Meet in Tartu!

Tartu, Estonia’s second-largest city (population 95,000), is the nation’s primary hub of knowledge and education. It is home to Estonia’s top university, along with numerous institutes, research centres, and biotechnology industries. As the ‘City of Good Thoughts’, Tartu has become a magnet for international conferences, particularly those in the scientific and medical fields, thanks to its globally-connected institutions.

This compact and versatile university town seamlessly combines a picturesque natural setting with a lively urban atmosphere. Located 185 kilometres southeast of Tallinn, Tartu is easily accessible via multiple daily buses and trains from the capital. Additionally, Finnair offers direct flights from Helsinki, while buses provide direct links to Riga, Latvia.

Once in Tartu, exploring the city is effortless. Its compact layout makes it perfect for walking, cycling with bike-sharing schemes, or using the efficient public transport system. Beyond the city, Southern Estonia’s rich cultural and natural diversity offers countless opportunities to enhance any visit.

Tartu – The Heart of Science in Estonia

Tartu stands as Estonia’s leading centre for scientific research and innovation, hosting nine universities, numerous research institutes, biotechnology industries, and software companies. The city’s wealth of expertise and knowledge forms the foundation for groundbreaking ideas and solutions with global impact.  The University of Tartu was founded by King Gustav II Adolf of Sweden in 1632, making it one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe.  Tartu regularly welcomes top researchers from around the world at various scientific conferences and proudly hosts the Baltics’ largest business festival, sTARTUp Day. Known as the city of good thoughts, Tartu is home to innovative and forward-thinking individuals who are deeply committed to their environment and a sustainable future.

Tartu’s Vital Role in Estonian Culture

Tartu has been instrumental in shaping Estonian culture and national identity. The nation’s first intellectual elite emerged from its university, alongside the first newspapers, cultural societies, and the national theatre. The city also hosted the first Estonian National Song Festival, marking its importance in the country’s cultural history. Today, Tartu remains a hub of cultural heritage, home to numerous institutions of national memory and a wide variety of cultural events held throughout the year.

In 2024, Tartu, together with Southern Estonia, proudly held the title of European Capital of Culture. Under the theme Arts of Survival, the programme highlights the region’s resilience, creativity, and commitment to sustainable growth.

Tartu – A Sustainable Destination

Tartu embraces continuous development while remaining true to its core values: people and collaboration, a green living environment, compactness, and safety. Recent years have seen the implementation of numerous smart and eco-friendly initiatives, enhancing the well-being of both locals and visitors. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Tartu values its community and prioritises environmentally conscious solutions. To support sustainable event planning, the city has introduced a Guide to Organising Environmentally Friendly Events, a mandatory tool for public events held in Tartu’s urban spaces and a valuable resource for other event organisers.

As a member of the international Green Destinations network, Tartu received Platinum-level recognition in 2023. The city is also among the European Commission’s 100 climate-neutral and smart cities, with a goal of achieving this status by 2030.

Unique Event Venues

Tartu offers a variety of unique and inspiring venues for meetings and conferences. A particular strength lies in its strong academic setting—many international scientific and academic conferences are held within the campuses of the University of Tartu and the Estonian University of Life Sciences, both internationally recognised research institutions. The historic Assembly Hall of the University of Tartu, located in its iconic main building, is a highlight in itself—an architectural gem of classicism with seating for up to 470 attendees.

For larger gatherings, the Estonian National Museum is an impressive, modern venue with a capacity of up to 1,000 participants. Another popular option is the V Spa Hotel Conference Centre, which can accommodate events of up to 600 people in a contemporary setting.

Tartu also offers memorable off-site options for receptions or informal sessions, such as the Lodjakoda Barge Complex or the creatively repurposed former Comb Factory.

For further information, please see also our blog post: 15 Venues to Hold a Memorable Event In Tartu

Accommodation in Tartu

Tartu offers a variety of accommodation options, with around 2,500 hotel beds available across the city. While the hotels are generally small—reflecting the cosy scale of the city—they are located close to one another, making it easy to combine different properties for larger groups. Tartu features several comfortable 3-star, 4-star, and 4-star superior hotels. For those seeking top comfort, Hotel Lydia (4-star superior, 70 rooms) blends boutique charm with modern amenities. V Spa & Conference Hotel is another favourite, offering a full 4-star experience with a spa, conference centre, and 86 stylish rooms. The Dorpat Hotel, a 3-star superior property, stands out with its 197 rooms and attractive riverside location.

Travel to Tartu

• By Air: Direct flights with Finnair to Tartu (Ülenurme) Airport from Helsinki (Vantaa) Airport; connect via taxi or bus to Tartu city centre (10 min);
• By Air: Direct flights to Tallinn Airport from various cities; connect via direct train or bus to Tartu; Most bus lines pick up passengers at the Tallinn Airport en route to Tartu. See www.tpilet.ee for schedules and online ticket purchase.
• By Bus: Direct coach from Tallinn Airport to Tartu Coach Station, approximately 2:15 hours.  Buses arrive at the central Tartu Bus Station, which is within walking distance of most major conference venues and hotels.
• By Train: From Balti Jaam and Ülemiste station in Tallinn to Tartu, around 2 hours. (tickets: https://elron.ee/en )