Babelhouse day trip to South Estonia — discover Taevaskoja and Põlva

The University of Tartu's main building is a truly remarkable and historically significant structure located in Tartu's Old Town. The building was designed by the university's architect, Johann Wilhelm Krause, and constructed between 1804 and 1809. It was inaugurated with a ceremonial event on July 3, 1809, and since then, it has been the central venue for the university, hosting all important celebrations, scientific and cultural events, and gatherings of the academic community. The main building's classical architecture, with its columned facade and dignified interior, has shaped Tartu as a university town. The main building houses the White Hall, where concerts, conferences, and ceremonial events take place. Another special attraction is the student prison in the attic, which offers an intriguing insight into the strict rules of 19th-century student life. Visitors can also explore the University of Tartu Art Museum in the main building. The main building can also be explored on a guided tour, organized through the University of Tartu Art Museum by prior appointment.

Theatre House, situated in Tartu Old Town, is a theatre inspired by a museum, forming a part of the Tartu Toy Museum. The Theatre House takes its inspiration from our childhood, the games we played, the dreams we had, and the fantasies we brought to life. The Theatre House stages plays, but you can also put on your own show, play games, make handicrafts, and discover what goes on behind the scenes in the theatre world. There is a children’s studio on the first floor, in which children’s groups can take part in theatre-themed programmes. Visitors find a museum, an automated puppet theatre, and several exciting theatre-themed exhibitions in the basement level.

Villa Tammekann is an architectural landmark, where the Granö Centre of the University of Turku and Tartu operates.The world-famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto designed the building as the home of August Tammekann, Professor of Geography at the University of Tartu. The University of Turku Foundation bought the house from the children of Tammekann in 1998, and then the building was overhauled mainly in accordance with the drawings of Alvar and Aino Aalto. The overhaul was recognised with the Europa Nostra Prize in 2001.The house is part of the National Register of Cultural Monuments and the international IconicHouses network.Groups must book a time to visit the house.

The Tartu Art Museum is located in one of the most special buildings in the Town Hall Square – the leaning house of Tartu. This prominent building, built in 1793, leans 5.8 degrees, which is even more than Italy's famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Tartu Art Museum is the heart of Estonian contemporary art, showcasing 20th and 21st-century art, modern themes, and creative thinking. Here are the works of Estonia's top artists as well as exhibitions featuring international artists. The museum builds bridges between the past and present, addressing important societal issues and providing a thought-provoking experience to visitors of all ages. The museum also hosts guided tours, virtual tours, and workshops that make the art experience even more meaningful and vibrant. The building also houses a museum shop where art books, work by local artists, and souvenirs can be found. Tartu Art Museum is an ideal place to visit for both art enthusiasts and those who want to enjoy beautiful architecture and an inspirational environment. Walk in, and see what's on display right now!

Tartu Toy Museum, situated in the Old Town of Tartu, takes adults back to the brighter days of their childhood and offers children plenty of interesting things to see and do.The permanent exhibition displays toys that Estonian children have played with throughout the years. Artist-made dolls, souvenir dolls of different nations, and Finno-Ugric traditional toys are also exhibited. Playrooms and workshops are also open. You can see puppets from Estonian puppet films and temporary exhibitions in the outbuilding. The museum also has a theatre building named ’Teatri kodu’ (The Home of Theatre) with a theatre hall, a museum of puppets, and a children’s studio.

Mooste Manor, established at the time when the Nolcken family ruled the area, lies on the shore of Lake Mooste. Beside the beautiful manor house you will find the pride of Mooste Manor, one of the most impressive auxiliary building ensembles built in the historicist style. Most of the buildings are constructed from stones and decorated with brick. An English-style park adds to the appearance of the manor. The manor house accommodates a school, and the former woodworking workshop has been renovated into the Mooste Manor Guest House. A restorer’s workshop operates in the old workhorse stable, and the Centre for Arts and Social Practice occupies the steward’s house, while the former barn has been transformed into a 500-seat concert hall.

At the Metsavenna Farm located on the Estonian-Latvian border, you have a unique opportunity to search for forest brothers in hiding places during a forest brother hike, stay in a bunker, and listen to true stories.The experience continues at the Metsavenna eatery, where simple yet authentic food from the era is served: boiled potatoes with skins, butter, salt, and juice. The visit concludes with a musical experience – singing the song of the former Härmiku forest brothers' orchestra. Visiting Metsavenna Farm is an engaging and educational journey into the history of forest brotherhood.

Supilinn is Tartu's most bohemian district, where 18th-century wooden houses, courtyards awash in urban greenery, and the banks of the Emajõgi River create an unparalleled atmosphere. It combines the best of city living with a natural environment, where you can feel the community spirit and local creativity. Go for a walk in Supilinn on the beautiful promenade along the Emajõgi River, where century-old trees and a tranquil frog pond give the city a breath of fresh air. Street art, colorful courtyards, and wooden houses tell Supilinn's story, which is best experienced during the spring Supilinn Days, when courtyards and gardens open to guests and the entire district turns into a large festival. The best way to explore Supilin is on foot or by bike, so you can notice hidden corners, shutter patterns, and backyard gardens. A walk with a local guide can reveal hidden layers of the district and highlight its bohemian spirit. More information about guided tours can be found on the Tartu Guides page.