These events, highlights for gourmets and activities should definitely be on your bucket list when visiting the Capital of Culture Tartu!
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.
The second largest city in Estonia has developed an extensive cultural program for the year 2024. Among other things, it aims to attract attention with particularly original events. One of these is “Kissing Tartu”. A mass kissing event aims to promote empathy, respect and compassion towards others. The Cathedral Hill are spectacularly staged with plenty of light. Scientific events, discussion rounds, Open-air exhibitions and street art are also on the Event program such as literature and music festivals.
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.
Of course, the flora and fauna of Tartu can be experienced even better in the wild than locked up in the botanical garden. The best way to start is with a trip to the Emajõgi River. Because you can take boat trips on it. Or stroll along the shore. The cycle network in the Capital of Culture Tartu is well developed. This means you can explore the whole city Comfortable on the bike explore. Several hiking trails take you from pedals to pedals. One particularly popular tour leads along the Aura-Kalamistu Weg zu schönen Aussichtspunkten und durch dichte Wälder. Rund 40 Kilometer südlich liegt Otepää, die “Winterhauptstadt Estlands”. Es ist das größte Skigebiet des Landes.
Estonia has a large number of culinary peculiarities zu bieten. So gehört geräucherter Lachs (Suitsulõhe, dt. “verkohlter Lachs”) auf Roggenbrot zu den beliebtesten Speisen der estnischen Küche. Das kräftig schmeckende Schwarzbrot (“Leib”) reicht man zu den meisten Mahlzeiten. Auch Sauerkraut (“Hapukapsas”) ist nicht wegzudenken. Wild, oft auch in den typical dumplings (“Pirukad”) serviert, ist ebenfalls typisch. Als Nachspeise genießt man KringleYeast pastry filled with cinnamon and sugar.
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
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
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
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
Read more: Highlights in Bodø
