Welcome to Tartu
Enjoy the hospitality of Southern Estonia and a holiday full of experiences
Exploring Tartu and Southern Estonia is truly worthwhile
With its versatility and vibrant atmosphere, Tartu captivates everyone – whether you’re a passionate culture enthusiast, an adventurous sports fan, or a digital nomad. Tartu and Southern Estonia offer exciting activities and experiences, no matter if you travel solo, with friends, or family. Here, doors open to unique cultural experiences, memorable events, and the beauty of nature, offering countless opportunities to explore the region in inspiring and unforgettable ways.
Tartu has a bit of everything
A little bit of Old Town, high-rise buildings, wooden-house neighbourhoods, ruins and a little bit of street art here and there. Charming riverbanks, more parks than cities usually have and the atmosphere in the old industrial quarters is even a bit too cool. And it has been this way for a while. At least since 1632 when universities were beginning to be established here. World class science during the day and irresistible buzz at night.
Tartu is a green and compact city
Everything in Tartu is within your reach – 15 minutes by foot everywhere. Or by our popular public transport system – the bicycles. Our Smart Bike system and new bike lanes, green gas buses and the use of 100% renevable energy in city institutions, are only the first steps to become a completely climate neutral city. Tartu is also part of the Green Destinations network and has been recognized with the platinum-level award.
The meeting place for your next event?
There are about 2500 beds combined in various hotels and space for both small and large events: in those same hotels, theatre or concert halls, in university auditoriums, museums or why not at the Town Hall Square. And of course, all of this can be organized virtually or as a hybrid solution.
How to reach Tartu?
We do prefer to meet guests face to face. That is why we worked so hard to improve transport connections. It’s just a 45-minute flight from Helsinki, with dozens of buses or trains daily from Tallinn, or a direct bus from Riga. Once here, you can get around easily by foot, smart bikes or public transport.
What to see and do in Tartu?
The toughest part is, once you’re here, you won’t want to leave anymore. There’s just so much to do. Both in Tartu and South Estonia. Culture, stunning nature, wellness, the historic old town, museums and theme parks, shopping centres, world-class dining experiences and much more.
Share your experiences by tagging @visittartu in your post
The cutest place to be if you’re looking for a little Christmas spirit 💫
📍 Tartu Christmas City
#tartukorraldab #visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Dec 1
🌟❄️ Today, Tartu Christmas City opens.
If you’d like a touch of Christmas mood this December, drop by and enjoy the atmosphere.
💫 Keep an eye on @tartukorraldab for updates.
📸 @peeterpaaver
#visittartu #tartuchristmascity #tartukorraldab #tartujõululinn
Nov 30
✨️ This Sunday marks the 1st Advent and the return of a lovely tradition – Tartu Christmas City.
At its heart is the city centre ice rink, ready to offer you a little winter joy. It’s free to enjoy and open through early March. And if you’re not travelling with your own skates, no worries, you can simply rent a pair right next to the rink.
More information: @tartukorraldab 🌟
📸 Mana Kaasik
#visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Nov 24
🎄🌟 On November 30, Tartu Christmas City opens on the Town Hall Square.
Cosy pavilions, warm drinks and little moments filled with holiday spirit help bring the festive feeling back, and you can enjoy it all the way to early January.
⛸️ On the same day, November 30, the Tartu ice rink opens again for magical glides around the Kissing Students fountain ✨️
To stay up to date, check out @tartukorraldab 🙌
📸 @peeterpaaver
#visittartu #tartukorraldab #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Nov 23
@ahhaa_science centre is always a wonderful idea 🤩And starting this weekend, there’s a fresh spark of curiosity waiting for you!
🪲 The new exhibition "Aha, Giant Bugs" is now open and inviting you to explore tiny worlds up close. Wander inside and meet beetles, scorpions and other remarkable creatures that would normally fit in the palm of your hand.
#ahhaa #visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Nov 21
Toome hill, covered in a fresh blanket of snow ❄️🤍
📸 @kaisa.aarmaa photography
#visittartu #visitsouthestonia
Nov 19
A beautiful fox in the embrace of this morning’s frosty nature 🦊🧡
📸 @remosavisaar
#tartucounty #visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Nov 16
🩵 A warm welcome was exactly what we felt when the river suite @joe_sviit_vidiit_estonia invited us over. Calm river vibes and those beautiful Emajõgi views make you slow down right away.
If you’re planning a little celebration or just want a few quiet days close to nature, their river suite is a really lovely option. You stay right on the water with a comfy bed, a sauna, and everything you need to properly switch off.
And if you want to see Tartu & South Estonia from a different angle, VidiitEstonia’s river suite is definitely worth checking out. They know the river well, and you feel it from the first moment you step on board.
➡️ @joe_sviit_vidiit_estonia
PS. Hi @merekool 👋👋
#visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia #vidiitestonia #jõesviit
Nov 13
The beautiful Alatskivi Castle – a fairytale stop along the Onion Route 🏰✨
📸 @nele50mm
#visittartu #onionroute #sibulatee #alatskiviloss #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Nov 10
It’s time to light a candle for those who are no longer among us – All Souls’ Day 🤍
📸 Kaisa Äärmaa Photography
#allsoulsday #visittartu
Nov 2
🍁 Leaf blanketed Toomemägi Hill
📸 @kertk.photo
#visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Oct 29
🥘 All over South Estonia, the From Forest to Table food campaign is back from November 1 for the sixth time.
For 16 days, more than 50 restaurants – including over 20 in Tartu city and county, the heart of Estonia’s Culinary Region – will serve special menus inspired by our forests.
And online, you’ll find so many more menus and tasty options at www.metsasttaldrikule.ee 🤩
📍 Tap the photo to see where each dish comes from.
@visitsouthestonia @tartumainetoit @visitestonia #visitsouthestonia #visittartu #visitestonia #metsasttaldrikule #fromforesttotable
Oct 24
Tartu, dipped in gold 💛✨️
📸 Photos by @jyriluht_foto
#tartuinautumn #visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Oct 23
🧡💛 Autumn fits Tartu perfectly.
📸 Photos: Kaisa Äärmaa 🙏
#visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Oct 17
Gravity? Never heard of her 👀
📍Upside Down House in Tartu @tagurpidimaja
#tagurpidimaja #upsidedownhousetartu #visittartu #visitsouthestonia #visitestonia
Oct 14
✨ Visiting Tartu? Make sure to stop by our tourist information centre and say hi! 👋
Grab some free brochures and maps, get the latest event tips, and check out our souvenirs, postcards, and local goodies. You can even buy stamps and drop your card in the post box right outside.
📍 Find us on the first floor of Tartu Town Hall – just come in through the side door!
➡️ From mid-September to mid-May we’re open:
Mon 9–18, Tue–Fri 9–17.
When we’re closed, you can always find inspiration at visittartu.com. Or email us your questions at info@visittartu.com 💌
See you soon!
#visittartu #visitsouthestonia
Oct 8
