Tartu

Tartu's ancient name of 'Tarbatu' was shortened to 'Tartu' in Estonian and to 'Dorpat' in German. Although large parts of the town were destroyed in World War II , Tartu still has a charming old town surrounded by large parks (some of which used to be fully built-up neighbourhoods before the war). Toomemägi , or Cathedral Hill, towering over the city, hold some of Tartu's major sights. Tartu is 185 km southeast of Tallinn , the capital of Estonia. The Emajõgi River, which connects two of the country's largest lakes, Võrtsjärv and Peipus, flows for 10 km within the city limits. Tourist Information Centre Raekoja plats ( ground floor of Tartu town hall building ), [email protected] . . 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.

By Plane

If arriving on a commercial flight, your main option is Tallinn , which is only 180 km away with buses and trains to Tartu running directly from the airport. Alternatively, Riga (250 km from Tartu) may be an option as well - buses from the Riga Bus Station to Tartu are operated by Lux Express . Tartu Airport ( TAY IATA ) ( 10 km south of the city centre ). Has one daily flight to/from Helsinki by Finnair. The airport is little more than an embarkation/disembarkation point. To rent a car, book in advance. Don't expect any food at the airport. ( updated Apr 2020 ) Airport Shuttle . Bus operating between the airport and the city. Free . ( updated Jul 2019 )

By Train

Tartu railway station ( Tartu raudteejaam ), Vaksali 6 ( Tartu railway station 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. ( updated Mar 2021 ) Elron operates several daily trains between Tartu and Tallinn via Tapa. The journey takes 2 hr (express train) to 2½ 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. Tickets are 10% cheaper online. 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 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. About the first 100 km is motorway, the latter half two-lane highway. The 185 km drive along Highway 2 takes 2-2.5 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. About halfway between the cities you can visit the Põhjaka Mõis (Põhjaka Manor), just off the highway. North of Põltsamaa you can visit the mid-point of mainland Estonia, marked with a boulder just off the highway. Coming from Riga, drive along A3 to Valka/Valga, then Highway 3 up to Tartu. It's usually quite easy to find a parking spot in Tartu. Pay for your parking in a ticket machine or by app. More information at the city's website .

By Bus

Tartu has a network of 14 intracity bus lines and 2 night bus lines. See online information about local buses . Load a Pilet.ee mobile app to buy tickets. For longer stays, buy a bus card for €2 at one of these places (cards from elsewhere in Estonia can also be used), then load money to card at the same place or online . You can also buy tickets with contactless card on bus. You will get automatically 1-hour ticket or 1-day ticket, if you're using it for 3rd time that day. QR-tickets can only be bought for 1-hour. All tickets have to be scanned on bus. 1 hour 1 hour 1 day 10 days Price for adults €0.83 €2 €2.11 (must have at least €2.75 on card) €7.03 Validity Buses Buses Buses Buses and city bikes Information If bought using bus card, QR-ticket or contactless card If bought from driver Must buy with bus card or contactless card Must buy online with bus card Important lines are: 9 and 9A circle around town, 9 goes clockwise and 9A anticlockwise 7 to ERM 25 to Tartu Railway Station according to train schedule 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. E1 to/from airport

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.

On foot Tartu can be easily explored by walking. It's only a 20-minute walk from the train station to the old town, and a beautiful 30-min walk from old town to the Estonian National Museum. Walking up to Toomemägi for views of the city and attractions like the old observatory and the cathedral ruins is also definitely worth it.

• Town Hall Square
• Raekoja plats — ).
• The main square between Emajõgi River and the pink town hall is probably the iconic view of the city. Right in the front of the town hall you can see the — kissing students fountain , which is a symbol of Tartu. When standing at the river end of the square, with the town hall in front of you, on the right hand side is the leaning house - first it doesn't seem to lean so much, but go closer and look at it from a right angle! updated Aug 2018 )
• Main building of the University of Tartu — .
• One of Tartu's grandest buildings, facing a relatively narrow street. As such if you want to take a photo of the whole building you need to do so at an angle.
• Statue of Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde
• Kirjanike Oscar Wilde ja Eduard Vilde mälestusmärk — ).
• Soup Neighbourhood
• Supilinn — ).
• Neighbourhood where all of the streets are named after soup ingredients. Features charming old wooden houses.

• Tallinn — Estonia's capital, a 1–2 hour drive away, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town and vibrant culture.
• Other destinations in Tartumaa and neighbouring counties offer more natural beauty, historic sites, and local experiences.
• The Estonian coast and islands are within reach for day trips or longer excursions.