Tartu
Understand
Tartu is 185 km south-east of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. The Emajõgi River, which connects the two largest lakes of Estonia, flows for 10 km within the city limits.
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Tourist Information Centre
phone: +372 744 21 11address: Raekoja platsLocated in the ground floor of Tartu Town Hall.
Talk
Since Tartu is a student town, English is widely understood. As usual, the older people are more likely to only speak Estonian and Russian; however most can understand English if you speak clearly.Get in
By plane
Tartu AirportAs of October 2015, Tartu is served daily by a single Finnair/Flybe flight from Helsinki. The airport is, therefore, little more than an embarkation/disembarkation point. If you want to rent a car, book in advance. Don't expect any food at the airport.
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Airport ShuttleBus operating between the airport and the city.
By bus
Buses arrive at the small at Turu 2, which is across the street from the Kaubamaja department store, 5-10 min walk from the central square of Tartu. The tiny building hosts a ticket office, luggage room, decent cafeteria, and R-kiosk. If you need more, head to the nearby shopping mall. When arriving from Tallinn, you can also get off the bus at one of the stops in the city centre.Buses from Tallinn depart several times an hour between 05:00 and midnight, and stop at the Tallinn airport. The journey takes 2.5 to 3 hours and costs €2-10, before a discount available with an ISIC card. Some buses have free wireless internet and free drinks available. Note that Friday afternoon departures from Tartu to Tallinn (and Sunday night Tallinn-to-Tartu) are usually crowded during the school year as lots of students go home for the weekend.
Regular buses also run between Tartu and Narva (3 hr), Viljandi (1 hr), Pärnu (2.5 hr), and Kuressaare (6 hr).
Tartu is a stop of international buses running between Saint Petersburg (8 hr) and Riga (4 hr). These buses typically run overnight, which makes their schedule from Tartu somewhat inconvenient. Another international route is from Tartu to Pskov in Russia (4 hr, note that websites and timetables use the Estonian name Pihkva).
Bus and train schedules within Estonia are easily available online – read more under Estonia#Get around.
By train
Also, see last remark of the previous chapter.is located only 1 km from the city center (end of J. Kuperjanovi street), but it is not in the city centre, and it is not well signposted either. The easiest way to find the train station is to follow Riia street uphill until you see the railway, and turn right along the tracks. The station building amply adorned with wooden carvings is a nice example of Estonian architecture. Inside, you won't find more than a kiosk (not even an R-kiosk!) and a ticket machine.
Elron operates several daily trains between Tartu and Tallinn via Tapa. The journey takes 2 hr (express train) to 2.5 hr (regular train) and costs €11 for 2nd class and €14 for 1st class on an express train, or €10 for 2nd class and €12 for 1st class on a regular train. There is free Wi-Fi and tables with electric outlets on trains. 1st class passengers get more comfortable seats and may book a specific seat online.
Trains also run between Tartu and Valga on the Latvian border, with one daily connection further to Riga (5 hr). Railway tracks likewise go in the direction of Russia, but you can only reach the small station of Koidula on the Russian border. This station is less than 1 km from the 24/7 checkpoint, which is open for pedestrians. Once you are on the Russian side, catch a taxi or simply walk to the bus station of Pechory (2 km from the border), and continue to Pskov by bus.
By car
An excellent day trip is to drive from Tallinn to Tartu. Outside of Tallinn, it is a two-lane paved road with some construction ongoing to upgrade it. It takes two to two and a half hours. There are few sights of interest along the way. The terrain is flat and most of the road is bracketed by a birch trees and a few pines. Sam's Grill (about 1/2 way between Tallinn and Tartu) or a bit fancier Põhjaka Mõis are recommended as a place to stop. There is a gas station (Statoil) some km away.By boat
There are also ferry services between Tartu and Lake Peipus and Lake Lämmijärv. Check with the Tourist Information Centre, or inquire at the river directly.Get around
By bus
Tartu has a network of 19 intracity bus lines and 2 night bus lines. Single tickets cost €0.75 from a news stand or €1 from the driver. 10 single tickets from a news stand cost €8. A ticket for 1 day costs €2, 1-hour ticket costs €1. 10-day ticket costs €8. On lines 6A, 31, 32 and 33, which are being operated by Automen, the ticket costs €1. Bus network details (times and lines) see here: http://tartu.peatus.ee/#cityImportant lines are:
- 8 to Lõunakeskus and Anne Kanal (popular beach)
- 32, 6 and 7 to Lõunakeskus
- 7 and 20 to Tartu Railway Station
- Bus line 69 is free, and runs between the bus station and the Lõunakeskus shopping center on the edge of town. As this is a sponsored line, its buses do not have the red-and-white color scheme of regular municipal buses.
