Tartu is an ancient Baltic city where one fifth of the population are students. Young people come here from different regions of Europe to receive prestigious education in one of the most famous and strong higher educational institutions of the Baltic States. But Tartu is not only proud of its university, except for it, the buildings of the Middle Ages, curved streets and cobblestone pavements are preserved here, museums function, and hotels and restaurants welcome their guests.
Geographical position
Tartu is located in the central part of the Republic of Estonia, 185 kilometers southeast of its capital. The city stretched along both banks of the large river Emajõgi for 9 kilometers.
Relatively not far from Tartu are Estonian cities such as Viljandi, Paide, Põltsamaa.
How to get to Tartu?
Trains from Tallinn, the city of Valga, bordering with Latvia, and the village of Koidula, on the border with the Russian Federation, arrive at the Tartu railway station (Estonia), a 15-20 minute walk from Town Hall Square.
With other Estonian cities Tartu has a well-established bus service. The small building of the bus station is located right in the city center.
9 kilometers south of Tartu there is a rather large and modern airport building, but you can fly here only from Finland.
Weather in Tartu
Many local residents and visitors believe that the weather in Tartu (Estonia) is better than in neighboring counties of the country. Winter is usually mild, summer is not hot. The average air temperature in winter is -5 º, in summer - +18 º. But recently, there has been a tendency to increase temperatures. In summer days, the air sometimes warms up to +35 º, and in winter the thermometer’s column is less and less below zero degrees.
History
The history of Tartu dates back to the 5th century AD, when a Estonian settlement called “Tarbatu” settled here. In 1030, these lands were conquered by the Russian state, and the city became known as Yuryev.
The settlement was raided many times by local tribes and in 1224 it was conquered by the German Order of the Sword-Bearers, who gave the city a different name - Derpt. For the next three centuries or more, he remained German.
In 1625, the city passed to the Swedes; five years later, an advanced type gymnasium was opened here, which became the basis for the creation of the now-famous university.
After the end of the Northern War (1721), Dorpat became part of the Russian Empire. Since 1883, Yuryev began to be called again.
The city of Tartu got its present name in 1919, at the same time it became part of the Republic of Estonia.
Tartu Hotels
The hotel infrastructure of Tartu (Estonia) is represented by several dozen hotels for every taste and budget. Some of them are proud of their convenient location in the city center, others - delicious breakfasts, and others - home comfort. Here, each hotel is unique in its own way, but all of them are famous for their perfect service.
It can be a stylish five-star boutique hotel Antonius, located opposite the University of Tartu, or a cozy Villa Margaret, decorated in the style of Art Nouveau. It is also worth noting the classic three-star Dorpat spa hotel in the city center, the modern Pallas hotel, the comfortable Dragon hotel, Riverside apartments with free Wi-Fi and the budget Tartu hostel, reviews of which reign here pleasant atmosphere, despite the apparent simplicity of the establishment.
The main attractions of the city
The center of Tartu is a typical old city, similar to many other cities with narrow, cobblestone streets and adjoining houses. In its center is Town Hall Square, which is dominated by the Town Hall building.
The whole history of Tartu is inextricably linked with the city university. This institution of higher education was founded by Swedes according to European standards, but due to the long stay of the territory as part of the Russian state, the university ceased to be similar to the European one.
Here, at all times, scientific discoveries were made, great scientists worked, the teaching staff for other educational institutions was preparing, and students simply studied. Today, the university does not lose its significance, having a large scientific base and a complex of auxiliary institutions.
The city’s monuments are statues and busts of famous scientists, writers and statesmen whose fate is connected with this city.
The symbols of the city are: a fountain with a sculpture of students in love on the Town Hall Square, the building of the main building of the university, a “falling house” and an arched bridge connecting the two banks of the Emajõgi River.
Also, the monuments of the history of the city are two churches of the Middle Ages: the Dome and Jaanovskaya.
Recreation and entertainment
Perhaps one of the most visited places in Tartu, according to reviews of tourists, is the AH-HAA scientific and entertainment center. Visitors are waiting for interactive attractions, a planetarium, scientific expositions and a theater. The same popularity was won by the Aura water park with its own health center, many slides and pools.
No less attractive are walking along the streets of the Old Town on foot or by boat on the main waterway of Tartu. And in summer you can enjoy the beauty of the blooming Botanical Garden outside and inside the greenhouses, where you can see not only exotic plants, but turtles.
Shopping lovers will appreciate the large shopping malls that can be visited with the whole family.
Tartu (Estonia) is a city that you need to come to only once, then to dream of coming back here again.