Tartu County
www.visittartu.com
OSLO
SAINT PETERSBURG
HELSINKI
925 km
TALLINN 510 km
220 km
330 km
180 km
ESTONIA
STOCKHOLM
TARTU TARTU COUNTY
210 km
RIGA
900 km
COPENHAGEN 420 km
VILNIUS
1055 km
BERLIN
Tartu County Area: 2993 sq km Population: 145 224 (according to 01.01.2010) Administrative division: 19 rural municipalities and 3 towns Towns: Tartu, Elva, Kallaste Administrative centre: Tartu (1030 first mentioned in written records)
The longest river: Emaj천gi River Biggest lakes: Lake Peipus (3555 sq km), also holds the title as the 5th largest lake in Europe; Lake V천rtsj채rv The biggest island: Piirissaar (7,5 sq km) Main nature reserve areas: Emaj천e Suursoo Nature Reserve, Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve
Welcome to Tartu and Tartu County! Tartu County is located between two big lakes in southern Estonia – Lake Võrtsjärv to the west and Lake P us (the fifth largest lake in Europe) to the east. The lakes are connected by the Emajõgi River, which is roughly 100 km long, and which has been used as a waterway since ancient times. It has given Tartu the name Emajõe Ateena or the ‘Athens of the Emajõgi’. The heart of Tartu County is the youthful but dignified university and ancient Hanseatic town of Tartu itself – the ‘city of good thoughts’ and the gateway to Southern Estonia. It is easy to travel to Tartu by bus or train from Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, as well as from our southern neighbour Latvia. International air services are provided by Tartu Airport.
Through the darkness of time The first settlements in Tartu County were mainly by bodies of water, and date back app. 10,000 years, to the melting of the continental ice sheet. Presumably Finno-Ugric peoples arrived here from the south. Tartu became one of the biggest and wealthiest centres in Southern Estonia in ancient times. In the heart of Tartu, on Toome Hill, a fortress was erected in the first millennium which was conquered by the forces of Prince Yaroslav the Wise of Kyiv in 1030. In the same year, Tartu was first mentioned in writing. Estonian tribes have fought fierce battles in order to protect their domain. German crusaders conquered the area in the 13th century. The town and its surroundings became the centre of a diocese. Tartu, with its great location, connecting the trading route between East and West, grew into a wealthy commercial city and a member of the Hanseatic League. Many rulers have desired the lands and riches of this area: Tartu County was first seized by Russians during the Livonian War; then the county belonged to the supremacy of Poland; and 1625 was the year when “the good old Swedish days� began.
During the Swedish era, in 1632, a university was established in Tartu which has shaped the appearance of the city ever since and made it a reputable centre of research and education. As a consequence of the Great Northern War, the supremacy of the Russian Empire was established in Estonia. This era was favourable to Tartu as a university town – the main building of the university, which is still standing today, was constructed and placed Tartu on the world map. In the mid-19th century, Tartu and the county became one of the centres of the National Awakening. The key event of the awakening was the first nation-wide Estonian Song Festival (1869). The song festival tradition is celebrated to this day. On 2 February 1920, the Tartu Peace Treaty was signed between the Republic of Estonia and Soviet Russia. In the conditions following the occupation of Estonia after the Second World War, Tartu remained virtually closed to foreign visitors until 1990. Until the 1980s, foreign tourists could not stay here overnight because of the enormous military airport located in the town. All of these different eras and rulers have left their mark on Tartu County and its landscape, as well as on its people’s language, way of thinking, souls and everyday lives.
Tartu – ancient university town with a unique spirit Tartu, with its thousand-year history and exciting cultural heritage, is one of the oldest places in the Baltic States. Upon entering the city centre you find yourself in a heritage conservation area which boasts ca 400 cultural monuments. Today’s Tartu can be proud of its neo-classical town hall, the impressive main building of its university and its unique St. John’s Church, which is decorated with terracotta sculptures. The buildings and monuments on Toome Hill and Tartu’s Old Observatory speak of the renowned history of the university. The viewing platforms at the old Dome Cathedral afford magnificent views over the city and river.
One of the most special places in the Old Town is the Jaani Cultural Quarter – you should pop in to each and every building here. Those of St. Anthony’s Guild boast over 20 workshops, and bubble with life. Tartu Toy Museum is full of exciting discoveries – grown-ups can relive their childhood and children can enjoy the fantasy! In the neighbourhood of the Toy Museum is Theatre House, where little ones can see plays, admire theatre puppets from all over the world and make their own puppet show. There are over 20 museums in Tartu which are all worth a visit. You can get to know Estonian history and culture at the Estonian National Museum, the city’s history in Tartu City Museum and the tradition of song festivals at the Tartu Song Festival Museum, while beer-lovers will love the A. Le Coq Beer Museum and unique experiences also await at the Museum of KGB Cells and the lock-up of Tartu University. The medical collections of the Faculty of Medicine of Tartu University displayed in the Old Anatomical Theatre are surprisingly real. The AHHAA Science Centre brings science to all youngsters and those accompanying them who are slightly older.