See
Main building of the University of Tartu
Town Hall SquareThe kissing students fountain is a symbol of Tartu.
Statue of Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde
Soup NeighbourhoodNeighbourhood where all of the streets are named after soup ingredients. Features charming old wooden houses.
Former Soviet Airfield
Museums
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Estonian National Museum (ERM)
address: Muuseumi tee 2The new building of the Estonian National Museum (Eesti Rahvamuuseum, ERM) is located north of the city centre near the Raadi mansion. It features a permanent exhibition on Estonian and Finno-Ugric culture, language, and traditions as well as various temporary installations. The museum can be easily reached from the city center on foot by following the newly constructed walkway along Roosi street (ca. 2 km total distance). -
phone: +372 7461717address: Riia 15bThis nondescript building was known as the Gray House and was the headquarters of the Estonian KGB. It tells the story of how the prisoners were treated there, and some stories about the Estonian resistance heroes, the Forest Brothers. The museum is small and does not have a very big sign, so look carefully.
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address: Raekoja plats 18
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address: Narva 23Classicist style structure was built as a town palace in 1790. The building is popularly called Catherine's House. The legend has it that Empress Catherine II made a short stay there. It is not true, though. The permanent exhibition provides a good insight into Tartu's long history up to 1920.
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Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum
address: Rüütli 15The Baltics biggest museum designated to sports, with several interactive exhibits. Please note that the winter sports exhibition is at another site, in Otepää town, which is about 45km from Tartu.
Parks and squares
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Botanic Garden of the University of Tartu
address: 38/40 Lai Toome HillMany monuments, statues and historical buildings
Raadi Park
Barclay Park
Churches
St. John's Church14th century church is famous for its thousands of medieval terracotta figures.
Cathedral ruinsFrom the 13th century and were dedicated to apostles St. Peter and Paul. Today the choir part houses the Tartu University History Museum, and the towers are reconstructed to sightseeing platforms.
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St. Paul's Church
address: RiiaAn outstanding redbrick Finnish National Romanticist style building by the famous Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen. -
St. Peter's Church
address: 104 Narva StA Neogothic Lutheran church from 1903, is built on the grounds of the first general Estonian song festival which took place in 1869. -
Roman Catholic Church
address: 1 Veski StA beautiful neo-Historical redbrick building from 1899. -
St. Alexander's Orthodox Church
address: 19a Sõbra StA two-story church, designed by architect V. Lunski, with cupolas inspired by the Old Russian church architecture. It was deconsecrated 40 years ago but reconsecrated in summer 2003. -
Uspensky Orthodox Church
address: 1 Magasini StAn early classical church built in 1783 with typical Russian classical elements. It's located on the same place as the St. Mary Magdalene Church of a Dominican cloister founded before 1300.
Other buildings
Gunpowder CellarDug into the side of the hill in 1767 as part of the complex of the bishop's citadel. It was used as a gunpowder cellar until 1809. Until 1982 it served as a storage room for many different enterprises, and was later developed into a eating place. Today, the building hosts a bar/restaurant of the same name.
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National Court
address: Lossi 17Construction of the building began in 1763 as military barracks. Onto its ruins was built the university hospital in 1808, which functioned until 1990. Since 1993, the national court is again in Tartu, which is Estonia's supreme judiciary court. -
address: Lossi 40The observatory, designed by university architect J.W. Krause, was built at the beginning of the 19th century. Working place of many famous astronomers including Struve; indeed the observatory is a point on the world heritage list Struve Geodetic Arc spanning from the Arctic Sea to the Black Sea.
