History meets modernity
The charming and tranquil neighborhoods of Tartu, rich in cultural value, captivate visitors. Enjoy the bohemian atmosphere of Karlova and explore Supilinn, and don’t forget to stop by Tähtvere and Tammelinn. Take a stroll, even with a guide, or grab a bike from Tartu’s bike-sharing service.
Karlova
In the bohemian wooden district of Karlova, you’ll notice colorful Art Nouveau wooden houses dating back to the 18th-20th centuries as you explore. The neighborhood is divided into Lower Karlova and Upper Karlova, with some of the oldest Old-Baltic style houses found at the beginning of Kalevi Street. In addition to the charming wooden houses, Karlova is also known for its two-story wooden sheds. The local culture can be enjoyed during the annual Karlova Days, which feature literature, art, theater, music, and delicious treats prepared in home cafés.
Supilinn
The small and compact neighborhood of Supilinn is located in the center of Tartu, between the Emajõgi River and Tähtvere. The district is known for its street names inspired by vegetables, such as Oa (Bean), Herne (Pea), Kauna (Pod), Kartuli (Potato), Kõrvitsa (Pumpkin), and Selleri (Celery), among others. Most of the buildings in Supilinn date from the second half of the 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century. As a wooden district, Supilinn is one of Tartu’s most colorful neighborhoods. Like Karlova, Supilinn has traditionally been home to students, thanks to its low rental prices and proximity to the University of Tartu’s main building. The local community is united by the Supilinn Society, whose members organize the annual Supilinn Days and manage the local newspaper, “Supilinna Tirin”. Herne and Kroonuaia streets can be considered the main thoroughfares of Supilinn, where much of the historical architectural style has been preserved. Additionally, the Supilinn Pond is important, as it is one of the few habitats for pond turtles in Estonia.
Tammelinn
Located in the southwestern part of Tartu, Tammelinn is one of the first modern garden cities in Estonia. This neighborhood is characterized by large, lushly landscaped plots, oak tree-lined streets, and low building density. The most well-known events in Tammelinn are the Tammelinn Days and the Tammelinn Home Café Day.
Tähtvere
Located in the northwestern part of Tartu, Tähtvere is one of the city’s most prestigious residential areas, home to many professors, doctors, and cultural figures both past and present. Because of this, Tähtvere is often referred to as the “professors’ district.” Most of the pre-war houses in Tähtvere were built of wood and later plastered to give them a functionalist appearance. Since nearly every garden in Tähtvere has an apple tree, the “Apple Yard Days” festival is held each fall to celebrate the season.