• Architecture and history
  • History & Culture

Karlova — a meeting place for architecture enthusiasts and bohemians

Päeva tn 25, Tartu linn, Tartu maakond, 50103

Karlova is a neighborhood in Tartu that captivates visitors with its bohemian atmosphere.
In Tartu’s Karlova district, there are historical wooden houses, secret courtyards worth discovering, unique cafés loved by locals, greenery, and plenty of street art.
In the heart of Karlova are several important community places – the cozy Karlova Kohv, the popular meeting spot Barlova Bar, and the Karlova Harbor area by the Emajõgi River, suitable for more peaceful leisure.
The neighborhood dates back to the houses built on the lands of Karlova Manor in the 19th–20th centuries, which have developed into today’s unique living environment. The oldest settlement, at the beginning of Kalevi Street, dates back to the 18th century and architecturally differs from the rest of the area.
In spring, Karlova Days take place, where you can get to know the neighborhood even better through various events and open courtyards.
Exploring the neighborhood with a guide will show you Karlova’s hidden side and the historical charm of its bohemian wooden houses. More information can be found on the Tartu Guides website.

Amenities

  • Paid parking

See more

  • Galleries

Lasva Water Tower Gallery

The old Lasva Water Tower is home to a gallery where you can get to know the history of the Lasva area and enjoy photo and art exhibitions. A unique attraction in the water tower is its musical piano staircase, which plays different sounds as you step on the stairs going up to the tower. The old water tank in the tower features different seasonal exhibitions. On its grass roof there is a telescope that you can use to take a look at the neighbourhood or for late-night stargazing. Within a stone’s throw is Lasva Village Wood Park, where you will encounter animal figures.

Mooska smoked sauna meat at Kae Perrä farm shop

At Mooska farm, pork is smoked in a traditional way in a smoke sauna.The meat is salted for seven days and smoked in the gentle alder smoke of the smoke sauna for about 40 hours. The result is mouth-watering, brown-surfaced, aromatic smoked meat that can become addictive. We have warned you! Also try talvõvõid - a bread spread made from smoked bacon and garlic. Mooska Smoke Sauna Farm is a recognized producer in the UMA MEKK network, whose products meet the criteria of the regional quality label. The selection of smoked meat and farm shop goods are made from local raw materials and follow traditional preparation methods characteristic of the food heritage of Old Võromaa.You are welcome to buy sauna-smoked meat, talvõvõid, and other UMA MEKK food items from the Mooska Smoke Sauna Farm shop Kae Perrä. Please let us know in advance about your visit.

  • Hiking Trails
  • Parks
  • Beaches
  • Family friendly

Lake Pühajärv Park

Families with children are particularly welcome in the Lake Pühajärv Park as there are many opportunities to feed ducks and other birds when walking on the lakeshore. There is an exercise track by the northern part of the park. This is also the place where you will find the beach with a beach house, cafés, arbours and boat hire.The park used to be a part of the Pühajärv Manor Park and it was designed as a walking forest with paths already in the 19th century. The park is mainly a naturally grown forest.

  • Hiking Trails

RMK Nohipalo study trail

The Nohipalo study trail is an interesting and educational hiking trail. There are 16 information boards on the three-kilometre trail, which give a good overview of hunting and forestry.The diversity of the nature makes the trail exciting – boreo-nemoral forests, eskers, and heath forests, where blueberries, lingonberries, and mushrooms can be picked depending on the season.On the study trail, you can admire the magnificent badger area and explore the traces of beavers. If you are lucky, you might even see an animal there.The Nohipalo study trail starts and ends at the Ilumetsa forest house.

  • Bike Tours
  • Guided tours

Guided kickbike ride in Taevaskoda on the paths of ‘Viimne reliikvia’

The ride takes place on the picturesque landscape of the protected area of the Ahja River valley. The route is kaleidoscopic with moderate downhill and uphill slopes, the rapids of the Ahja River, sandstone outcrops, caves, historical bridges and interesting cultural background. Your tour guide will introduce the surrounding area and nature as well as relate legends and stories about Taevaskoda.Group size: 4–60 adultsPrice: €20 per adult, €12 per childPrice includes equipment and the services of a tour guidePrice with catering: €24 per adult and €16 per childDuration: 1.5–2.5 hours; length: 3–6 kmOur fantastic kickbike trips can take place anywhere in Estonia!Trips can take place at any time when the roads and paths are not covered in snow.

Raadi Park

Raadi Park is one of the best examples of park design in the history of Estonian manor parks. The park was designed by Reinhold Wilhem von Liphart and by Peter Joseph Linne in the 1840s. In the early 20th century, the park was redesigned by Maximillian von Sievers and Moritz von Engelhardt.In the upper park – a part of the historical Raadi Manor Park – the original design is largely preserved. Next to the lower, English-style park, the Dendropark of the University of Tartu was established in 1923, with an emphasis on species richness. This part has a network of paths that divides the park into smaller parts of different shapes.