The most environmentally and budget-friendly way to explore Tartu’s surroundings is bicycling. In recent years, not only in the city but also in the areas surrounding Tartu and more wide-ragingly in South Estonia, new non-motorised transport paths have been actively built, and other bike trails have been created, which are safe and convenient to navigate. Bike lovers are delighted by versatile landscapes, genuine small settlements, and the enchanting beauty of pristine nature in different reserves and conservation areas.
Among the best-known bike trails, which pass through and surround Tartu, are several EuroVelo routes and the cycling route connecting South Estonia and North Latvia, “Tour de LatEst” (tourdelatest.vidzeme.com). One of the longest local bike routes snakes around Lake Võrtsjärv, reaching a length of 140 km. In addition, cyclists and hikers are presented with a wonderful opportunity to enjoy nature in Ilmatsalu (8 km trail) as well as in the Elva landscape protection areas in Vitipalu (23,5 km), in Vellavere (8 km and 13 km) and Vapramäe (6,5 km). Bikes can be rented from rental points located in the city as well as around the county.