Tartu

From Halal Explorer

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Tartu (formerly known as Dorpat or Yuryev) is the second largest city in Estonia with a population of 100,000.

Tartu Halal Travel Guide

Tartu Raekoda 2012 cropped - Tartu Town Hall, where the Tartu Tourism Board Centre is located.

Tartu is a Hanseatic League|Hanseatic city and a university town. It is the oldest city in Estonia, dating back to 1030. Its ancient name of 'Tarbatu' was shortened to 'Tartu' in Estonian and to 'Dorpat' in (German). Although large parts of the town were destroyed in WWII, Tartu still has a charming old town surrounded by large parks (some of which used to be fully built-up neighbourhoods before the war).

Tartu is 185 km south-east of Tallinn and the capital of Estonia. The Emajõgi River, which connects the two largest lakes of Estonia, flows for 10 km within the city limits.

  • Tartu Tourism Board Centre - Raekoja plats 58.379939, 26.722082 part of the town hall building ☎ +372 744 21 11 +372 744 21 11 Opening Hours: Saturday 10:00-17:00, Sunday 10:00-16:00. Located in the ground floor of Tartu Town Hall.

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Local Language in Tartu

Since Tartu is a student town, English is widely understood. As usual and the older people are more likely to only speak Estonian and Russian; however most can understand English if you speak clearly.

Travel to Tartu

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Tartu

  • Tartu Airport IATA Code: TAY 58.310570, 26.690582 10 km south of the downtown - Tartu Airport s of October 2015, Tartu is served daily by a single Finnair/Flybe flight from Helsinki. The airport is and therefore, little more than an embarkation/disembarkation point. If you want to rent a car, book in advance. Don't expect any food at the airport.
  • Airport Shuttle - ☎ +372 505 4342 - Provides door-to-door service from the airport at €5. They can also pick you up before departure.
  • Alternatively, you can fly to Tallinn, which is only 180 km away with buses to Tartu running directly from the airport.
  • Riga (250 km from Tartu) may be an option as well - buses from the Riga Bus Station to Tartu are operated by Lux Express].

Travel on a Bus in Tartu

Buses arrive at the small Tartu Bus Station GPS 58.378083,26.732128 at Turu 2, which is across the street from the Kaubamaja department store, 5-10 min walk from the central square of Tartu. The tiny building hosts a ticket office, luggage room, decent cafeteria, and R-kiosk. If you need more, head to the nearby shopping mall. When arriving from Tallinn, you can also get off the bus at one of the stops in the downtown.

Buses from Tallinn depart several times an hour between 05:00 and midnight, and stop at the Tallinn airport. The journey takes 2.5 to 3 hours and costs €2-10, before a discount available with an ISIC card. Some buses have free wireless internet and free drinks available. Note that Friday afternoon departures from Tartu to Tallinn (and Sunday night Tallinn-to-Tartu) are usually crowded during the school year as lots of students go home for the weekend.

Regular buses also run between Tartu and Narva (3 hr), Viljandi (1 hr), Pärnu (2.5 hr), and Kuressaare (6 hr).

Tartu is a stop of international buses running between Saint Petersburg (8 hr) and Riga (4 hr). These buses typically run overnight, which makes their schedule from Tartu somewhat inconvenient. Another international route is from Tartu to Pskov in Russia (4 hr, note that websites and timetables use the Estonian name Pihkva).

Bus and train schedules within Estonia are easily available online – read more under Estonia#Get around.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Tartu

Also, see last remark of the previous chapter. Tartu's train station GPS 58.373777,26.706695 is located only 1 km from the downtown (end of J. Kuperjanovi street), but it is not in the downtown, and it is not well signposted either. The easiest way to find the train station is to follow Riia street uphill until you see the railway, and turn right along the tracks. The station building amply adorned with wooden carvings is a nice example of Estonian architecture. Inside, you won't find more than a kiosk (not even an R-kiosk!) and a ticket machine.

