Tartu Off The Beaten Path

A few miles west of Tartu is the village of Ilmatsalu where there is a wetland area with excellent bird-watching at most times of the year. There is a nature trail - along which some attractive butterflies can also be seen - and a bird observation tower with good views over a wide area. The Ilmatsalu Motell is conveniently situated near the start of the trail and a review of the motel appears under 'Ilmatsalu' on VT. This gives fuller details of the wildlife that might be seen here, (as well as the motel information).

This Chinese restaurant is popular with families, a local friend told me, because they are so great with children. Waiters used to speak fake Chinese with them, "tsink plekk pang tsink plekk pang..." and in the end they named the restaurant accordingly.

Sounds very Chinese, hey?! Translates to "zinc plate bucket"!

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Two modern buidings on the edge of Tartu's centre got those funny nicknames: Flasku (the Flask) and Tasku (the Pocket). The tall slender building is shaped just like one of those brandy flasks that for example hunters take with them in the cold season.

"Tasku" is a modern shopping mall just like any other shopping mall in the world. "Flasku" is an office building. From the top floor one has a nice view over the town, or is supposed to have. You can go up to the top floor by lift. The lift is on the side towards the new suburb of Annelinn. The view of the town centre is on the opposite side. It is a question of good or bad luck whether the door to the corridor is open or not - we were unlucky.
Obviously my picture in photo 4 (with spring foliage, taken in September, ha ha) is a fake; it was taken from the big photo on the wall opposite the lift. Just to give an idea what we missed...

I assume that on a workday during normal office hours chances are better.

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The Emajõgi-Peipsi Barge is historic wooden trading vessel which has sailed in Estonian inland waters more than 600 years. Last of them sailed in the middle of 20th century.
However, in 2004 people interested in the rebirth of this ancient vessel and after 2 years on April 29 (2006) new barge was succesfully launched on the River Emajõgi. Current barge in named "Jõmmu" and it open for public.
One hour sailing on River Ema cost 90 Krones (May 2010).
Check timetables and availability on website (only in Estonian).

Historic Peipsi Barge is a Estonian tourism innovator 2008.

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The Dome Church ruins and Museum of History in the renovated part of the church are one of the main tourist attractions in Tartu. Still most tourists miss the young lady selling tickets near a small entrance in the far side of the ruins. This is the way to the highest accessible place in the whole town - the viewing platforms on the top of the ruins.

The ruins have been in constant renovation since 2001. Viewing platforms were opened in 2005.
Not only is the view spectacular, but the journey up there if worth mentioning as well. The only way up is a combination of narrow historical passages through the church walls and wooden platforms which give you a good view inside the ruins. There is also a small chamber with a display of historical pictures and texts of the building.
There are two separate platforms from which you can see most of Tartu. In summer the trees are blocking some of the view, but the towers are open in autumn and spring as well.

The opening hours (2009)
Wed-Sun 11-17 (april)
Mon-Sun 11-17 (may, september)
Mon-Sun 10-19 (june - august)
Wed-Sun 11-17 (october)
Sat-Sun 11-17 (november)

Prices:
1. Adult 25 kr (€1.50)
2. Student, Senior 15 kr (€1.00)
3. Family (1-2 adults with children) 60 kr (€4.00)

It is also possible to buy a combined ticket with the Museum of History

Have fun discovering Tartu!

i'm sorry i don't know the name of that sport in english but as you wan see, there's a good place to practice it just in the city center!!! :)
i had a great satisfaction to see all these childs having a lot of fun there!!! i'm jealous!!! i want the same in my french town!! ;-p