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Parks and the outdoors in Tartu

8 parks, gardens, beaches and walks in and around Tartu.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Parks and the outdoors in Tartu

  1. See

    Arched Bridge

    Stands on the site of the original stone bridge of Tartu which was built in 1784 and blown up by the Soviets in World War II. 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. It is said you have to walk over the arch at least once to be a true student in Tartu. Just don't let the cops catch you.

  2. See

    KGB Museum

    the Gray House

    This nondescript building 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, the Forest Brothers. The museum is small and does not have a very big sign, so look carefully.

  3. Buy

    Lõunakeskus

    Features a wide range of small boutiques, as well as big department stores Maksimarket, Lidl and Rimi. Has a hotel, cinema, indoors adventure park as well as a skating rink.

  4. Drink

    Pirogov Park

    A small park where consuming light (<6%) alcohol is allowed between 15 March and 15 October until 23 (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.

  5. See

    Town Hall Square

    Raekoja plats

    The main square between Emajõgi River and the pink town hall is probably the iconic view of the city. Right in the front of the town hall you can see the kissing students fountain, which is a symbol of Tartu. When standing at the river end of the square, with the town hall in front of you, on the right hand side is the leaning house - first it doesn't seem to lean so much, but go closer and look at it from a right angle!

  6. Do Not mapped

    Lodi River Cruises

    Offers various cruises for up to 30 people along River Emajõgi. This is the historic type of ship used to carry goods on Emajõgi and the laike Peipus.

  7. Do

    Aura Waterpark

    Aura Veekeskus

    Swimming pool, water park, fitness centre

    Pool: Mon-Fri 06:30-22:00, Sat Sun 09:00-22:00, closed in JulyPool €10; sauna centre €20

  8. See

    Botanic Garden of the University of Tartu

    Nice place for a walk.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Tartu (CC BY-SA 4.0).