Tartu
Estonia · 57 m
Description
Tartu is the second city of Estonia and its intellectual centre, built around a university the Swedish king founded in 1632 that still sets the tone of the place. The classical main building stands on the town square and the ruins of a Gothic cathedral crown the hill behind, half rebuilt as a museum. Student traditions run deep here, including a lock-up in the university attic where misbehaving students were once confined and left graffiti. The Emajõgi river cuts through the middle. The atmosphere is younger and less polished than Tallinn's.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: May – September or December
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- University of Tartu main building
- Town Hall Square and the Kissing Students fountain
- Toomemägi hill and the cathedral ruins
- Estonian National Museum
- Student lock-up in the university attic
- Supilinn wooden house quarter
- AHHAA science centre
- Emajõgi riverfront and the Kaarsild bridge
- Leaning House of the Art Museum
- Student bars and the university nightlife
Getting there
- Train stations:
- Tartu