The greenery on the banks of the Emajõgi River is complemented by the more than 200-year-old Botanical Garden, which is colourful and rich in species. Today, Tartu is a city of youth, with approximately 23,000 students. The youthful hustle and bustle and academic environment intertwine during the Autumn and Spring
Student Days.
Tartu may be regarded as the cultural capital of Southern Estonia, as Estonia’s oldest national theatre, the Vanemuine invites you to plays and concerts almost every night. In the city there are different festivals for each season which beckon visitors from near and far. During the Tartu Love Film Festival tARTuFF held in August, Town Hall Square transforms into an open air cinema. The Hanseatic Days awaken medieval Tartu, song and dance festivals invite thousands of people to the Song Festival Ground, and in December the city becomes a truly Nordic Christmas town. People who take pleasure in restaurant and food culture will be happy to know that Tartu has many cosy cafés and restaurants which, in addition to national dishes, offer a variety of world cuisine.
Come, see and admire! The Baltic German culture has left its mark on the landscape of Tartu County, as many old manor complexes and ancient parks are situated here. In many of them, such as Luke Manor, it is possible to admire the grand park and the gardener’s house, which resembles a gingerbread house. In Alatskivi you will find a gorgeous white castle whose lookalike can be found in faraway Scotland. Scattered villages, which are characteristic of Tartu County, are often centred around medieval settlements. The most interesting of the churches here is St. Lawrence’s Lutheran Church in Nõo, which has maintained in its original form since the 15th century. Kambja Church, with its slim tower, is the best example of the people’s persistence – destroyed several times in wars, it has always been rebuilt. The magnificent Võnnu Church demonstrates the former wealth of the rural congregation. You might discover foreign-looking Orthodox churches with bulb-shaped domes in Tartu County, which are testament to its location at the eastern border of the Western church.
Visitors are charmed by the sunny pine groves and small lakes of Elva as well as its wooden architecture from the 1930s, characterised by rich timber ornaments and glass porches. At Tõravere Hill stand the telescopes of Tartu Observatory, where you can visit the Stellarium and learn about the secrets of the skies, get up close to an iron meteorite weighing 270 kg, and see one of the biggest telescopes in the Baltic States. Right on the shores of Lake Võrtsjärv is the Lake Museum, which exhibits live fish and showcases the biota and environment of Estonia’s inland waterways. You can enjoy the iridescent lake from the balcony of the museum’s café or on a boat trip.
Old believers at Lake Peipus – more than 350 years of traditions The Peipsi region constitutes a unique cultural community. The culture of Estonians, Russian Old Believers and former Baltic German aristocrats meet here. Russian Old Believers fled their country to this region due to religious persecution at the end of the 17th century. Here they could maintain their religious customs, language and lifestyle. Around the lake there are nine such congregations. Their centre is a small town called Kallaste, which is perched on red sandstone cliffs. The visitors to the area are captivated by its street-type village set-up – truly characteristic of the Old Believers – where one village merges with the next. Throughout history, fishing on Lake Peipus and growing onions, chicory and vegetables has provided work and food for the Old Believers. Peipsi onions are much sought after throughout the year. Participating in a service of the Old Believers is an experience in itself – archaic icons, candlelight and religious songs inspire awe in everyone. The life and material culture of the Old Believers can be seen in two museums – Kolkja and Varnja. These museums give you a warm welcome and allow you to look around the kitchen and living room, peep into the closet and prise open the cupboards. From the Peipsimaa Visitor Centre in Kolkja you can buy unique local souvenirs and try making them yourself.
Relax in the marvellous natural environment of Tartu County The current appearance of the environment in Tartu County was shaped by a continental glacier. Most of the county is an undulating plain marked by deep wooded primeval valleys. This wild setting has been preserved on the shores of Lakes Peipus and V천rtsj채rv. Two nature reserves of European interest, the Emaj천e Suursoo Nature Reserve and Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve, were established to protect the local marshes, water meadows, old rivers and biota. The wetlands that are unaffected by human activity are a habitat for the eagle, the black stork, the great snipe and many other rare birds. The wolf, brown bear and lynx are also found here. The flooded meadows by the Emaj천gi River are a feeding and resting area for migratory birds, which can be observed from the specially built viewing towers.
Typical of the birds that nest in the flooded meadows of the county is the great snipe, which is rare in Europe. Their unusual mating ritual can be observed in spring at Kärevere meadow by the river. There are many well-tended hiking and nature study trails for enthusiasts in the area. People who like the water can take boat trips on the Emajõgi River, sail on Lakes Saadjärv and Võrtsjärv, and cruise down small rivers in canoes or on rafts.