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Old Anatomical Theatre
address: Lossi 38One of the first buildings of the re-opened Tartu University which was built in 1803-1805 according to the drawings of university architect J. Krause. Today the visitors are offered an exhibition of the history of medicine with preparates. -
Barclay House
address: Raekoja 18Late 18th century building. Duchess Barclay bought the house in 1819 after the death of her husband, Barclay de Tolly. The longitudinal wall of the building toward the river was built on the basis of the old town wall, while the other side was built on a new foundation. This is why the house is now askew and is popularly called the Tower of Pisa. -
Tartu Centre for Creative Industries
address: Kalevi 13, 15, 17Congregates several creative enterprises and creates therefore a creative atmosphere. The three buildings of the centre were built between 1830 and 1913 and represent different architectural styles: historicism and Art Nouveau. Remains of the Town Wall
Bridges
Angel's BridgeBuilt in the 19th century and spans Lossi Street.
Devil's BridgeBuilt in 1913 in honour of the 300th jubilee of tsarist Russia's Romanov Dynasty, which is memorialised on the bridge by the dates 1613-1913.
Arched BridgeStands on the site of the original stone bridge of Tartu which was built in 1784 and blown up by the Soviets in WWII. This new bridge is only for pedestrians and allows you to do one of the most loved cultural activities of Tartu, walk over the top of the arch after a big night in the club. Just don't let the cops catch you.
Modern architecture
During the last decade, Tartu has seen several interesting pieces of modern architecture being built. They are well worth a visit and give an insight of how people in modern Tartu think and live, in addition to traditionally history-driven image of the city. Some of them are right in the city-centre. See the yellow markers on the official Tartu Modern Architecture map. The map is in Estonian only, but selected images speak louder than words.Do
CinamonThe biggest movie theatre in Tartu.
EkraanA popular movie theatre. It has two movie screens and first-rate Dolby SR/DTS sound system.
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address: Lutsu 2
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address: Lai 37
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Athena - Conference and Incentive Centre
address: Küütri 1 -
address: Vanemuise 6
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address: Soola 5B
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phone: +372 745 6789address: Sadama 1Interactive and entertaining science center.
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phone: +372 7300 280address: Turu 10Swimming pool, water park, fitness center
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phone: +372 551 8386address: Emajõe 3Offers various cruises for up to 30 people along River Emajõgi.
Festivals
Hanseatic DaysThird week of July, exact dates vary from year to year. Medieval festival featuring fairs, festivities, exhibitions, concerts, dances, merchants and tradesmen.
tARTuFFFilm festival in August. Themes include love and tolerance.
PÖFF - Black Nights Film FestivalFilm festival at the end of November.
Learn
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address: Ülikooli 18Established in 1632, it's one of the oldest universities in Europe. The main building was built in 1804-1809 according to university architect Johann Wilhelm Krause's plans in classical architecture. It includes the historic lock-up on the attic, Assembly Hall and the Tartu University Art Museum which displays ancient art.
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Estonian University of Life Sciences
address: Ülikooli 18
Buy
Tartu KaubamajaDepartment store with several floors full of fascinating things to buy. "Kaubamaja" belongs to Kaubamaja consortium.
LõunakeskusFeatures a wide range of small boutiques, as well as a big department store Maksimarket.
Annelinna keskusThere is a Selver (big department store), as well as clothes shop, lots of small boutiques and other small shops.
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address: Kalevi 13Loov Gallery sells souvenirs produced by young Estonian artists, ranging from jewelry and accessories to paintings.
KvartalShopping centre next to Kaubamaja. Opened in 2016
TaskuShopping centre near the bus station.
Eat
Budget
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address: Vanemuise 26
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phone: +372 7427933address: Riia 7pizzeria
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phone: +372 7433575, +372 51929211address: Rüütli 2Different pizza and pancake dishes (both as desserts and as main courses), soups, rice dishes, etc.
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address: Raekoja plats 20
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address: Kalevi 13
Mid-range
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phone: +372 7 355 029, +372 53 300 464address: Võru 2Authentic Asian cuisine, good price soups and meals of the day.
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address: Kompanii 10
PüssirohukelderBuilt inside an ancient gunpowder cellar
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phone: +372 730 1893address: Raekoja plats 10
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address: Turu 2, Tasku Shopping CenterJapanese food.
