Tartu: The Heartbeat of Estonian Culture and Education

• HelloTere
  [te-reh]
• GoodbyeNägemist
  [nah-geh-mist]
• YesJah
  [yah]
• NoEi
  [ay]
• Please/You're welcomePalun
  [pah-loon]
• Thank youAitäh
  [eye-tah]
• Excuse me/SorryVabandage
  [vah-bahn-da-geh]
• How are you?Kuidas sul läheb?
  [kwee-das sool lah-heb]
• Fine. And you?Hästi. Ja sina?
  [ha-stee yah see-nah]
• Do you speak English?Kas te räägite inglise keelt?
  [kahs teh rah-gee-teh eeng-lee-seh kehlt]
• I don't understandMa ei saa aru
  [mah ay sah ah-roo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMa sooviksin menüüd näha, palun
  [mah soh-veek-seen meh-noo-ood nah-ha pah-loon]
• I don't eat meatMa ei söö liha
  [mah ay suh lhee-hah]
• Cheers!Terviseks!
  [ter-vee-sehks]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMa sooviksin maksta, palun
  [mah soh-veek-seen mahk-stah pah-loon]

• Help!Appi!
  [ahp-pee]
• Go away!Mine minema!
  [mee-neh mee-neh-mah]
• Call the Police!Helista politseile!
  [heh-lees-tah poh-leet-seh-ee-leh]
• Call a doctor!Helista arstile!
  [heh-lees-tah ahr-stee-leh]
• I'm lostMa olen eksinud
  [mah oh-lehn ehk-see-noo-d]
• I'm illMa olen haige
  [mah oh-lehn hah-ee-geh]

• I'd like to buy...Ma tahaksin osta...
  [mah tah-hahk-seen oh-stah]
• I'm just lookingMa vaatan lihtsalt
  [mah vah-tahn leekh-tsalt]
• How much is it?Kui palju see maksab?
  [kwee pahl-yoo seh mahk-sahb]
• That's too expensiveSee on liiga kallis
  [seh ohn lee-gah kah-lees]
• Can you lower the price?Kas saate hinda alandada?
  [kahs sah-teh hin-dah ah-lahn-dah-dah]

• What time is it?Mis kell on?
  [mees kell ohn]
• It's one o'clockOn üks
  [ohn uks]
• Half past (10)Pool (kümme)
  [pool koom-meh]
• MorningHommik
  [hohm-meek]
• AfternoonPäev
  [payv]
• EveningÕhtu
  [ooh-tuh]
• YesterdayEile
  [ay-leh]
• TodayTäna
  [tah-nah]
• TomorrowHomme
  [hohm-meh]
• 1Üks
  [uks]
• 2Kaks
  [kahks]
• 3Kolm
  [kohlm]
• 4Neli
  [neh-lee]
• 5Viis
  [vee-ees]
• 6Kuus
  [koos]
• 7Seitse
  [sayt-seh]
• 8Kaheksa
  [kah-hek-sah]
• 9Üheksa
  [u-hek-sah]
• 10Kümme
  [koom-meh]

• Where's a/the...?Kus on...
  [koos ohn]
• What's the address?Mis on aadress?
  [mees ohn ah-ah-drehss]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kas saate mulle näidata (kaardil)?
  [kahs sah-teh moo-leh nah-ee-tah-dah kaar-deel]
• When's the next (bus)?Millal on järgmine (buss)?
  [meel-lahl ohn yair-gmee-neh boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Pilet (....)
  [pee-leht]

Tartu, one of the oldest cities in Estonia, was first mentioned as Tarbatu in 1030. This settlement was established by the Kievan Rus' and later became an important trading post in the region. The town saw various rulers, including Danes, Germans, and Russians, due to its strategic location.

In the Middle Ages, Tartu became a member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns in Northwestern and Central Europe. This affiliation boosted Tartu's economic and political importance, making it a key player in regional trade.

Founded in 1632 by the Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus, the University of Tartu is one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. It has been a center of academic excellence and intellectual growth, producing many notable scholars and contributing significantly to the cultural and scientific landscape of Estonia.

The Livonian War (1558-1583) had a profound impact on Tartu. The city was repeatedly attacked and changed hands several times between the Russians, Poles, and Swedes. This period was marked by significant destruction and rebuilding, shaping the city's architecture and fortifications.

Under Russian rule in the 18th and 19th centuries, Tartu experienced a cultural renaissance. The city became a hub for Estonian nationalism and the Estonian Age of Awakening, with the University of Tartu playing a crucial role in fostering national identity and intellectual progress.

In 1775, a devastating fire swept through Tartu, destroying a large portion of the city. The reconstruction efforts that followed introduced new architectural styles and urban planning concepts, significantly altering the city's layout and appearance.

The 20th century was a turbulent time for Tartu, marked by both World Wars and Soviet occupation. Despite these challenges, Tartu remained a center of education and culture. The city played a vital role in Estonia's struggle for independence, with many significant events and movements originating here.

Today, Tartu is known as the intellectual and cultural heart of Estonia. It boasts numerous museums, theaters, and festivals, reflecting its rich history and vibrant cultural scene. The city's blend of historical and modern influences makes it a unique and dynamic place to visit.

Tartu is located in southeastern Estonia, approximately 186 kilometers from the capital, Tallinn. The nearest international airport is Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport. From Tallinn, you can take a bus or train to Tartu, with the journey typically taking around 2.5 to 3 hours. Buses and trains run frequently and offer a comfortable ride. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive, enjoying the scenic Estonian countryside.

Tartu has an efficient public transportation system, primarily consisting of buses. Tickets can be purchased from the driver or via mobile apps. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are also available. The city is bike-friendly, with several rental options and dedicated bike lanes. Walking is another excellent way to explore the city, particularly the central areas and the Old Town.

The official currency in Estonia is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout Tartu. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in case you visit more remote areas where card payments may not be accepted.

Tartu is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. The city does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, fire, or medical services. Tartu University Hospital is the primary medical facility in the city and is well-equipped to handle emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual when dining out or attending cultural events. Avoid overly casual attire in more formal settings. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly in churches. Dress modestly and remain quiet when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly passengers and keep conversations at a low volume. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Tere' (Hello) is also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and drinks, such as kama, kiluvõileib, and local beers. Don't tip excessively; a small tip or rounding up the bill is sufficient.

To experience Tartu like a local, visit the Tartu Market Hall for fresh produce and local specialties. Explore the vibrant student culture by visiting university cafés and attending public lectures or events. Take a stroll along the Emajõgi River and enjoy the scenic parks, such as Toome Hill. Don't miss the Aparaaditehas, a creative city quarter with art studios, shops, and eateries. Engage with locals; they are generally friendly and willing to share insights about the city's history and culture.