Estonia: the 9 essential things to do in Tartu

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📌 Read in : Français (French)

When someone says “Estonia“, you instantly think “Tallinn”. That’s normal, the Estonian capital is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe – at least in our opinion. But the country has many other treasures to share with its visitors. Among these is Tartu. Located in the south of the Baltic State, not far from the Latvian border, this city, famous in particular for its university, represents a masterful link between nature and modernity. We guarantee it won’t be long before you succumb to its charms. Need a little guide? Here’s what to do in Tartu, Estonia.

🔝 Passing through Tallinn? Don’t miss our must-sees in the Estonian capital, as well as our selection of the most romantic hotels.

🗒️ Two things to know before your trip to Tartu

Before we begin our list of must-do things in Tartu, let’s answer the two questions most often asked by travellers.

How do you get to Tartu?

If you go to Tartu, chances are you will pass through Tallinn. So, what routes are there from the Estonian capital?

1. By car: By road, it’s about 162 km from Tallinn to Tartu and the journey takes about two hours by car. It mainly follows the E263 motorway, which is in good condition and well-maintained. Be careful, though, the speed will be different depending on the season of your trip – no more than 100 km/h in winter.
2. By bus: There are regular buses between Tallinn and Tartu throughout the day. The best-known company in Estonia for long journeys is Lux Express. The journey times vary between 2h15 and 2h30 depending on the bus and the possible waiting time. This is obviously the most economical solution.
3. By train: there are also regular trains between the two cities. This takes approximately 2h30. The train is generally slower than buses but can be more comfortable (with two classes of travel on offer) and features breath-taking views of Estonia’s beautiful landscapes. This is our favourite way to travel in Estonia!

Which hotel should you  choose in Tartu?

There is no shortage of small, charming hotels in Tartu, but here are three that are quite notable:

• The Antonius Hotel. This four-star boutique hotel is located in the historic centre of Tartu, close to the Town Hall Square and the Cathedral. It offers elegant, spacious rooms, a restaurant, a sauna, and a hot tub.
• The Barclay Hotel. This modern, elegant hotel is vicinity of the station, about 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre. Rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, and the hotel has a restaurant, bar, and free parking.
• The Art Hotel Pallas by Tartuhotels. This three-star hotel is located in the centre of Tartu, a short walk from the Town Hall Square. It offers modern and comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a terrace, and private parking. The hotel is also close to many popular tourist sites, shops, and restaurants.

🗺️ If you haven’t found what you’re looking for yet, have a look at the guest map below. But be quick, prices have an annoying tendency to rise.

Booking.com

🔝 What are the must-do things in Tartu?

Now let’s tackle the heart of this article and have a look at the essentials of Tartu.

Explore the historic centre of Tartu

Let’s start our list of things to do in Tartu with the most obvious: a stroll through its historic centre, a cultural gem not to be missed. Its cobbled streets and historic buildings hold fascinating stories and a cultural richness almost unmatched elsewhere in the Baltics. Ancient churches, bustling public squares, monuments, and public gardens will transport you to another time. Tartu’s old town is also known for its vibrant university, with plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars welcoming students and locals alike.

The main building of the University of Tartu, the enchanting hill of Toome, the Church of St. John, and the Leaning House are all only a few steps from the Town Hall Square. We promise you a great trip!

Discover Estonian culture at the National Museum of Estonia

Among all the things to do in Tartu, the Estonian National Museum is a must. Located the Raadi estate, in the centre of the city, it opened its doors to the public in 2016. Well, that’s the new version, anyway. Before its destruction in World War II, the Raadi Manor had housed the Estonian National Museum. The new building is 355 meters long, with an area of ​​34,000 m². In addition to the exhibition spaces, it includes an auditorium, a restaurant, a café, an educational centre, a library, a research laboratory, an archive reserve, and offices. Ah yes, and what can you learn there? Pretty much everything you need to know about Estonian culture. If you have not yet been able to familiarize yourself with the country and its inhabitants, we advise you start there. Here is the official website.

Take a walk in Toomemägi Park (Toome Hill)

Toomemägi Park is a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city of Tartu. This green park offers a calming atmosphere to relax and enjoy nature. There are hiking trails for walkers, as well as shaded areas for resting. From the top of Toomemägi, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. The park is also a meeting place for the inhabitants of the city, who gather there to relax, play with their children, and have picnics, allowing you to immerse yourself in local life!

Visit the Estonian Natural History Museum

The Estonian Natural History Museum is a must-visit for nature and science lovers. It houses an amazing collection of specimens of flora and fauna, both local and from around the world. Interactive exhibits will introduce you to, for example, the biodiversity of boreal forests. The museum also offers activities for children, such as science workshops and demonstrations, making learning fun and accessible to all. What’s more, the establishment knows how to make you want to come: “In the botanical garden, you can enjoy the warmth of the tropics, meet turtles, see insectivorous plants and 70-year-old cacti”, says its website.

Visit the University of Estonia in Tartu

Founded in 1632, this university is the oldest in Estonia, and still one of the most prestigious. Its library is an essential place for lovers of books and history. It houses thousands of rare works, dating back several centuries, as well as collections of manuscripts, maps, and photographs. Here you can discover the oldest surviving Estonian texts, as well as works by famous authors from all over the world.

The Chapel of the University of Tartu is another place worth visiting. This historic building, distinguished by its Baroque architecture, frequently hosts classical music concerts, as well as important university ceremonies, such as graduation.

Head to Lake Peipsi for some outdoor activities

No, it’s nothing to do with the soft drink! Lake Peipsi, also known as Lake Chudskoye, is a transboundary lake located between Estonia and Russia. Considered one of the largest inland lakes in Europe, it offers visitors a magnificent landscape, with clear waters, lush forests, and white sand beaches.

It is a popular destination with locals for the outdoor activities found there, such as fishing, windsurfing, swimming, and boat trips. This lake is also an ideal place for birdwatchers, as it is home to a wide variety of migratory birds and native species.

(Re)discover contemporary art at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tartu

The Tartu Art Museum, also known as Tartmus, was established in 1940 with a mission to collect, preserve, and promote contemporary art. The museum is in a “twisted” house – which leans more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa – on the town hall square, built in 1793. The art collections and the professional library are located at Rüütli 23. The museum offers exciting encounters between the old and new arts of the 20th and 21st centuries. It builds bridges between the past and the present and addresses important topics in our current societies. Want to know more? Visit the official museum website.

Take a cruise on the Emajõgi River

Cruising the Emajõgi River is a must-do for any traveller visiting Tartu. This watercourse is the largest in the country and, during the cruise, travellers can discover the main sights of the city, such as the Tartu Cathedral, the National Museum of Estonia, and the Botanical Gardens of the University of Tartu. Cruises are usually organized by local companies and offer English commentary to help travellers learn about Tartu’s history and culture.

Head to Soomaa National Park for an epic hike

Soomaa National Park is a must for nature lovers and adventurers wishing to experience the wild beauty of Estonia alike. Located about 130 km west of the city of Tartu, the park is easily accessible by car in just 1 hour 40 minutes. The park is home to forests, marshes, rivers, and grasslands, providing a variety of landscapes to explore. The Soomaa Swamps are particularly noteworthy, offering the unique experience of navigating through water during the flood season.

That’s our list! We hope you now know what to do during your getaway in Tartu. If you have any other ideas, feel free to share them in the comments.