Tartu

Population 98.000 – The second largest city in Estonia, Tartu is the intellectual capital of Estonia. Here, time-honoured traditions of a university town since 1632 meet the innovative approach of a city of youth and science. As a river town lying on the banks of River Emajõgi, in the Medieval Age Tartu was a member of the Hanseatic League, an organization of influential trade cities throughout the Northern Europe. Later, it became the cradle of Estonian Song Festival traditions, Estonian theatre and the Estonian Republic. Today, Tartu's rich cultural heritage has found expression in various forms, from an abundance of theatres and museums to vibrant literary and musical scene, while its internationality and openness bring here new students from all around the world each year. All these features together with greenness - lots of parks, efficient public transport and a well-developed network of bicycle and pedestrian roads - form a pleasant environment appreciated both my local citizens and guests of Tartu.