7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Tartu

Tartu, is a charming university town known for its youthful energy, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. As a digital nomad based in Tartu, you have the unique opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural offerings of Estonia during your weekends. From the bustling streets of Tallinn to the serene wilderness of Soomaa National Park, there's something for every type of traveler. Here are seven fun weekend getaways that range from popular tourist spots to hidden gems, all within reach from Tartu.

Tallinn

As the capital city of Estonia, Tallinn is a must-visit for anyone staying in Tartu. The city's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a medieval atmosphere with its cobblestone streets and historic architecture. Explore the city's museums, galleries, and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Don't miss the view from Toompea Hill, which offers a panoramic vista of the city's rooftops and spires.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Tallinn from Tartu is by bus or train, with frequent services running daily. The journey typically takes around 2.5 hours.

Travel Tip: Visit the Telliskivi Creative City, a vibrant cultural hub with studios, shops, restaurants, and regular events. It's a great place to experience the contemporary side of Tallinn.

Where to Stay: The Hotel Telegraaf offers luxury accommodations with a spa in the heart of the Old Town. For a more modern vibe, check out the Nordic Hotel Forum with its indoor pool and skyline views.

Where to Eat: Rataskaevu 16 is a beloved restaurant known for its cozy atmosphere and modern Estonian cuisine. For a quick bite, try the local pastries at the historic Maiasmokk Café, the oldest café in Tallinn.

Pärnu

The summer capital of Estonia, Pärnu, is a delightful coastal town perfect for a relaxing weekend. Renowned for its long sandy beaches, health spas, and beautiful parks, Pärnu offers a slower pace of life. Take a stroll along the beach promenade, visit the Pärnu Museum to learn about the local history, or unwind in one of the town's many spas.

How to Get There: Pärnu is easily accessible from Tartu by bus, with the journey taking approximately 2.5 hours.

Travel Tip: If you're visiting in the summer, don't miss the chance to attend the Pärnu Music Festival, which features performances by world-renowned classical musicians.

Where to Stay: Hedon Spa & Hotel offers a luxurious stay with beachfront views and an excellent spa. Villa Ammende provides a more intimate experience in a beautifully restored Art Nouveau building.

Where to Eat: The Supelsaksad café is famous for its charming interior and delicious cakes. For a fine dining experience, visit the Raimond Restaurant, which offers exquisite dishes with a focus on local ingredients.

Soomaa National Park

For those seeking an escape into nature, Soomaa National Park is an exceptional choice. Known for its vast bogs, meandering rivers, and diverse wildlife, Soomaa offers a variety of outdoor activities such as canoeing, bog walking, and bird watching. The park is also famous for its "fifth season" when spring floods transform the landscape into a water wonderland.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Soomaa National Park from Tartu is by car, as public transport options are limited. The drive takes about 1.5 hours.

Travel Tip: Try bog-shoeing, a unique activity that allows you to walk on the soft and spongy surface of the peat bogs – an unforgettable experience.

Where to Stay: For a rustic experience, consider staying at a local guesthouse like the Soomaa.com cabins, which offer traditional Estonian sauna experiences.

Where to Eat: Dining options are scarce within the park, so it's best to pack a picnic or visit nearby villages for local eateries, such as the C.R Jakobson Farm Museum's Kõrts, which serves traditional Estonian fare.

Setomaa

Venture off the beaten path to the unique region of Setomaa, home to the Seto people, a minority group with a distinct culture, language, and traditions. Visit the Seto Farm Museum to learn about their way of life, attend a leelo choir performance, or explore the beautiful landscapes of the region. Setomaa's cultural events, such as Seto Kingdom Day, offer a deep dive into the local customs.

How to Get There: Reaching Setomaa from Tartu requires a car, as public transport is not frequent. The drive takes about 2 hours.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to try Seto cuisine, which includes unique dishes like sõir (a type of cheese) and hõõgõ-õgõ (a berry dessert).

Where to Stay: Taarka Tarõ offers a cozy guesthouse experience with traditional Seto design and hospitality.

Where to Eat: The Taarka Tarõ guesthouse also serves home-cooked Seto meals, providing an authentic dining experience.

Alatskivi Castle

Discover the fairytale-like Alatskivi Castle, nestled in the picturesque countryside. Inspired by the royal residence of Balmoral in Scotland, this neo-Gothic castle is surrounded by a scenic park with walking trails. Inside, you can explore the beautifully restored rooms and learn about the history of the estate and the local area in the museum.

How to Get There: Alatskivi Castle is a short drive from Tartu, taking about 40 minutes by car. Public transport options are also available but less convenient.

Travel Tip: Check the castle's event calendar for concerts, workshops, and other cultural events that are often held in the castle's halls or on its grounds.

Where to Stay: Nearby, the Alatskivi Castle Hotel offers charming accommodations that complement the historical experience of your visit.

Where to Eat: The Alatskivi Castle's restaurant serves dishes inspired by local traditions and made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Kolkja

The small village of Kolkja is known for its Old Believers' community, a Russian Orthodox sect that settled along the shores of Lake Peipus. Visit the Old Believers' Prayer House and Museum to learn about their history and traditions. Kolkja is also an excellent spot for enjoying the tranquil beauty of Lake Peipus and trying the local specialty – smoked fish.

How to Get There: Kolkja is best reached by car from Tartu, with the journey taking around 50 minutes.

Travel Tip: Time your visit to coincide with the Onion Route festival, where you can experience the local culture, crafts, and, of course, the famous onions of the region.

Where to Stay: There are several guesthouses in the area, such as the Kolkja Holiday Centre, which offers simple accommodations near the lake.

Where to Eat: The Kolkja Kala-Kohvik (Fish Café) is a must-visit for its freshly smoked fish and traditional Russian pies.

Otepää

Known as Estonia's winter sports capital, Otepää is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. In the winter, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating, while summer offers hiking, mountain biking, and water sports on Lake Pühajärv. Otepää's rolling hills and beautiful landscapes make it a perfect getaway for those looking to enjoy Estonia's natural beauty.

How to Get There: Otepää is an easy drive from Tartu, taking about 45 minutes. There are also bus connections available.

Travel Tip: Visit the Otepää Nature Park for well-marked trails and stunning views, especially from the top of the Munamägi hill.

Where to Stay: The GMP Clubhotel offers modern apartments with great views and a rooftop restaurant. For a more traditional stay, consider the cozy Pühajärve Spa & Holiday Resort.

Where to Eat: The GMP Pühajärve Restaurant at the GMP Clubhotel is known for its fine dining and excellent wine selection. For a more casual meal, try the Pühajärve Pub, which offers hearty local dishes.

Whether you're looking for a cultural city break, a relaxing coastal retreat, or an adventure in the wilderness, these weekend getaways from Tartu offer a diverse range of experiences for digital nomads to enjoy.