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.
Meenikunno Bog is one of the most exciting and unique bog landscapes in Southern Estonia, where nature is constantly changing. This young bog has not formed through the overgrowth of a lake, but through the swampification of land — the bog seems to "hang in the air," offering a rare opportunity to feel the ground sway beneath your feet during a bog hike. A 2-3 hour bog hike (up to 5 km) is suitable for beginners, nature enthusiasts, and families with older children. The length of the hike is adjusted to the group's wishes, and an experienced guide introduces the bog's formation, folklore, and the area's biodiversity. Along the way, you may encounter cranes, swans, or even capercaillies. It is an ideal destination for those seeking peace, adventure, and authentic Estonian nature. Guided bog hikes take place year-round; in winter, Meenikunno offers white expanses, enjoyable views, and easy movement; in early summer, a sea of blooming plants; and in autumn, a bubbling play of colors. Bog hikes can also be ordered as a lantern hike. End the hike with a catered meal by the campfire!
Located at the Estonian Agricultural Museum in Ülenurme, the MUHK, or the Rural Curiosity Center, is a lively place where visitors of all ages can discover, research, and play. This is where rural life comes to play through engaging education. Located on two floors, the center introduces modern agriculture through practical activities. The “Barn Symphony” exhibition explores topics related to animal welfare, feeding, and husbandry. You can also meet the museum's farm animals and relax in a soothing rabbit village. The exhibition “Manure and Milk” adds to the excitement, where you can also see a rare manure spreader. For the more adventurous, the slightly gut-wrenching veterinary room takes a look at the history of animal treatment. The museum’s treasury, or open storage, also awaits visitors, where fascinating objects from the museum’s collections are on display. The Estonian Rural Museum ticket gives you access to all museums in the complex, including the Rural Curiosity Center.
A private guided tour gives you the opportunity to explore the parts of Tartu that most interest you. On this private tour, we will walk at a leisurely pace along the streets of Tartu's Old Town, admire the best examples of Tartu's classicism, and also explore the parks in the area. You will receive answers to your questions in a relaxed manner. Instead of being crowded into a large group, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself calmly in the city's rhythm, allowing you to truly feel it. If you wish, we can walk along the Emajõgi River to the Tartu market, which is filled with delicious local foods. As the name of the tour suggests, each tour is unique and "tailor-made" to your wishes.
As the name suggests, it is a museum that introduces means of communication and laptops. The Communication and Laptop Museum opened its doors on June 10, 2023. In the communications museum section, there is a switchboard with cords, a telephone exchange from 1969; main distribution frame; telephone sets; payphones + payphone booths; overhead lines; mail baskets; communication instruments. Large Elion-Microlink-EMT-Telia signs and logos that used to be on the buildings. Also over several hundred mobile phones, among them old NMT mobile devices, antennas, and a 13 m cell phone mast. In terms of computers, there are a few desktop computers and twenty laptops.You can make calls inside the museum with a dial phone.
Siimusti Ceramics operates from the clay factory, which was founded in 1886 by Joosep Tiimann, a man born from a family of farmers. The location was suitable due to the clay deposits present here. At first the brick manufactury was created; afterwards they started producing oven pots and dishware.Nowadays you can get acquainted with the manufacturing process of ceramics: The pouring of clay into the mold and the firing and glazing processes. The end product can be bought onsite.
The 24 h raft hike a versatile adventure, which is suitable for both company events and gatherings of friends.The raft hike begins and ends at the Kavastu village harbour, next to the Kavastu ferry. After a light meal and raft training, the adventure begins. On rafts, we take an 18–24 km journey until reaching the raft house on the River Kalli, where you will have dinner and can enjoy a sauna to gather energy for the return trip the following morning. The tour ends at Kavastu harbour.
Tunnels dug in the bright sandstone of Piusa's caves are undoubtedly one of the best-known tourist attractions in ancient Võromaa. For several years now, a fun bat-shaped visitor centre has been waiting here for visitors. The Piusa visitor centre has a cafe, seminar room, craft room, cinema hall and numerous exhibits. Guests can watch a movie about bats, the most important inhabitants of caves, in the cinema hall, and then head along with a guide to the museum cave viewing platform. There are no bats in the caves in the summer because they only come here to winter. Right behind the museum cave is Piusa sand quarry, Estonia's largest sandbox. The Piusa visitor centre and the picturesque sandy hills offer a unique experience where nature and history intertwine – the mysterious caves of former glass sand mines can be discovered here and the most beautiful views of the sand quarry in Estonia can be enjoyed. With its steep slopes and sandstone outcrops, the Piusa sandy hills are like a natural adventure park that captivates both hiking enthusiasts and photographers.