Tourist information

For tourist information, see www.visittartu.com

The old Hanseatic city lies on the banks of the River Emajõgi. Tartu is a modern city with a rich historical heritage and culture. It is the intellectual capital of Estonia where national awareness and the culture of Estonia was born.

Theatre performances, concerts, festivals, conferences happen all year round. In Tartu one can enjoy the high quality promenade concerts, the River Emajõgi  Summer theatre, the Hanseatic Days and various music events – you’ll never get bored. Tartu is also home to more than 20 museums and a botanical garden.

History

Tartu was first mentioned in 1030. Tartu is known for its rich history and it has always been the intellectual capital of Estonia. The center of the town is a heritage protection site, with 390 different cultural artefacts. The main attractions are the Classicist Town Hall, the main building of University of Tartu (1632) and Jaani (St John’s) Church, one of the most unique medieval sanctums with its terracotta sculptures. In order to experience Tartu’s rich historical heritage we suggest visiting various museums or the St. Anthony’s Guild with its studios and craft shops.

University of Tartu

The University of Tartu, which is symbolised by the main building with its six white columns, is one of the most notable landmarks in Estonian educational and cultural history. The university, founded by Gustavus II Adolphus in 1632, has for centuries offered enlightenment in this corner of the world, which lies far from the European cultural centres and whose importance and renown was primarily associated with the University of Tartu.
The university's historical buildings are among the most attractive examples of classicistic architecture in Estonia, and one of the most interesting 19th century university complexes in Europe in terms of the buildings' proximity to one another.

Toome Hill

Toome Hill was a gift of Tsar Paul I to the University – till then the clearing was used mainly as a grazing area for townspeople’s cows and goats. Rector G. F. Parrot, university architect J.W. Krause and library director K.S. Morgenstern decided to convert the area into a public park, and have it accommodate some important university buildings. Toome Hill is located within the town of Tartu and belongs to the heritage protection zone of the Old Town.

The Observatory of Tartu

For astronomy studies and research the Observatory was founded on the Toome Hill (1808-1810). The Observatory of Tartu became notable in the world research when the graduate of the University of Tartu Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve became its director. Thanks to the very good instruments the Observatory of Tartu was one of the best research institutes in the field of astronomy in the whole world at that time.

The former Dome Church

The oldest architectural monument on the Toome Hill is the jewel of Tartu – the Dome Church which was founded in the 13th century, rebuilt in the 14th and 15th century. At its peak time in the 16th century the church was larger than the Dome Church in Riga being even more beautiful. At present the towers of the Dome Church have been partially restored, the observation platform has been built for the visitors to cast a look on the one-thousand-year-old town of Tartu.

Citizens of Tartu strongly believe that everyone who arrives in Tartu is taken over by what they call the “spirit of Tartu”. Some even call it "Tartu Ghost" – a mysterious being that makes you come back to Tartu over and over again. See you in Tartu!

Tartu County

Tartu County is situated between two big lakes - Lake Peipsi and Lake Võrtsjärv, connected by River Emajõgi. Here you can find wavy plains crossed by valleys and meandering rivers, lakes between drumlins, and vast wetlands, which cover nearly one quarter of the county's territory. Tartu County is rich in wildlife reserves with diverse landscapes and numerous hiking trails. Tartu County boasts several significant wildlife reserves of European importance and offers various activities like bird watching, horseback riding or several water activities. There are also a few interesting museums to visit, e.g. Estonian Agricultural Museum and Estonian Aviation Museum. The sights along the Emajõgi River can be enjoyed from a Hanseatic barge, a Viking ship and river boats. The culturally unique villages of the Russian Old Believers on the shore of Lake Peipsi are definitely worth a visit.

Welcome to Tartu County - a region with diverse nature, developed economy, rich historical and cultural traditions!