The European Union has been selecting one or more Capitals of Culture since 1985. The aim is to make certain destinations within Europe more well-known. The initiative also aims to promote cultural exchange. Back then, Athens was named the first Capital of Culture. This year, Bad Ischl in Austria and Bodø in Norway were chosen. The Capital of Culture Tartu in Estonia completes the trio.

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The cultural program in Tartu 2024

The second largest city in Estonia has developed an extensive cultural program for 2024. Among other things, it aims to attract attention with particularly original events. One of them is calledKissing Tartu. This mass kissing event aims to promote empathy, respect and compassion towards others. The Domberg is spectacularly staged with lots of light. Scientific events, discussion panels, open-air exhibitions and street art are also on the event program, as are literature and music festivals.

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Tartu's most famous sights

People - and vacations - don't live on culture alone. Sightseeing must, of course, also be on the program of a city trip. As a university city, the cultural capital of Tartu can boast its own University Museum in addition to the Alma Mater of Estonian students. Tartu Cathedral on the historic Cathedral Hill is one of the oldest churches in Estonia. The picturesque old town is lined with charming buildings, cafés and boutiques. You can also get closer to the soul of the country at the National Museum. And in the Botanical Garden you can discover its flora and a little fauna.

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Nature and outdoor experiences

Of course, you can experience Tartu's flora and fauna even better in the wild than locked up in the botanical garden. The best place to start is with a trip to the Emajõgi River. Here, you can take boat trips or stroll along the banks. The cycle network in the Capital of Culture Tartu is well developed. This means you can explore the whole city comfortably on a bike. Several hiking trails shift the focus from pedaling to walking. One particularly popular tour leads along the Aura-Kalamistu trail to beautiful viewpoints and through dense forests. Around 40 kilometers to the south lies Otepää, also known as the winter capital of Estonia. It's the largest ski resort in the country.

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Discover Estonian food

Estonia has a variety of culinary specialties to offer. For example, smoked salmon (suitsulõhe, meaning charred salmon) on rye bread is one of the most popular dishes in Estonian cuisine. The strong-tasting black bread (a so called Leib) is served with most meals. Sauerkraut (hapukapsas) is also indispensable. Game, often served in the typical dumplings (pirukad), is well-known too. For dessert, people enjoy kringle: yeast pastries filled with cinnamon and sugar.

Restaurant tips

Joyce

 

 

 

 

 

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You might not expect to find one of the best restaurants in Tartu in a modern shopping center. And yet Joyce is a wonderful brasserie right here. The menu features many dishes with creative influences, but the basis is formed by influences from the Baltic region.

Joyce
Riia 2, Tartu, 51004, Estonia
Tel: +372 5321 7500
Web: joyce.ee

Hõlm

 

 

 

 

 

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Lydia Grünmann Hõlm was the beloved grandmother of the founders of the Hotel Lydia in the historic old town. The hotel was given grandma's first name, the hotel restaurant grandma's surname. Chef Sven Pärn translated her recipes into modern times. He serves dishes prepared and presented with attention to detail in the bright, Nordic ambience of the light-flooded restaurant.

Hõlm
Ülikooli 14, Tartu, 51003, Estonia
Tel: +372 730 4008
Web: holmrestoran.ee

Fii

 

 

 

 

 

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Located on the outskirts of the city, this modern hotel restaurant is the right address for anyone looking for a global cuisine with a modern twist. The atmosphere is relaxed, with high chairs and long tables surrounded by industrial style. We recommend the tasting menu. Here you'll find specialties such as tikri mille feuille with Tallinn ice cream.

Fii
Ringtee 75, Tartu, 50501, Estonia
Tel.: +372 5885 5200
Web: fiiresto.ee

Hotel tips

Lydia Hotel

© Lydia Hotel

Located in the old town, the hotel enchants guests with its warm hospitality and the hotel's deep connection to Estonia's literary and media world. Modern rooms, a small spa with pool and the aforementioned Hõlm restaurant speak for the Lydia Hotel. Here, you'll find beautiful views of the Cathedral Hill, the City Hall or the Pirogov Park.

Lydia Hotel
Ülikooli 14, 51003 Tartu, Estonia
Tel.: +372 733 0377
Web: lydia.ee
Price: Doubles from € 125

Art Hotel Pallas

© Art Hotel Pallas

Renovated in May 2020, the Art Hotel Pallas is located on the edge of the old town, in the center of Tartu. It boasts spacious rooms, all of which are differently designed. The pedestrian zone starts on the hotel's doorstep and is ideal for a shopping spree.

Art Hotel Pallas
Riia 4, 51004 Tartu, Estonia
Tel.: +372 5301 6700
Web: pallas.tartuhotels.ee
Price: Doubles from € 110

Hotel Tartu

© Hotel Tartu

Rooms and suites in a reduced Baltic style are quiet retreats in the city. The hotel is not far from the cathedral and Barclay Square. Even closer you'll find the Aura Aqua water park. An à la carte restaurant, massage parlor and bicycle rental complete the offer.

Hotel Tartu
Soola 3, 51004 Tartu, Estonia
Tel: +372 731 4300
Web: tartuhotell.ee
Price: Doubles from € 90

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