Ancient boats back in the water
Life on the shores of two large lakes – Peipus and Võrtsjärv – and on the banks of the Emajõgi River, which has been an important waterway since ancient times, has always required the existence of ships. They were necessary for rapid movement during forays, transit of goods between the east and west and fishing. The locals’ memories of sailing ships have not faded, either – ancient traditions and handicraft skills are held in honour to this day. A big sailing ship with high tonnage, the Peipsi barge, was prepared using old construction methods. These kinds of vessels were used as long ago as the 14th century to transport fur, wax, honey, flax and hemp from Russia to Tartu, as well as firewood and food products during the prime time of barges in the 19th century. Today the barge takes nature-lovers on cranberry-picking trips in the marshes beside the river, drifting between aromatic meadows or ‘listening’ to the chattering of bats on warm summer nights. On the river and the lakes sails an ancient slender sailboat, the Viking boat, both under sail and with the help of oars, which takes people on a journey to the inland waterways of Tartu County. The typical fishing boat for the shallow waters of Lake Võrtsjärv is the kale, which has a small draught and which was used to drag trawls (which is what its name means in Estonian). Today two such ships – constructed with the help of ship craftsmen – are used for pleasure cruises.
Great location for sports and active holidays! The most famous sports tradition in Tartu County is the Tartu Ski Marathon, which dates back fifty years and forms part of the Worldloppet marathon series. The same track is used for running and cycling marathons, and cycling races also take place on the roads of Southern Estonia – these four races constitute the Tartu Complex Event. The local rollerblading marathon has also gained in popularity in recent years. The best place for everyday training and recreation is Tähtvere Leisure Park, which includes running, rollerblading, cycling and BMX tracks, and in winter ski tracks and a skating rink. People who like shooting sports can visit Tartu County Sports Centre, which is situated in a lovely pine grove in Elva. Here you will find the finish line of the Tartu Marathon and the best ski tracks in the county. It is also possible to go cycling and do extreme sports as well ride horses and go sailing in the county.
Cultural events for all tastes The cultural calendar of Tartu and Tartu County is full of events and offers interesting possibilities for people of all ages and tastes. In July the Tartu Hanseatic Days bring the medieval town and its traditions to life. The city is full of people dressed in period costume; tournaments are held between knights; medieval music fills the air; and people can taste dishes prepared according to ancient recipes. During the Tartu Student Days held in spring and autumn, the city is overtaken by a spirit of youthfulness and there are events for students as well as citizens and visitors. In autumn, a fish and onion fair is organised in Kallaste – a town on Lake Peipus. Here you can buy golden onion wreaths, garlic baskets and smoked fish straight from the oven. You can also take part in a festival of fisherman’s songs or learn handicrafts. In February there is an exhibition of peculiar vehicles, called karakatits. These home-made hovercrafts are a huge help to fishermen moving about on the ice of Lake Peipus during the winter fishing season. During the summer solstice, people visiting different areas can participate in the Midsummer celebrations. The shortest night of the summer sees bonfires being lit and people folk dancing and listening to national music. Tartu is also a city of fairs. The biggest and most popular exhibition is the agricultural trade fair held in April. At this international event there are displays on agriculture, forestry, gardening and food. In September, the big autumn exhibition takes place in the Estonian Agricultural Museum, which
exhibits pedigree animals and holds a fare for horticultural products and crops. There are concerts in churches and concert halls and, in summer, on open air stages for all tastes – from majestic organ music to choral singing, guitar and clarinet recitals to pop concerts. The only thing you need to do is take a look at the cultural calendar in time and show up!
IMPORTANT: Emergency: 112 Police: 110 Bus Station: +372 734 0075 Train Station: +372 1447 Tartu Airport: +372 730 9210 Info lines: +372 1188, +372 1182, +372 740 4020 Information about Tartu: www.visittartu.com Information about Estonia: www.visitestonia.com Weather: www.ilm.ee See you in Tartu and Tartu County!
Text: Annereet Paatsi • Edited by: Sille Siniavski, Katrin Loss, Merike Toomas, Lili Kängsepp • Translation: Luisa Tõlkebüroo Ltd • Photos: J. Nilson, A. Ader, A. Klink, J. Talts, M. Lokk, A. Sooaru, A. Tennus, L. Kulpsoo, G. Liivamägi (Järvet), A. Schwede, T. Laan, K. Sillakivi, K. Loss, Tartu County Tourism Foundation public photostock • Layout: Live • Print: Paar • Publisher: © Tartu Maavalitsus & ©Tartu County Tourism Foundation
Raekoda / Town Hall 50089 Tartu, Estonia Ph/fax: +372 744 2111 info@visittartu.com www.visittartu.com