"Tartu - oldest Estonian university town" Top 5 Page for this destination Tartu by Raimix

Tartu Travel Guide: 188 reviews and 510 photos

Tartu - oldest Estonian university town - Tartu

Tartu was in my plans when visiting Estonia. I have heard good words about this city from people who visited it and I knew famous and oldest in Estonia Tartu University.

I have visited Tartu on the daytrip from Tallinn. I should say it was enough time to see main places in Tartu (old town, Dome hill, parks around) - was quite lucky about having guide - local girl that showed me this place.

Tartu is called intellectual capital of Estonia; it has famous university, found in 1632, when Sweden ruled Estonian land. It is also the second largest city in Estonia, 186 kilometers from capital Tallinn.

This city had a few different names in history. In German rule it was Dorpat, in Russian rule - Yuryev. The first time Tartu (former Yuryev) was mentioned already in 1030, when Prince of Kiev Yaroslav I the Wise built fort here.

This is a city, full of green places, lovely small old town, Emajogi River, lot of sculptures and good atmosphere. Tartu University is the most popular, prestigious in Estonia, so lot of young generations gather to this place in September - June.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful old town, green areas, sculptures, cozy atmosphere.
Cons:Small for few days visit.
In a nutshell:Town, that worths visiting and quite different from Tallinn.

Last visit to Tartu: Jul 2007
Intro Updated Aug 22, 2007
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Reviews (15)

Relaxed atmosphere Favorites (1)

Tartu atmosphere I liked more than in Tallinn. I loved to see here more locals than tourists. Most of people were... more travel advice

Bus Tallinn-Tartu-Tallinn Transportation (1)

Then visiting Estonia, I decided to visit not only Tallinn, but Tartu also. I counted that it is possible normally to... more travel advice

Chinese restaurant Restaurants (1)

This restaurant is located in old town of Tartu. It has two flours with quite different design. I guess locals most... more travel advice

The sculpture and fountain “The Kissing Students” - Tartu

The sculpture and fountain “The Kissing... Things to Do (12)

"The Kissing Students" were put on town hall square in 1998 and was projected by Mati Karmin. It is like a symbol of... more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Jul 13, 2007

8 photos

Various photos of Tartu

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Comments (9)

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CatherineReichardt Sep 14, 2011 at 10:51 AM

Hi Raimundas
Thanks so much for the wonderful 'virtual' tour of Tartu, especially the explanation of the lovely sculpture - I was particularly impressed to see Oscar Wilde represented! We loved Tallinn when we visited last December, and have promised ourselves that we will return - your page has just given me even more excuses to do so!
Regards
Cathy
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Durfun Aug 6, 2008 at 6:06 AM

Hey, Superb page.. you've convinced me that I should go here :) The 2 brigdes, students kissing statue, plus the two poets, father & son, etc. Nice work, Mr Mustard ;) Darsh
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kit_mc Jan 2, 2008 at 5:25 PM

Great tips on Tartu. I'm visiting in Feb so may well try that Chinese restaurant you mentioned! Happy 2008.
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bugulma Oct 27, 2007 at 12:15 PM

I have funny photo with Wilde statues and Father and son statues made by Lee (my friend). Have you?
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sihi Aug 29, 2007 at 2:09 PM

Great page and tips!!! City where I work in ambulance:)
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yumyum Aug 26, 2007 at 10:50 AM

I really would like to visit Tartu one day! Thanks for the introduction :))
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HORSCHECK Aug 22, 2007 at 12:30 PM

Another fabulous new page of yours. I really would love to visit Tartu on one of my next trips to the Baltics.
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Kuznetsov_Sergey Aug 22, 2007 at 8:20 AM

Great update, Raimundas sinse July,19! You reminded me that beautiful day in 1991 (the USSR was still alive) when I visited this ancient town with one day excursion. May be one day I'll come back there...
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Maurizioago Aug 9, 2007 at 5:11 AM

A hostess on a bus? Tell us more, please. Ciao!