The year 1886 when the plan to build the Pihkva-Riga railway with a branch from Valga to Tartu became a crucial year in the development of the little town.The steam engine monument erected near the Valga railway station in 1998 celebrates the 110th anniversary of the Pihkva-Valga-Riga rail connection. Engine SU 251-98 was built in the Sormovo Shipyard in 1949. Interesting facts: * the engine weighs 87 tons and its output is 12 tons of steam per hour; * Riga-Pihkva railway was officially opened on 22 July 1889 in Pihkva.
The Pilgrim House introduces visitors to everything related to medieval pilgrims and pilgrimages. Here you can get acquainted with various medieval holy places and pilgrimage destinations. One of them, the most famous in Northern Europe, was located right here in the Holy Cross Chapel of the Vastseliina Bishopric! Thanks to the interactive exhibit, visitors can experience firsthand what a medieval pilgrim felt, what he feared, and what he loved. You can play medieval board games, and with prior arrangements, we offer various experience packages, including period and themed meals prepared in the Pilgrim House oven to fill your stomach!
You will certainly notice the Von Bock House (1780) at Ülikooli 16 in the centre of Tartu, which used to belong to Oberst MJ von Bock. The University of Tartu bought the building in 1839. The house was renovated and reopened in 2007. There is a mural that depicts the main building of the University of Tartu on the building’s wall that faces the Town Hall and an exhibition of Alar Madisson’s photos of current lecturers and legendary professors of the University of Tartu is up on the wall next to Jakobi Street.Interesting facts: - the Von Bock has been the home of the University of Tartu Clinic, a veterinary school and the library of the Learned Estonian Society in different times. The building currently belongs to the University of Tartu.
On the banks of Tartu's Emajõgi River lies the legendary mojito bar Little Cuba, bringing a touch of Caribbean atmosphere to the middle of the Nordic summer. It is not just a bar, but a place to experience colorful ambiance, live music, and exotic flavors. The menu features both American and Cuban street food, along with a wide selection of refreshing mojitos. In addition to the classic mojito, special flavors like mango-chili and watermelon mojito are offered, providing surprising and memorable taste combinations. All drinks are made on-site by skilled bartenders who infuse each cocktail with their personality. As an outdoor bar, Little Cuba offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy summer right by the river. Sunsets, friendly company, and views of the city create a relaxing yet lively environment. On weekends, the air is filled with rhythms selected by DJs, momentarily transporting visitors into the heart of Cuba. ¡Hasta luego!
Welcome to the Tartu Vocational College Hotel! Located in the hospitality service training base, the Tartu Vocational College Hotel offers a practical learning environment and pleasant accommodations. The hotel rooms are bright and modernly furnished. When visiting the hotel's beauty center, you can take your pick from a variety of services. For business meetings, we offer a seminar room with modern amenities. Our teaching restaurant will ensure a seamless dining experience for you. The hotel is suitable for both holiday and business travel, offering an affordable place to stay in a convenient location with friendly service.
The Turusild bridge connecting Tartu's outdoor market and Annelinn district was completed in 2003 and is meant only for pedestrians. You can also ride a bicycle or a small moped on the separated section. The length of the bridge is 251.5 metres and the hanging part is carried by seven pairs of stay wires. The height of the bridge from the water surface of the Emajõgi River is 7.5 metres.At the top of the bridge there is a 3.5 m high weather vane – a cog called Lennuk (Plane). The author of the weather vane is blacksmith Ivar Feldmann.The bridge was designed by OÜ Tartu Arhitektuuribüroo and K-Most, built by K-Most.In 2003, the bridge was awarded the title of the Deed of the Year by the citizens of the city of Tartu.
Mesikamäe holiday house awaits visitors interested in active holidays to its wild nature – to the Mesikamäe land of hillocks. Cosy accommodation, sauna and other facilities enable you to organise parties, events, seminars and training events in Mesikamäe, if you wish.
Tartu's Town Hall Square is the heart of the city. It's one of Estonia's most beautiful old town squares and home to history, culture, and modern city life. The square is surrounded by pastel-colored historical buildings, with the 18th-century Town Hall at its center. The focal point of the square's classicist architecture is the Kissing Students Fountain, which has become a symbol of the city and a popular meeting place for locals and visitors. During the summer season, Town Hall Square is filled with café terraces, events, and street music, while in winter it transforms into a magical Christmas City and ice rink. The carillon bells in the Town Hall tower are the oldest and largest in Estonia, delighting listeners with a variety of melodies throughout the year. The famous Leaning House, home to the Tartu Art Museum, is located in Town Hall Square. Just a few steps away, you'll find Toome Hill Park, the ruins of Tartu Cathedral, and several other Old Town attractions. Several guided tours also start from Town Hall Square.