Tartu Festival Arena

The Freedom Bridge is a bridge over the Emajõgi River in the centre of Tartu. It connects Lai tänav with Vene tänav. The current bridge, with a slab of reinforced concrete and an arch of steel, was opened on 30 July 2009. The bridge is 90 m long and 13.35 m wide. In the dark, the bridge is illuminated. A lot of eye-catching street art can be found on the concrete surfaces of the lower part of the bridge.As the location of the bridge has high banks and a narrow riverbed, the site was used for river crossing as early as in ancient times. It is not known exactly how many bridges there have been before the current Freedom Bridge.

A sculpture created in Tartu's Old Town in 1999 depicts a fun speculation about the history of literature. Sitting on a bench are contemporaries and namesakes, or the two Wildes: Irish-born writer Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) and Estonian writer Eduard Vilde (1865-1933). Sculptor Tiiu Kirsipuu, who modeled the figures of the writers based on photographs, has noted that when creating the twin figures, she had in mind the year 1890, when the two Wildes could have really met each other and had a few witty words. The sculpture symbolizes friendship and intercultural dialogue. The sculpture of the two writers is located in front of the former Mattiesen printing house, one of Tartu's architectural monuments, which now houses the wine and art restaurant Vilde ja Vine. The statue is a beloved landmark among both locals and visitors. Sitting on the bench next to the writers allows you to take nice pictures as a souvenir of your visit to Tartu. In 2004, a copy of the sculpture was also donated to the city of Galway in Ireland, where the paternal family of literary classic Oscar Wilde came from.

We offer handicraft admirers items that we have made ourselves as well as those made by other craftsmen. We also sell a wide range of handicraft supplies, materials and tools. We love what we do and pass that love on to you!

Mustvee Old Believer’s Museum is one of the 21 places in Southern Estonia worth discovering that are marked by a yellow National Geographic window; all those interested in culture and history should definitely pay a visit.The exhibits give an overview of the culture of Old Believers both in the past and in the present. The collection includes samovars, irons, clothes worn by the Old Believers, commodities, furniture and fishing equipment. Also on display – J. Kolpakov’s paintings of the churches of Mustvee, P. Mihhailov’s and his son’s wood engravings and L. Korobova’s paintings and drawings of Lake Peipus.

The park and monument dedicated to Betti Alver were opened with a ceremony on the writer's 90th birthday in 1996. This is not a traditional bust of a writer, but a symbol focussed on creation. The poet's autograph, signature in stone, is in the base of the monument. The monument as a whole depicts the airy lightness, classic strictness and energetic striving of the poet's works, but also shows contrasts, suppressing and destructive forces. The general image of the monument represents Betti Alver's fate and story.

Discover the gems of South Estonia: Taevaskoja and Põlva! If you wish to spend a day filled with the beauty of nature, local flavors, and inspiring encounters, try the Babelhouse day trip starting from Tartu to Southern Estonia. One of the highlights of the tour is a walk on the famous Taevaskoja hiking trail, where mighty sandstone cliffs, mysterious caves, and the flowing Ahja River create a stunning landscape. After exploring nature, the small town of Põlva awaits, surprising you with its charm. There, you'll have the opportunity to meet local small business owners and hear their stories. Transportation from Tartu and back is included in the tour price. Babelhouse tours are flexible and tailored to meet the group's wishes and time constraints. During the tour, you can purchase local souvenirs. The Taevaskoja and Põlva tour is ideal for culture enthusiasts, foreign guests, and groups of friends who wish to experience the beauty of nature together, as well as for pre- and post-conference programs. Book the trip and spend a wonderful day in Southern Estonia!

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.

The Art Studio sells great Estonian oil paintings and graphic art, high-class leather and wood goods and high temperature ceramics by Aivar Rumvolt. Please do not hesitate to call on us, if you need a special gift for your guest. The Avatud Ateljee Studio organises different courses: you are welcome to sign up for pottery, calligraphy, binding or leatherwork classes. In addition the studio organises poetry reading nights and meetings with artists. Groups can also visit Aivar Rumvolt’s pottery shop in Kubja by previous appointment. In summer there are workshops both for grown-ups and the young.