Elron operates several daily train services between Tartu and Tallinn via Tapa. The journey takes 2 hours (express train) to 2.5 hours (regular train) and costs €11 for 2nd class and €14 for 1st class on an express train, or €10 for 2nd class and €12 for 1st class on a regular train. There is free Wi-Fi and tables with electric outlets on trains. 1st class passengers get more comfortable seats and may book a specific seat online.

Trains also run between Tartu and Valga on the Latvian border, with one daily connection further to Riga (5 hr). Railway tracks likewise go in the direction of Russia, but you can only reach the small station of Koidula on the Russian border. This station is less than 1 km from the 24/7 checkpoint, which is open for pedestrians. Once you are on the Russian side, catch a taxi or simply walk to the bus station of Pechory (2 km from the border), and continue to Pskov by bus.

By car

An excellent day trip is to drive from Tallinn to Tartu. Outside of Tallinn, it is a two-lane paved road with some construction ongoing to upgrade it. It takes two to two and a half hours. There are few sights of interest along the way. The terrain is flat and most of the road is bracketed by a birch trees and a few pines. Sam's Grill (about 1/2 way between Tallinn and Tartu) or a bit fancier Põhjaka Mõis are recommended as a place to stop. There is a gas station (Statoil) some kilometers away.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Tartu

There are also ferry services between Tartu and Lake Peipus and Lake Lämmijärv. Check with the Tartu Tourism Board Centre, or inquire at the river directly.

How to get around in Tartu

Tartu's Old Town is navigable by foot, but if you want to go out of Old Town and there's public transportation.

Travel on a Bus in Tartu

Tartu has a network of 19 intracity bus lines and 2 night bus lines. Single tickets cost €0.75 from a news stand or €1 from the driver. 10 single tickets from a news stand cost €8. A ticket for 1 day costs €2, 1-hour ticket costs €1. 10-day ticket costs €8. On lines 6A, 31, 32 and 33, which are being operated by Automen and the ticket costs €1. Bus network details (times and lines) see here: city

Important lines are:

  • 8 to Lõunakeskus and Anne Kanal (popular beach)
  • 32, 6 and 7 to Lõunakeskus
  • 7 and 20 to Tartu Railway Station
  • Bus line 69 is free, and runs between the bus station and the Lõunakeskus shopping center on the edge of town. As this is a sponsored line, its buses do not have the red-and-white color scheme of regular municipal buses.

What to see in Tartu

Tartu raekoda 6895 - Town Hall in Tartu

  • Main building of the University of Tartu - 58.381096, 26.719898


  • Town Hall Plaza - Raekoja plats - 58.380140, 26.722258 . The kissing students fountain is a symbol of Tartu.
  • Statue of Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde - Kirjanike Oscar Wilde ja Eduard Vilde mälestusmärk - 58.378240, 26.722996

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  • Soup Neighbourhood - Supilinn - 58.388868, 26.708707 - Neighbourhood where all of the streets are named after soup ingredients. Features charming old wooden houses.
  • Former Soviet Airfield - Raadi - 58.400218, 26.754030 In Raadi, north of Tartu

Museums

  • Estonian National Museum (ERM) - Muuseumi tee 2 58.3953097, 26.7441064 Opening Hours: 10AM to 6PM, closed on Mondays €14 - The new building of the Estonian National Museum (Eesti Rahvamuuseum, ERM) is located north of the downtown near the Raadi mansion. It features a permanent exhibition on Estonian and Finno-Ugric culture, language, and traditions as well as various temporary installations. The museum can be easily reached from the downtown on foot by following the newly constructed walkway along Roosi street (ca. 2 kilometers total distance).
  • KGB Museum - Riia 16 b 58.373294, 26.719889 ☎ +372 7461717 This nondescript building was known as the Gray House and was the headquarters of the Estonian KGB. It tells the story of how the prisoners were treated there, and some stories about the Estonian resistance heroes and the Forest Brothers. The museum is small and does not have a very big sign, so look carefully.
  • Tartu Art Museum - Raekoja plats 18 58.38068, 26.72434 Opening Hours: W, F–Su 11–18:00 / Thursday 11–21:00 Tartu Art Museum Tartu Kunstimuuseum A
  • Tartu City Museum - Narva 23 58.381981, 26.728915 . Classicist style structure was built as a town palace in 1790. The building is popularly called Catherine's House. The legend has it that Empress Catherine II made a short stay there. It is not true, though. The permanent exhibition provides a good insight into Tartu's long history up to 1920.

Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum Rüütli 15 GPS 58.3823266,26.7213674 - Hours: Monday - Sunday 11-19 - 6 Euro, concession 5 Euro, family 15 Euro. The Baltics biggest museum designated to sports, with several interactive exhibits. Please note that the winter sports exhibition is at another site, in Otepää town, which is about 45km from Tartu.

Parks and squares

Tartu statue wilde - Statue of Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde in Tartu

  • Botanic Garden of the University of Tartu | 38/40 Lai 58.384264, 26.721848


  • Toome Hill - 58.380178, 26.716875 - Many monuments, statues and historical buildings
  • Raadi Park - 58.398063, 26.739299 Located on cross of the streets Vahi and Narva maantee


  • Barclay Park - 58.378944, 26.723301

Churches

Tartu Toomkiriku varemed 2012 - Ruins of Tartu Gothic Church

  • St. John's Church - Tartu Jaani Church - 58.382642, 26.720167 - 14th century church is famous for its thousands of medieval terracotta figures.
  • Gothic Church ruins - 58.380251, 26.714577 on top of the Dome Hill - From the 13th century and were dedicated to apostles St. Peter and Paul. Today the choir part houses the Tartu University History Museum, and the towers are reconstructed to sightseeing platforms.
  • St. Paul's Church | Riia 58.371742, 26.715592 An outstanding redbrick Finnish National Romanticist style building by the famous Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen.
  • St. Peter's Church | 104 Narva Street 58.390245, 26.728650 A Neogothic Lutheran church from 1903, is built on the grounds of the first general Estonian song festival which took place in 1869.
  • Roman Catholic Church | 1 Veski Street 58.382624, 26.709971 A beautiful neo-Historical redbrick building from 1899.
  • St. Alexander's Orthodox Church | 19a Sõbra Street 58.364360, 26.728772 A two-story church, designed by architect V. Lunski, with cupolas inspired by the Old Russian church architecture. It was deconsecrated 40 years ago but reconsecrated in summer 2003.
  • Uspensky Orthodox Church | 1 Magasini Street 58.382638, 26.722463 An early classical church built in 1783 with typical Russian classical elements. It's located on the same place as the St. Mary Magdalene Church of a Dominican cloister founded before 1300.

Other buildings

  • Gunpowder Cellar - 58.379419, 26.719089 - Dug into the side of the hill in 1767 as part of the complex of the bishop's fortress. It was used as a gunpowder cellar until 1809. Until 1982 it served as a storage room for many different enterprises, and was later developed into a eating place. Today and the building hosts a bar/restaurant of the same name.
  • National Court | Lossi 17 - GPS: 58.379443, 26.715617 Dome Hill - Construction of the building began in 1763 as military barracks. Onto its ruins was built the university hospital in 1808, which functioned until 1990. Since 1993 and the national court is again in Tartu, which is Estonia's supreme judiciary court.
  • Old Observatory | Lossi 40 58.378811, 26.720070 on the old castle ruins on the Dome Hill - The observatory, designed by university architect J.W. Krause, was built at the beginning of the 19th century. Working place of many famous astronomers including Struve; indeed the observatory is a point on the world legacy listed Struve Geodetic Arc spanning from the Arctic Sea to the Black Sea.
  • Old Anatomical Theatre | Lossi 38 58.378001, 26.717486 On the Dome Hill - One of the first buildings of the re-opened Tartu University which was built in 1803-1805 according to the drawings of university architect J. Krause. Today the visitors are offered an exhibition of the history of medicine with preparates.
  • Barclay House | Raekoja 18 58.380730, 26.724252 - Late 18th century building. Duchess Barclay bought the house in 1819 after the death of her husband, Barclay de Tolly. The longitudinal wall of the building toward the river was built on the basis of the old town wall, while the other side was built on a new foundation. This is why the house is now askew and is popularly called the Tower of Pisa.
  • Tartu Centre for Creative Industries | Kalevi 13, 15, 17 58.374625, 26.729010 Kalevi Street is the continuation of Ülikooli Street after Riia Street - Congregates several creative enterprises and creates therefore a creative atmosphere. The three buildings of the centre were built between 1830 and 1913 and represent different architectural styles: historicism and Art Nouveau.
  • Remains of the Town Wall - 58.3831, 26.7222

