A walk that will keep Tartu beating in your heart for a long time
Tartu is the perfect-sized city, where no walk is ever long or dull. At every step, walkers are surrounded by biodiversity-rich parks, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee from cosy cafés, and fascinating discoveries of history, culture, architecture and a city shaped for people. A stroll through the city centre brings together everything we are immensely proud of in Tartu and everything we hope every local and visitor will experience. You can pick up the walking map for free at the Tartu Visitor Centre or download the PDF version here.
The walk is four kilometres long and takes about two hours at a relaxed pace. If you choose to step into the cafés or museums along the way, it will certainly take more time and make the experience even richer.
Discover the highlights along the route
1. Tartu Town Hall Square
Tartu's Town Hall Square is the heart of the city. It's one of Estonia's most beautiful old town squares and...
2. Tartu Town Hall
Tartu Town Hall is a symbol of the historical heart of the city, located on Town Hall Square. The building...
3. 'The Kissing Students' sculpture and fountain
'The Kissing Students' sculpture and fountain is one of the most recognised symbols of Tartu. The fountain has stood in...
4. The Leaning House of Tartu
The Leaning House of Tartu, which people also call the Pisa Tower of Tartu, was built next to the medieval...
5. Arch Bridge (Kaarsild)
Arch Bridge (Kaarsild) is a pedestrian bridge between the city centre and the Ülejõe district. It was built in 1957–1959...
6. Lydia Koidula and Johann Voldemar Jannsen Memorial Square
The Memorial Square of Lydia Koidula and her father Johann Voldemar Jannsen was opened in the Ülejõe Park in Tartu...
7. Street Art Gallery under the Arch Bridge
As you walk under Kaarsild (the Arch Bridge), it’s worth pausing for a moment. Here, on the concrete vaults of...
8. Urban Grove on Freedom Boulevard
The once shady and underused green area along Freedom Boulevard has been given new life – a multi-layered habitat has...
9. Street Art Gallery under the Freedom Bridge
Tartu’s Freedom Bridge doesn’t just connect the banks of the Emajõgi River – beneath it has emerged a distinctive street...
10. University of Tartu Botanical Garden
The University of Tartu Botanical Garden offers study programmes and excursions for visitors of all ages. There are more than 10,000...
11. Knorring Manor House
The rooms with historical vibe add a special touch to every event, whether it's a formal dinner, seminar, conference, Christmas...
12. Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum
The Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum, located in the center of Tartu, is the largest and most modern interactive museum...
13. St. John's Church in Tartu
Tartu's Gothic-style St. John's Church dates back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest churches in Estonia....
14. Tartu Toy Museum
Tartu Toy Museum, situated in the Old Town of Tartu, takes adults back to the brighter days of their childhood...
15. Monument to Gustav II Adolf
Gustav II Adolf (1594–1632) was the King of Sweden and the creator of the Swedish Empire, who ascended the throne...
16. Elektriteater – Tartu’s Independent Cinema
Located in the heart of Tartu, Elektriteater is the city’s only arthouse cinema. It’s a place where film lives to...
17. University of Tartu's main building
The University of Tartu's main building is a truly remarkable and historically significant structure located in Tartu's Old Town. The...
18. Werner Café
Over the past 125 years, Werner Café has become a meeting place for spiritual people, where you can meet famous...
19. Monument to Nikolai Pirogov
The monument to the physician who studied and became a professor in Tartu was completed in 1952. The authors of...
20. Restaurant Gunpowder Cellar (Püssirohukelder)
The Gunpowder Cellar offers an Estonian and German menu and 300 years of history. The architecture will take you back...
21. Tartu Angel Bridge
Angel Bridge is one of Tartu's symbols and a popular place among both locals and tourists. It offers a beautiful...
22. Toome Hill Park
Toomemäe Park, a natural hill with a rich history, is one of the favorite places for Tartu residents to enjoy...
23. Tartu Cathedral
Tartu Cathedral on beautiful Toome Hill is Estonia's only two-towered medieval church. Construction began in the 13th century and was...
24. Edward von Lõngus’ artwork “Kannahabe and the Witch Hunter” on Toomemägi
On Toomemägi, near a University of Tartu building and across from the Supreme Court, you’ll find a mural that makes...
25. Tartu Devil's Bridge
The Devil's Bridge in Tartu is one of the few remaining concrete bridges from the early 20th century. Together with...
26. Tartu Old Anatomical Theatre
The anatomical theatre, which served as a workplace for many famous doctors and scientists in the 19th century, was completed...
27. Street Art Gallery on the Wall of the Small Observatory
On Toome Hill, on the wall of the Small Observatory, a mythological serpent lives its own life – the Ouroboros,...
28. Tartu Old Observatory
Tartu Old Observatory, which used to be one of the world’s most important centres of astronomy, is a gem among...
29. Toomemägi Panorama Point
The Toome Hill (Toomemägi) Panorama Point is located just next to the heart of Tartu and offers a peaceful spot...
30. Sculpture of Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde
A sculpture created in Tartu's Old Town in 1999 depicts a fun speculation about the history of literature. Sitting on...
31. 'Father and Son' sculpture
The sculpture "Father and Son" is a symbol of the relationship between different generations, where children are increasingly growing apart...
32. Tartu Market Hall
Tartu Market Hall is a contemporary indoor market in the heart of Tartu. It offers the largest and most authentic...
33. Emajõe Riviera promenade
The trails along the Emajõgi River allow you to walk in nature and enjoy your free time. One of the...
Walking along the banks of the Emajõgi River brings you back to the Town Hall Square, where the walk began. Take time to notice other fascinating landmarks, buildings, monuments and the urban nature around you, and enjoy Tartu’s wonderful flavours in our cafés and restaurants. When sharing your experiences on social media, don’t forget to tag @visittartu!