thing in Estonia – it’s vastlakukkel season! 🤍
These soft, sweet buns are filled with fluffy whipped cream (and sometimes jam too), and cafés all over town are putting their own spin on them – so many delicious options are available!
Bon appétit!
#visittartu #tartucafes #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Feb 9
It`s Tasty Tartu time! 🍽️ Pause the video and send it to your friend 👌 Where it stops is where they’re taking you to eat at Tasty Tartu.
Tasty Tartu is February’s restaurant month, and 26 restaurants are serving special 3-course menus.
So many delicious menus waiting!
➡️ maitsevtartu.ee
#tastytartu #maitsevtartu #visittartu #visitsouthestonia
Feb 4
Great food is never hard to find in Tartu, but February adds something extra 👏 It’s Tasty Tartu time!
All month long, restaurants serve special three course menus made just for this season. A great time to try some place new or return to a favourite.
This post is just a small taste – many more menus and options are waiting on the website.
Pick your favourites and make February delicious:
➡️ www.maitsevtartu.ee
#visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Feb 1
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