Werner restaurantCosy restaurant with good food in a relaxed environment.
Drink
Pirogov Parksmall park where consuming light (
Cafes
Café CreppFrench-themed, serves delicious pancakes
Café WernerExcellent café since 1895.
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Café Krempel
phone: +372 445 1510address: Rüütli 12A cosy café which also offers vegan dishes (breakfast only on Sunday) in which you can apparently get in touch with strangers.
Bars
In a typical pub, a 0.5 l beer usually costs €2-3. Almost all popular beers are near or more than 5 % alcohol content.NAIIVCulture and bar.
BarlovaCosy and chilled.
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address: Ülikooli 5Jazz Club. Many sporting events (mainly football) are broadcasted.
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address: Jakobi 34English style pub. Offers 40 % discounts on any alcoholic beverages after 20:00.
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address: Küütri 7
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address: Lai 30Legendary meeting place for students and alternative fashion people. Popular among foreigners.
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phone: +372 740 4514address: Magasini 5a nice, somewhat (more) alternative-hipstery bar.
Clubs
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address: Magasini 5An alternative club with concerts, theater performances, seminars, etc. Recently joined with the bar Möku which now resides on the ground floor.
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address: Tiigi 76A
IllusionAccording to girls more into Genialistide klubi, Illusion is where people get drunk and start fights, and the music is bad. So, the latter basically means main stream music.
ShootersDrinking and party, as flat and fun as is it might sound.
Sleep
Budget
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phone: +372 56994398address: Kastani 38An eco-friendly boutique hostel.
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phone: +372 5655382address: Raekoja Plats 10English speaking, overlooking the Town Square, Excellent kitchen and bathrooms.
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address: Tähtvere 48Self-service accommodation in apartments with all comforts.
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address: Soola 3
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address: 3 different locations: Raatuse 22, Narva mnt. 27 and Pepleri 14Best rooms go quickly so book ahead.
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address: Vikerkaare 40
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address: Kastani 3Small guest house. The lady who runs it speaks a little English but she is delightful and you can communicate without too much hassle. Best to email ahead.
Mid-range
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phone: +372 7400 674, +372 56 203 823address: Mõisavahe 21In the Annelinn suburb, is a quality budget hotel. All rooms are equipped with Sat-TV and an internet connection. Located just few minutes by car from Tartu Town Hall square, with frequent bus service from right in front of the hotel.
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Domus Dorpatensis Guest Apartments
address: Raekoja plats 1Apartments are located in a historical house on the main square. They offer spacious and clean apartments with all the equipment and privacy needed. -
phone: +372 7 447 100address: Ülikooli 849 rooms including 2 suites with saunas. Amenities include safe-box, hairdryer, cable TV, mini-bar, phone and complimentary wireless internet. Restaurant serves authentic Estonian food.
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address: Soola 6200 standard rooms and 5 business class rooms.
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phone: +372 7 442045address: Raekoja plats 2BBC TV. Wheelchair accessible.
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phone: +372 7 305 555address: Rüütli 9
Go next
- Tallinn – The financial and cosmopolitan centre of Estonia. Beautiful and expensive.
- Soomaa National Park – About 60 km south of Tallinn and second largest national park in Estonia, known for its swamps and bogs (Soomaa means "land of bogs" in Estonian), and its "fifth season". Surprisingly, swimming is popular there and is said to rejuvenate the skin.
- Põltsamaa – The centre of Estonian winery and wine production just a dozens of km northwest.
- Viljandi – A beautiful, ancient and hilly city, known for its annual Viljandi Folk Music Festival, beautiful old town and overwhelming and picturesque park around the old castle.
- Otepää – A small town set in the hills of south Estonia and best known winter sports centre in the Baltics, and the Winter Capital of Estonia. Surrounded by lakes, hills and ski jump towers.
- Zwiebelberg – A region at Lake Peipsi, popular for its numerous onion sellers along the stretch between Kolkja and Varnja.
- Mustvee – Almost halfway to Narva, the border city with Russia famous for the Hermann castle, is this small and relaxing fishing village.