What to do and see in Tartu, Tartu County: The Best Nature & Parks

Come and visit one of the oldest Botanical Gardens in the world (founded in 1803). The Botanical Gardens were designed under the supervision of world-famous botanists, Prof Ledebour and Prof Bunge.The Botanical Gardens currently belong to the University of Tartu and they are used as a study base for students. The Botanical Gardens introduce new decorative plans and different methods of landscaping.Interesting facts:- there are 6500 species of plants from all climatic belts of the world in the Botanical Gardens, which makes it the most species-rich area in Estonia;- the palm house of the Botanical Gardens is the biggest in the Baltic States and also the richest in species.

Toomemägi or Toome Hill was a gift from Emperor Paul I to the University of Tartu – having previously been used by townsfolk to graze cattle. For hundreds of years it had been the centre point of the local population, later becoming the site of a castle which made it the heart of medieval Tartu. In the early decades of the 19th century it was turned into a park on the initiative of the university's plantation committee, with alleys of trees, paved roads and bridged gulleys. Along with the library, anatomicum, observatory and clinic it formed the intellectual focal point of Tartu.

Ice Age Centre is an exciting theme park meant for the whole family! We offer the joy of discovery for visitors of all ages! We are a unique visiting centre in the Baltic States – you will see life-sized prehistoric animals and experience how the world and Estonian nature has developed through the ages. Is mammoth just a hairy elephant? When did humans inhabit Estonia? How will the coastline change in time? Is the climate getting warmer or actually colder? From us you will get to know how the Universe was formed and what lies ahead in the future! Ice Age Centre exhibition offers an overview of the origins of ice ages and their effect on the Earth, Estonia and Vooremaa, introduces the development of Estonian nature and human settlement after the last ice age and the causes of and research on climate change. We are located in the heart of Vooremaa, next to beautiful lake Saadjärv – an area known for the ice age and Estonian Kalevipoeg legends.

Luunja Manor Park was established in the 18th century as a baroque park by Count BC von Munnich and redesigned as an irregular landscape park in the end of the 19th century.There is a rose garden near the part that is a great place for cultural events, picnics and walks in summer.There are also several monuments with historical background in the area of the park. They include the alleys of the manor, the walls surrounding the park and the garden, the old distillery and smithy, the gardener's house and the set of barns.

The Emajoe-Suursoo marshlands have been under nature conservation since 1981. The eastern part of Tartu County from Kallaste to Mehikoorma is in Peipus Basin. Emajoe-Suursoo marshlands cover the estuarine area of the Emajogi River and consist of Jommsoo, Suursoo, Varnja and Pedaspaa Swamps and Meerapalu Fen. The marshlands cover approximately 25,000 ha, 7,000 ha of this can get flooded. They are the fifth largest marshlands in Estonia and the biggest delta marshlands in the country. The diversity of wet habitats is the most valuable feature of Emajoe-Suursoo.

Maksa Manor and its park are located on the right slope of the Emajogi River valley.The manor was first mentioned in 1555 when it belonged to the von Meck family.C von Liphart extended the park considerably in the second quarter of the 19th century, after the mansion was completed. Two spruce coppices were planted near the park and used to breed pheasants.

Jarvselja is located 46 km from Tartu and is almost entirely surrounded by swamps. The nature conservation area shows visitors what primeval forests used to look like and we can see what a forest looks like when humans do not interfere with its development: tree trunks are covered in moss, lichen hangs off their branches, fallen trees are hidden under layers of moss and rotting.

Laaniste Hiking Track is suitable for people who:love rambling,enjoy unexpected meetings with wild animals or birds,love sitting by the fire or going on a boat trip down the river,is interested in times long gone,loves discovering things!

The cycling track is 25 km long and starts by the forest district. It is marked with signs and runs north along forest paths.There are diverse forests, Selgise hills, a fire sport and a forest hut on the track. The cycling track was built by the State Forest Management Centre.

The marked Ahunapalu-Virvissaare Hiking Track is approximately 16 km long plus another 4 km if you leave your car at Meerapalu and go from Meerapalu to Virvissaare on foot or by bike.NB! There is a bird watching tower next to the hiking track, but its condition is not safe for climbing as the soft surface has caused it to lean sideways. Climbing the tower is not safe!