Bridges

Tartu - Tigutorn - Tigutorn

  • Angel's Bridge - 58.379596, 26.717675 Toome hill - Built in the 19th century and spans Lossi Street.
  • Devil's Bridge - 58.378934, 26.715897 - Built in 1913 in honour of the 300th jubilee of tsarist Russia's Romanov Dynasty, which is memorialised on the bridge by the dates 1613-1913.
  • Arched Bridge - 58.380796, 26.726022 Stand in the main square and look towards the river - Stands on the site of the original stone bridge of Tartu which was built in 1784 and blown up by the Soviets in WWII. This new bridge is only for pedestrians and allows you to do one of the most loved cultural activities of Tartu, walk over the top of the arch after a big night in the club. Just don't let the cops catch you.

Modern architecture

During the last decade, Tartu has seen several interesting pieces of modern architecture being built. They are well worth a visit and give an insight of how people in modern Tartu think and live, in addition to traditionally history-driven image of the city. Some of them are right in the city-centre. See the yellow markers on the official Tartu Modern Architecture map. The map is in Estonian only, but selected images speak louder than words.

What to do in Tartu

  • Cinamon - Kinokeskus Cinamon - 58.377657, 26.730200 - The biggest movie theatre in Tartu.
  • Ekraan - 58.372976, 26.721080 A popular movie theatre. It has two movie screens and first-rate Dolby SR/DTS sound system.
  • Toy Museum and Theater House - Lutsu 2 58.382206, 26.718079 Opening Hours: W-Su 11-18:00
  • Tartu New Theatre - Tartu Uus Teater | Lai 37 58.383885, 26.721816


  • Athena - Conference and Incentive Centre | Küütri 1 58.380772, 26.720925
  • Vanemuine Theatre | Vanemuise 6 58.376336, 26.724025
  • Harbour Theatre - Sadamateater | Soola 5B 58.379615, 26.734264


  • AHHAA Science Center - Sadama 1 58.376572, 26.734618 ☎ +372 745 6789 | Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday 10-19:00, F-Sa 10-20:00 €12, discounts for students, families, etc Interactive and entertaining science center.
  • Aura Waterpark - Aura Veekeskus | Turu 10 58.375514, 26.734257 ☎ +372 7300 280 | Opening Hours: Pool: Monday to Friday 06:30-22:00, Saturday to Sunday 9-22:00 Pool: €4-5; Water park: €6-7 Swimming pool, water park, fitness center
  • Lodi River Cruises | Emajõe 3 ☎ +372 551 8386 Offers various cruises for up to 30 people along River Emajõgi.

Festivals

  • Hanseatic Days - Most events are free Third week of July, exact dates vary from year to year. Medieval festival featuring fairs, festivities, exhibitions, concerts, dances, merchants and tradesmen.
  • tARTuFF - Film festival in August. Themes include love and tolerance.
  • PÖFF - Black Nights Film Festival - Film festival at the end of November.

Study in Tartu

Tartu Ülikooli peahoone 2012 - Main building of the University of Tartu

  • Tartu University | Ülikooli 18 - Established in 1632, it's one of the oldest universities in Europe. The main building was built in 1804-1809 according to university architect Johann Wilhelm Krause's plans in classical architecture. It includes the historic lock-up on the attic, Assembly Hall and the Tartu University Art Museum which displays ancient art.
  • Estonian University of Life Sciences | Ülikooli 18

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Tartu

  • Tartu Kaubamaja | 100 metres from the Bus Station - Department store with several floors full of fascinating things to buy. "Kaubamaja" belongs to Kaubamaja consortium.
  • Lõunakeskus | take bus no. 18 from the downtown. - Features a wide range of small boutiques, as well as a big department store Maksimarket.
  • Annelinna keskus | At Annelinn, a small suburb of Tartu. Take bus 1, 5, 15, 17 from the downtown, just opposite the Kaubamaja. - There is a Selver (big department store), as well as clothes shop, lots of small boutiques and other small shops.
  • Eeden | buses 1, 3, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16A, 17 stop Emajõe


