Tartu: Discover Nature, Lakes and Estonian Culture

Tartu combines nature observation, waterside landscapes and Estonian culture. You can choose between nature trails, viewpoints, museums, historic manor houses, creative workshops and insights into regional traditions.

One of the defining natural destinations is the Vapramäe Landscape Protection Area, covering 99.4 hectares. The Vapramäe nature trail is 3.6 kilometres long. The 3.6-kilometre route can be included as a separate section in a day's itinerary. Alatskivi Park covers approximately 130 hectares and surrounds Alatskivi Castle.

What nature experiences can you plan in Tartu?

At Elistvere Animal Park, visitors can observe animals that live or once lived in Estonian forests under conditions as close to nature as possible. The nature trail in Elistvere Animal Park leads to a floating platform and a 12-metre-high observation tower overlooking bird-rich Lake Elistvere. The Selli-Sillaotsa nature trail includes a 12-metre-high observation tower.

At Vapramäe Forell, visitors can also fish for sturgeon or trout themselves.

In Alatskivi Park, a hiking trail leads through a forest of linden trees, maple trees and oaks.

What do the lakes and waterscapes offer?

The Ice Age Centre is located on the shore of Lake Saadjärv in Tartu County. Its interactive exhibitions explore the last Ice Age, the present and the future.

Mesi Tare's boat tour travels along Lake Peipus to villages of the Old Believers.

Which museums and manor houses tell the story of Estonia?

The Estonian Agricultural Museum at the historic Ülenurme Manor presents the development of Estonian agriculture and rural life. Alatskivi Castle conveys the life of a noble family and everyday life on a manor in the 19th century.

The Estonian Aviation Museum expands the range with the history of technology. Its outdoor exhibition includes 32 aeroplanes and gliders as well as 6 helicopters.

The Hellenurme Mill Museum focuses on a historic watermill. It is the last historic watermill in Estonia still in operation. The Kolkja vanausuliste muuseum provides insights into the traditions and way of life of the Old Believers. At the Kodavere Pärimuskeskus, you can also discover the distinctive linguistic and cultural heritage of the Kodavere parish.

Literature is represented too: the Juhan Liiv Museum includes the outdoor exhibition “Juhan Liivi meelemaastikud”.

Where can you experience culture in a hands-on and enjoyable way?

The Estonian Agricultural Museum offers cooking workshops. At Alatskivi Castle, visitors can make a personal souvenir in a ceramics workshop.

The Hellenurme Mill Museum includes a bakehouse where traditional Estonian rye bread made on site is offered.

For regional orientation on this page, you will also find Tartu, Rõngu, Kambja, Uderna, Ilmatsalu, Alatskivi, Väljaküla, Ülenurme, Kallaste, Nõo, Ülenurme, Rannu, Tähtvere, Vara, Tartu, Laeva, Kastre, Kõduküla, Mehikoorma, Kavastu, Puhja, Võnnu, Kambja, Meeksi Parish, Alatskivi Parish, Elva linn, Peipsiääre and Luunja Parish.

To the main travel overview: Estonia.