why Tartu? Tartu is the second largest city in Estonia and the oldest in the Baltic States. It is economically well-developed and has great historical heritage. Tartu has huge potential and all of the advantages it needs to become one of the most important conference tourism centres in Estonia. Here are some reasons why you should pick Tartu as your next destination.
1.
Tartu is an education and research centre of Northern Europe since the 17th century. In 1632 the University of Tartu was established and today Tartu is well-known as Estonia´s intellectual capital. Through its scientists, Tartu is represented in numerous international organizations and Tartu University is in top 3% of the world´s best universities!
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Tartu is also Estonia’s centre of medicine and science. It is home to the 200-year-old University Clinic, the largest complex of hospitals and laboratories in the country. It is no wonder that Tartuhas a tradition of organizing medical and biotechnology conferences. For example, the Estonian Genome Project (EGP), a research venture of the University of Tartu, is the third biggest such project world. The conferences that have taken place in the city have also played host[S3] to Nobel prize laureates.
3.
Tartu is a fast developing and competitive city. Two-thirds of Estonian biotechnology companies and some of the largest Estonian software companies are based in Tartu and it has long traditions and high competence levelsin electronics, engineering, ICT and biotechnology. Of well-known international companies, Tartu is home to Zero Turnaround, Fortumo, Plumbr and Tarmetec. Other innovative initiatives include Buildit Accelerator and Smart City Lab, an electronic and mobile services development cluster where stakeholders include companies, research institutions and the city of Tartu.
4.
The culture-rich Hanseatic city Tartu is a modern city with a rich historical heritage and culture. It is the cradle of the Estonian Song Festival, Estonian national theatre and the Estonian state; the intellectual capital of the country, where national awareness and culture were born. The city is also famous for its international events – Tartu Marathon, Tartu Hanseatic Days, Rally Estonia etc. More than 4000 events and festivals are held here during throughout the year – so you are sure to find something for everybody!
5. Tartu is also known for its numerous museums,
which also carry on the idea of Tartu as a city of research and science. Science buffs can also make their acquaintance with the subject at the specialised Tartu museums such as the Ahhaa Science Centre, the Tartu University Museum and the Tartu Observatory, the Estonian National Museum, and in many places around Tartu County, such as Tõravere Observatory.
6.
Tartu is a green, safe city where the lively bustle goes hand in hand with natural beauty. Besides many parks and hiking tracks, 11 km of one of Estonia’s longest rivers – the Emajõgi (Mother River) – flows through Tartu, offering visual beauty as well as many opportunities as a recreational waterway and event venue.
7.
Tartu is a compact city and has a walking culture, which means that you can easily get from one point to another by foot. No need to use public transport: just stroll across Town Hall Square to your conference venue, hotel or wherever it is you need or want to go! It’s also worth visiting Tartu’s historic neighbourhoods – Supilinn and Karlova districts and Toome Hill, the latter being the site of the first settlement.
8.
Tartu is an ideal place for conferences attended by 100-500 delegates, but it can accommodate gatherings with up to 1,000 delegates. The largest venues are Vanemuine Concert Hall (959 delegates), theatre Vanemuine (700), Dorpat Conference Centre (560) and Tartu University´s Assembly Hall (470). In addition, the Universiy of Tartu and University of Life Sciences buildings offer very many modern halls for up to 500 delegates. The city has all of the necessary lodging, dining, entertainment and other services for a successful conference.
9. Tartu is the capital of southern Estonia. Within
several hours’ drive lie very distinctive regions that are worth discovering – windows on Estonian culture, history and natural heritage. One such place to visit is Setomaa– an ethnically and linguistically unique region, where the small local community still cling to their language, customs, cuisine, folklore and traditional folk costume; or the Onion Route – the region of Russian Old Believers, where three different cultures and histories – Estonian, Russian and German – mingle and offer you unforgettable emotions. You will find many interesting ideas for your pre- and post-tours in Tartu and South Estonia.
General information Statistics as of 01.01.2014 Estonia Official name: The Republic of Estonia Territory: 45,227 km2 Capital city: Tallinn Population: 1,32 million Ethnic composition: estonians 69.1%, russians 25.3%, other 5.6% Local time: Eastern European Time Zone (GMT +2); summer time (GMT +3) lasts from last Sunday of March until the last Sunday of October Area code: +372 Emergency call: 112 Ethnic Currency: euro compoSecond Largest city: Tartu, located in Tartu County sition
Tartu county Tartu County is situated between two large bodies of water – Lake Peipsi and Lake Võrtsjärv, which are connected to each other by the Suur-Emajõgi, a river of historical importance that has today become an appealing tourism destination. Tartu County is bordered by Jõgeva County to the north, Viljandi County to the west, and Põlva and Valga counties to the south. The eastern border of the county, which runs along Lake Peipsi, is also the Estonian-Russian border. Tartu County has an area of 2,992.7 km and is divided into 22 local government units, of which three have city rights – Tartu, Elva and Kallaste. Tartu County’s population is 152,118. Tartu city First mentioned: 1030 Population: 98 449 Territory: 38,87 km2 Ethnic composition: estonians 81.2%, russians 14.6%, other 4.2% Slogan: Heade mõtete linn – City of Good Thoughts The University of Tartu, founded in 1632, is the national university of Estonia. It is the biggest and highest-ranked university in Estonia.
10. Tartu is closer than you think, as the comfortable
intercity passenger trains and coaches make the kilometres go fast – free Wi-Fi in buses and trains allow you to spend the time working, communicating with friends, reading the newspaper or other pastimes.
See you in Tartu – in the city of good thoughts!
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russians 25.3% other 5.6% estonians 69.1%
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Ethnic composition
russians 14.6% other 4.2% estonians 81.2%