  • Selver | expressbus 33
  • Loov Gallery - Kalevi 13 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 12–18:00 Loov Gallery sells souvenirs produced by young Estonian artists, ranging from jewelry and accessories to paintings.
  • Kvartal - Shopping centre next to Kaubamaja. Opened in 2016
  • Tasku - Shopping centre near the bus station.

Halal Restaurants in Tartu

  • Opera Pizzas | Vanemuise 26
  • Pappa Pizzas - Riia 7 ☎ +372 7427933 | Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 11–22:00, Sunday 12–22:00 pizzeria
  • Ruunipizza - Rüütli 2 ☎ +372 7433575, +372 51929211 | Opening Hours: M–Thursday 08:15–22:00, F–Sa 08:15–23:00, Sunday 09:15–22:00 Mostly €4–€6 Different pizza and pancake dishes (both as desserts and as main courses), soups, Rice dishes, etc.
  • Taverna Restaurant/Pizzeria | Raekoja plats 20
  • Spargel - Kalevi 13 Opening Hours: Monday 11:00-21:00 Tu–Su 11:00-23:00

Mid-range

  • Asian Chef - Võru 2 ☎ +372 7 355 029, +372 53 300 464 | Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11–23:00, F-Sa 11–01:00Authentic Asian cuisine, good price soups and meals of the day.
  • Pizzeria La Dolce Vita | Kompanii 10
  • Püssirohukelder - Built inside an ancient gunpowder cellar
  • Suudlevad tudengid | Raekoja plats 10 ☎ +372 730 1893
  • Yakuza Sushi Restaurant | Turu 2, Tasku Shopping Center - Japanese food.
  • Werner restaurant - Cosy restaurant with good food in a relaxed environment.

Pirogov Park - GPS 58.3799108,26.7207469 located just "behind" the city hall . small park where consuming light (<6%) alcohol is allowed between 15 March and 15 October (as it's a designated picnic area). It's the only public place in the city where drinking is legal so in the evenings it's full of students and homeless.

Cafes

  • Café Crepp | 58.381901, 26.721288 - French-themed, serves delicious pancakes
  • Café Werner - Kohvik-restoran Werner | 58.380530, 26.721116 - Excellent café since 1895.

Café Krempel Rüütli 12 GPS 58.3815260,26.7214690 ☎ +372 445 1510 - Hours: Monday to Friday 8-18, Saturday to Sunday 9-18. A cosy café which also offers vegan dishes (breakfast only on Sunday) in which you can apparently get in touch with strangers.

Bars

In a typical pub, a 0.5 l organic juice usually costs €2-3. Almost all popular soft drinks are near or more than 5 % alcohol content.

  • NAIIV - 58.377880, 26.721620 - Culture and café.
  • Barlova - 58.369731, 26.727672 - Cosy and chilled.
  • Illegaard | Ülikooli 5 58.379454, 26.722360 - Jazz Club. Many sporting events (mainly football) are broadcasted.
  • Krooks | Jakobi 34 58.382226, 26.715189 - English style pub. Offers 40 % discounts on any alcoholic beverages after 20:00.
  • Underground | Küütri 7 58.380770, 26.722528


  • Zavood | Lai 30 58.383570, 26.719258 - Legendary meeting place for students and alternative fashion people. Popular among foreigners.
  • Möku - Magasini 5 58.3834787, 26.7219985 ☎ +372 740 4514 - Opening from Monday to Saturday 12-3, F-Sa until 4 a nice, somewhat (more) alternative-hipstery café.

