Tartu 2024: what to see in this year's European Capital of Culture

Tartu 2024: what to see in this year's European Capital of Culture and how to

get there

This year, the most student city in Estonia, Tartu, became the European Capital of Culture. This very interesting initiative appeared back in 1985. Then Athens became the cultural capital. And since then, every year two or three cities are chosen, which become cultural capitals for the whole year. This year Tartu became such a capital, together with Bad Ischl and Bude. And it is there that you will be able to attend many events united by one cultural concept, this year’s program – “The Art of Survival”. This concept is incredibly relevant, especially looking back at everything that has happened over the past two years. But the program doesn't just focus on the fact that people today need survival skills more than ever. There are also two more important points - environmentally friendly culture and real human communication. Therefore, the topics of work and events that will take place in Tartu throughout the year are very diverse. Works related to science and technology as well as environmental protection, respect for nature and people will be presented. The main idea of the events is to show people how important our past, our historical and architectural monuments are. At the same time, modernity is also important, because our future well-being is built on what we have today. Therefore, the topics of work and events that will take place in Tartu throughout the year are very diverse. Works related to science and technology as well as environmental protection, respect for nature and people will be presented. The main idea of the events is to show people how important our past, our historical and architectural monuments are. At the same time, modernity is also important, because our future well-being is built on what we have today.

Program of events

Although some events have already happened and are happening now, all the most important and main events are announced for spring and summer. This is not surprising, because the city is a student city, which means that the most fun and reckless things will happen when students begin their holidays and long weekends.

April 20 – 21 – Open House Tartu. This event will be interesting for those who want to learn the history of buildings and see the hidden corners of those structures that are usually closed to tourists and even local residents. Historians, archaeologists, and Tartu tour guides will conduct tours of places closed to the public. This action was initiated so that residents and guests of Tartu learn more about the city and its architecture. And also, in order to stimulate the development of this area, to find sponsors and patrons who are interested in the reconstruction of monuments, architectural structures, and so on.

April 27 – May 4. At the end of April - beginning of May, Tartu celebrates student days for a whole week. However, this is not surprising for the main student capital of Estonia. Throughout this week there will be many very interesting and fun events. They are aimed at both students and just visitors to the city who want to have fun, try something new, get an interesting experience, and perhaps find new friends and acquaintances. May 4 – 5. 24 hours there will be a broadcast of the sounds of dawn, which sound artists and simply sound lovers will broadcast from all over the world. Also, these days it will be possible to go for an organized walk in the pre-dawn forest.

May 17 – 18 – “Kissing Tartu”. On this day, a large-scale concert will be held near the Town Hall, in which the best Eurovision songs will be performed. One of the guest stars is Eurovision 2014 winner Conchita Wurst. And also, the organizers invite everyone to a general kiss, which will be broadcast throughout Europe.

On June 4 - 5, you will be able to watch the new extraordinary work of Shiro Takatani, one of the most famous Japanese directors. It is on these dates that the only performance in Europe of his play Tangent will take place. And Tartu will have the honor of hosting the performance athome.

June 6 – 21 – another wonderful performance in Moneyland, at the Comb Factory. The Estonian Drama Theater will present a completely new perspective on dirty money and democracy. The play will focus on the money laundering scandal in Scandinavian banks. The theater is going to give 10 performances in a week. And also, starting from March 15th and until September 8th, almost all spring and summer, unique exhibitions and art projects will be held at the Estonian National Museum and Tartu Art Museum in honor of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Surrealism Manifesto.

How to get to Tartu

Most often people travel to Tartu from Tallinn. There are three main travel options: by train, by bus and by taxi.

The train journey lasts 2 hours 30 minutes. The first train to Tartu leaves Tallinn at 06.10. The last one is at 20.56. Trains run very frequently, approximately every hour and a half, plus or 10 minutes. The train that runs to Tartu is called "Elron". All information about trips can be found on the official website. The average ticket price is 13-14 euros. You can also find tickets for 11 euros.

The second option is a bus. Most often, Lux Express buses travel on the Tallinn-Tartu route. Like with train, bus journey lasts two and a half hours. The first bus leaves at 7.00, and the last one at 23.00. The price of a bus ticket is almost equivalent to the price of a train - also 13-14 euros.

The third option is a taxi. A taxi goes from city to city in 2 hours and 10 minutes. But a taxi has an advantage - passengers are picked up from anywhere in Tallinn and taken to any point inTartu. And if you get there by bus, you need to go to the bus station, by train - to the train station. And this takes time and can also bring some inconvenience, especially if you are traveling with small children or animals. Therefore, intercity taxis are often a good choice. The cost of such a trip is from 180 euros.

Advantages of the intercity taxi “Artsantaxi” on the route Tallinn - Tartu

Intercity taxi “Artsantaxi” creates maximum comfort for its passengers. The driver can always meet passengers at the airport if they have arrived from another city or country, and take them to their destination. The distance between Tallinn and Tartu, which is 180 kilometers, is covered by professional drivers quickly and as safely as possible. There is always free water in the cabin for passengers. If necessary, you can order a car in the opposite direction. Passengers only need to provide their flight number, arrival time and date. The driver can meet clients not only at the airport, but also at the bus or train station. In this case, he also needs to know the train number, bus number, date and time. And also the names of passengers to write on the sign with which he will meet. Passengers are provided with standard cars in which three passengers can travel comfortably and eight-seater cars for a large company or family. The fleet also has cars for VIP clients. The price of the trip is from 180 euros. To find out the final cost, it is important to discuss all the details with the operator. He will ask questions that will help determine the final cost of the trip. You can pay either in cash or by credit card. The cars are designed for traveling with animals and children. All drivers are of the highest category, drive very carefully and do everything to make passengers feel relaxed, comfortable and safe.