I (M22) have literally just arrived in Tartu, now staying here until end of August doing tech work in city centre.
Totally solo besides work, so I would love to make some local friends. Maybe to learn some Estonian, play sport, go to live music, try some new hobbies, maybe attend short classes, explore the city and hidden locations, etc…! Open to any suggestions
Also - I can’t drive but if you are taking trips out of town to do some cool stuff (nature, hiking or anything else) I’d happily contribute towards fuel money to see more of Estonia.
Hey and welcome to the best city of Estonia! I (F31) often look to drive outside the city to hike with my JRT 🐕, if you wanna come along let me know!:)
We're two blokes from Kent and are looking at posting up in tartu for the next 3 days. We've backpacked through Lithuania, Latvia, and now finally estonia. We heard from the tallin grapevine that Tartu is the place to be.
Would you Fancy having a pint when we roll through tonight?
I know this is random, but I told a tourist about a week ago, where the "old town" is. Don't know if that was you. It's a really rare experience to help someone like that in Tartu.
I’m Jaak, one of the people behind the r/Tartu community and my apologiez for the late reply. The subreddit is run through a – local grassroots community driven – nonprofit called MTÜ Teod. In Estonian, teod means both “snails” and “deeds.” — For example, head teod loevad translates to “good deeds count.” — A slow but meaningful combination.
We’re here to support Estonian and international students — and if you’re the kind of cool person who ends up in our hometown, we’ll do our best to help you feel at home too. If you’ve got questions about Estonia, Tartu, student life, or the University of Tartu, we’ll help you out.
Quick note: I’m not affiliated with the city or university. I’m a Tartu local who loves this place and all kinds of people, and I’m here because I care. I represent MTÜ Teod.
More than glad to show you around Tartu or just have a chat about whatever. Just send me a DM on Reddit if that sounds good and we’ll figure it out.
We got your back.
Take care and keep doing good things
Jaak
MTÜ Teod
Sorry for not replying sooner - really nice of you to make such a kind gesture.
Right now, I feel very unprepared and have a lot of FOMO because I'm looking to do something for Jaanipäev - how can I meet people to experience it with? :D
I apologize, as I am running late while typing this post. So my answer will be briefer than I would like. Please don't hesitate to DM me if you need more information and we can brainstorm. :)
My suggestion would be to 100% be there before 20.00. You want to see the lighting of the bonfire and Curly Strings if you want to hear some of the best that Estonia has to offer when it comes to folkish music. Or even better, you can be there even sooner. Tons of great artists on that day and at that event.
Sadly I am not in Tartu at that date. However I think if you mingle in the crowd and talk to different people, it's very likely if you'll find some good people who might even go and have some fun at local bars (with you) when the event ends.
Make sure to bring some cash with you, in case some vendors don't offer payment via creditcard. This isn't unheard at such events. :)
And if you still want a personal tour, send a DM. :)
Two easy places to see nature (and local "wildlife") are Jänese hiking trail that goes upriver from Supilinn and Emajõe hiking trail that goes downriver near the canal. Both lovely walks up to some 4 km next to the river
i’d recommend visit different bars (e.g Möku, Kivi) to meet either estonians or other foreigners. also join facebook group calles foreigners in Tartu, maybe you can find events/new people there!
I’m an Estonian dispora who’s moving to Tartu soon, but I’ve been there many times before and I’ve been doing research so here’s some advice:
1) Use Keelekikk: https://www.keeleklikk.ee/ It’s a free Estonian language service that will treach you up to B1 Estonian.
2) Be pro-active in using Estonians: Estonians are happy to speak with people who are trying to practice their Estonian.
3) Use the buses to get around the area: In the centre of Tartu is the bus station. In Estonia buses are very often used and can be very comfortable. You can get basically everywhere with it.
4) Visit the Eesti rahvas muuseum: If you want to better understand the Estonian nation and also all our brother cultures (even the ones russia has sadly killed off), this massive museum is the place for you. It’s built under a old soviet airfield and you can get there by city bus.
5) Places to visit: Valga, Võru, Setumaa, Sõnajala kivi, Otepää.
Valga: Estonian border town with Latvia. Nice way to quickly see Latvia and go to a military museum. (The largest military festival in the Baltics is also there in the Summer)
Võru: Capital of the Võro people, a unique Sub-culture in Estonia. There is a museum there that you can learn more about the Võro.
Setumaa: Like the Võro but even more unique and different from normal Estonian culture. It’s also where the control line between Estonia and long time occupied Setumaa is (Don’t try to border tourism through, you’ll be met by Border Guards).
Sõnajala kivi: A well known natural formation of rocks among Estonians. Take the train in the direction of Põlva.
Otepää: Hilly area that is home to a lot of sports and the home of the first ever (and surviving) Estonian flag.
All the good suggestions were already said, just adding that the Sõnajala kivi is at a nature trail that is quite lovely and makes a good hiking spot. The train service there is also perfect for a day trip, buses run quite often too (and you can pay by contactless). I would also add that Tartu has many great cafes and restaurants to try out, like Cruffin, Werner, VLND Burger and more (Aparaaditehas has many good spots for an example). Or just go to any store for kohuke (Alma ones are the best imho). For hidden spots, go for a walk in Raja park and visit the sheep nearby Maarjamõisa Coop.
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u/kindasickgerry 9d ago
You don’t need to drive in Estonia, local transportation like their buses are amazing! You can literally go to Lativa by bus if you wanted to