Clubs

  • Genialistide klubi | Magasini 5 58.383475, 26.721969 Between Magasini 3 and Lai 37€2 per drink An alternative club with concerts and theater performances, seminars, etc. Recently joined with the bar Möku which now resides on the ground floor.
  • Klubi Rock & Roll | Tiigi 76A 58.373872, 26.711599


  • Illusion | 58.383616, 26.738639 According to girls more into Genialistide klubi, Illusion is where people get drunk and start fights, and the music is bad. So and the latter basically means main stream music.
  • Shooters - 58.378017, 26.722768 - Drinking and party, as flat and fun as is it might sound.
  • Club Maasikas - Strawberry | 58.377831, 26.724467

Muslim Friendly hotels in Tartu

  • Hostel Looming | Kastani 38 58.371867, 26.714218 ☎ +372 56994398 +Dorm from €12 An eco-friendly boutique hostel.
  • TerviseksBBB | Raekoja Plats 10 58.380397, 26.722962 ☎ +372 5655382 +4 bed dorm: €15. Private room (1 person): €22 English speaking, overlooking the Town Plaza, Excellent kitchen and bathrooms.
  • Hostel Tartu Student Villa | Tähtvere 48 58.385507, 26.709009 €20/night Self-service accommodation in apartments with all comforts.
  • Hotell Tartu | Soola 3 58.377522, 26.733135 right across from the bus station 3-bed dorm bed: €20
  • Tartu Student Village | 3 different locations: Raatuse 22, Narva mnt. 27 and Pepleri 14 Best rooms go quickly so book ahead.
  • Rainbow Guest House - Vikerkaare Külalistemaja | Vikerkaare 40 58.380549, 26.699614 10 minutes walk from downtown.
  • Kastani B&B | Kastani 3 58.378465, 26.708583 on the other side of the cathedral hill Single: €25 Small guest house. The lady who runs it speaks a little English but she is delightful and you can communicate without too much hassle. Best to email ahead.

Mid-range

  • Hotel Starest | Mõisavahe 21 ☎ +372 7400 674, +372 56 203 823 +Single: €29, double room €36 In the Annelinn suburb, is a quality budget hotel. All rooms are equipped with Saturday to TV and an internet connection. Located just few minutes by vehicle from Tartu Town Hall square, with frequent bus service from right in front of the hotel.
  • Domus Dorpatensis Guest Apartments - Raekoja plats 1 €35 Apartments are located in a historical house on the main square. They offer spacious and clean apartments with all the equipment and privacy needed.
  • Barclay Hotell | Ülikooli 8 ☎ +372 7 447 100 +From €50 49 rooms including 2 suites with saunas. Amenities include safe-box, hairdryer, cable TV, Minibar with alcohol removed, phone and complimentary wireless internet. Restaurant serves authentic Estonian food.
  • Hotel Dorpat | Soola 6 on the banks of the Emajõgi River, near the bus station Double: €100, breakfast included 200 standard rooms and 5 business class rooms.
  • Draakon | Raekoja plats 2 In Town Plaza ☎ +372 7 442045 +Single: €65; Double: €100, breakfast included Al Jazeera TV. Wheelchair accessible.
  • London Hotel | Rüütli 9 ☎ +372 7 305 555 +Single: From €60, Double: From €70

News & References Tartu


Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Tartu

  • Tallinn – The financial and cosmopolitan centre of Estonia. Beautiful and expensive.
  • Soomaa National Park – About 60 kilometers south of Tallinn and second largest national park in Estonia, known for its swamps and bogs (Soomaa means "land of bogs" in Estonian), and its "fifth season". Surprisingly, swimming is popular there and is said to rejuvenate the skin.
  • South Estonia#See|Põltsamaa – The centre of Estonian fruit cocktailry and production just a dozens of kilometers northwest.
  • Viljandi – A beautiful, ancient and hilly city, known for its annual Viljandi Folk Music Festival, beautiful old town and overwhelming and picturesque park around the old castle.
  • Otepää – A small town set in the hills of south Estonia and best known winter sports centre in the Baltics, and the Winter Capital of Estonia. Surrounded by lakes, hills and ski jump towers.
  • South Estonia#See|Zwiebelberg – A region at Lake Peipsi, popular for its numerous onion sellers along the stretch between Kolkja and Varnja.
  • Mustvee – Almost halfway to Narva and the border city with Russia famous for the Hermann castle, is this small and relaxing fishing village.


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