Tartu Environmental Education Centre

Discover Saadjärv and take a break on a raft trip starting from the Ice Age Centre. This slow nature experience is perfect for families, couples, and groups who want to enjoy Estonian nature without rushing. Raft trips on Saadjärv proceed at a leisurely pace and offer the opportunity to enjoy expansive views, the lake's tranquility, and the surrounding nature. An attentive visitor might also spot the rare lake ball, a unique algae found in only a few places worldwide and in a few lakes in Estonia. To enrich your experience, you can book a guided rafting trip. The guide shares stories and legends related to Saadjärv, including folklore about Kalevipoeg and legends of the sunken church and a mint. A private raft trip is also suitable for smaller events and can be combined with catering services upon request. The raft trip is an ideal addition to a visit to the Ice Age Centre, offering a comprehensive experience that brings together nature, science, and folklore!

What is special about the University of Tartu and where does the spirit of the university manifest itself?The University of Tartu Museum introduces the history of science and university education from the 17th century to the present day and tells the exciting story of Tartu Cathedral.The seven floors of the museum offer the following:- the most precious treasures of the University of Tartu in the Treasury- the spirit of Tartu and the university at the exhibition The University of Our Lives- an exhibition of the gifts made to the university in the White Hall- a good luck formula in the physics office of Georg Friedrich Parrot- Crazy Scientist's office for children interested in scienceIn addition, temporary exhibitions and viewing platforms are open in the summer!See you at Toome Hill!

Restaurant Dorpat, with a view of the River Emajõgi, always serves the best selection of Estonian and international cuisines. The restaurant is one of the best in Tartu and has received recognition for several years in a row.We serve a generous breakfast buffet for the hotel guests seven days a week. In addition, our customers can enjoy our lunch buffet on working days from noon until 2 pm; the buffet selection includes soups, fresh salads, mains and desserts. In summer, our outdoor café is open.Dorpat restaurant is perfect for group catering, receptions and other occasions.

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.

Lange Motokeskus, located near Tartu, is the largest motor center in the Nordic countries, offering adrenaline and fun for the whole family. The center features a world-class motocross track and a go-kart track with natural ups and downs. Several renowned racing series have been held here, including Estonian motocross championship stages, international sidecar motocross World Championship stages, European quad Championships, Estonian go-kart races, and the Rotax Nordic Challenge series. The indoor go-kart hall, open year-round, offers quiet electric karts suitable for both beginners and experienced drivers. On weekends from 10:00 to 12:00, there is a children's morning where kids can drive and enjoy free pancakes. Small children can make their first laps on a safe KTM track with soft barriers. We also offer the opportunity to organize memorable events in the conference room, relax in the sauna, or enjoy a meal in the café with a spacious terrace. Lange Motokeskus is the perfect destination for a one-day adventure in Southern Estonia.

The Fairy Trail, also known as the Vitipalu Adventure Trail, offers a fairytale experience for both children and adults. The trail takes you through the mushroom and berry forests of Elva, where Witch Island awaits, featuring the lovely "Little Witch" house, cool tree sculptures, and a low-adventure trail built in the middle of the forest, perfect for children and families to have a great time in nature. The 1.4 km long trail, part of which is accessible with a stroller, intersects with the Elva River's primeval valley hiking trail and introduces the diverse landscape of Elva. The trail starts and ends at the RMK Jõeharu picnic area and camping site, where several shelters with grills and campfire sites are available.

At the Ice Age Centre, you can travel through time from the ice age to the future. Discover the Ice Age Centre in Tartu County, on the shores of Lake Saadjärve. Interactive exhibitions take you on a journey from the last ice age to the present and beyond, revealing the story of the universe, Earth, and the evolution of life. The symbol of the Ice Age Centre is the mammoths that lived in this area 10,000 years ago. You will also encounter cave lions, ancient deer, and other Ice Age animals to learn how nature developed. The exhibitions clearly and engagingly explain the causes of climate change, the impact of human activity on the environment, and possible future scenarios. In the centre, you can move at your own pace, participate in themed tours, or use an audio guide suitable for both adults and children. The family-friendly environment makes the visit interesting for visitors of all ages. During the summer season, you can enhance your visit with a raft ride on Lake Saadjärve, and year-round, you are welcome at the Ice Age Centre café.

SPARGEL — the cosy restaurant-gallery is located in the Tartu Centre for Creative Industries, where art can be found both on the walls and on the plate.Based on seasonal and local ingredients, we offer an à la carte menu, which offers a selection dishes from rabbit to herring and a range of vegan dishes. Our lunch and monthly specials and themed catering are also very popular. The cosy rooms of the restaurant-gallery can be booked for birthdays, company celebrations, and other events. The restaurant has children’s chairs and menu, and a wonderful two-storey playroom with a slide.The exclusive backyard outdoor cafeteria, surrounded by nature, is open during summer months.