On June 3rd, members of the Tartu Conference Ambassadors Club gathered at Barge Centre (Lodjakoda) to explore the event opportunities offered by this hidden gem on the banks of the River Emajõgi.
The Barge Centre – a unique historical shipbuilding centre in the entire Baltic region – makes a lasting impression with its authentic atmosphere, closeness to nature, versatile indoor spaces, hands-on workshop opportunities, and, of course, its one-of-a-kind barges. During the visit, Linda Saare from the Emajõgi Barge Society provided a thorough and engaging overview of everything the venue has to offer.
An inseparable part of the Barge Centre are its two extraordinary wooden barges, Jõmmu and Suur Sume. A barge (in Estonian: lodi) is a traditional wooden vessel that was commonly used on Estonian rivers – especially the Emajõgi – from the 14th to the 19th century. These flat-bottomed, one- or two-masted boats were vital for transporting goods along inland waterways. Today, they are extremely rare and unique to this region, making them a treasured part of Estonia’s cultural heritage and an unforgettable experience for visitors. These barges add charm to any event and offer beautiful views of Tartu and its lush riverside nature. A barge cruise is suitable for everyone – there’s no need to worry about seasickness, as the vessels are stable and do not sway.
This time, the journey on the River Emajõgi was made aboard Suur Sume – a newly launched two-masted barge, introduced in 2024. It can accommodate up to 120 people, with seating for 90 on deck atop soft sheepskins. The spacious interior (the hold) offers shelter from both rain and excessive sun and is well-suited for meetings, team events, and workshops. This makes Suur Sume a perfect venue for smaller conferences, networking evenings, and inspiring side events – all held right on the water.
The time the conference ambassadors spent at the Lodjakoda and aboard Suur Sume – with splendid summer weather, freshly baked pastries, warm drinks, and stunning riverside views – created a cozy atmosphere and a heartfelt sense of connection, capturing the true spirit and quiet charm of Tartu that conference guests can also enjoy.
The inspiration events introducing Tartu to members of the Conference Ambassadors Club are jointly organised by Visit Tartu and the Estonian Convention Bureau and are held twice a year – usually in summer and autumn.
More information: Maigi Lokko, MICE & Conference Tourism Specialist, maigi.lokko@visittartu.com, +372 5429 0508
