The second largest city in Estonia, Tartu is a European city with a subtle charm and elegance. The city is full of intellectuals and universities. Many students enroll in one of the three universities here, including the prestigious University of Tartu. Like most European cities, Tartu has a rich history dating back centuries. Next time you’re looking for a European city to explore, check out these five reasons to visit Tartu in Estonia for a dose of culture and history.
Check Out The Street Art
There is a ton of graffiti art throughout Tartu, a university town with three major higher education institutions. College students throughout the years have taken their time decorating the walls and building throughout Tartu. Travelers will find gigantic murals and smaller, hidden street art on nearly every street. Graffiti lovers have even created a map of street art throughout Tartu. Follow the map for a fun, thrilling scavenger hunt that showcases the beauty of the city while also stopping at some of the best street art spots you’ll find in Estonia.
Visit The Toomemäe Cathedral Ruins
The Toomemäe Cathedral Ruins are both mysterious and intriguing. They were destroyed during the Livonian War in the late 1500s. Today, travelers can visit the open-air ruins to marvel at what once stood tall in Tartu. The ruins are a part of the University of Tartu Museum and visitors can learn more about the history of the ruins and Tartu’s past. The cathedral ruins are one of the city’s most important historical landmarks.
Lounge Along The Emajõgi Riverfront
There are plenty of parks and rest spots along the Emajõgi River in Tartu. The word Emajõgi translates into “Mother River” in Estonian. With it being the only fully navigable river in Estonia, the Emajõgi River is truly the mother of rivers in the European country. The river is a major piece of Tartu’s unique natural landscape. It runs through the center of the city and is a hotspot for both tourists and locals.
Explore The Museum Of KGB Cells
The Cold War was a wild time in world history and travelers can learn more about it by visiting the Museum Of KGB Cells. Located in Tartu, this museum tells a dark tale of how Russian KGB forces worked against Estonians during the Cold War. It’s housed in what was known as the “Grey Room,” a dungeon-like space where Estonians would be held by the KGB until their fate was decided. Today, the space serves as a museum and memorial of the Estonians who lost their lives fighting against KGB forces.
Witness The Unique Charm Of Soup Town
Supilinn is a quaint and humble town in Tartu with a vintage edge. The town is better known by the name “Soup Town” and it’s one of the top places to find street art in Tartu. In Soup Town, most of the streets are named after vegetables, like Potato Street and Pea Street. The homes are made of wood and it’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in Tartu. Back in the day, Soup Town was a place where poor college students could find discount housing.