continuing education

UniTartu Summer School Social Programme

While the academic courses expand your knowledge and enhance your learning skills, the social programme provides a variety of fun and engaging cultural activities. These events introduce you to the vibrant culture of Estonia and create opportunities to connect and network with other participants in a lively and welcoming environment. Students can look forward to an exciting range of day trips and events designed to enrich their experience in Tartu.

Social programme in 2025

Participants must register for events by 25 July. If you miss this deadline, you can still register during the information session on the first day of the programme. Please note that weekend activities are available for an additional fee, and the details will be provided below. Fees for these activities must be paid before the summer school starts.

You can participate in any event that is marked as "included in the course fee," but registration is required for all activities. Once you register, your spot will be reserved. If you decide not to attend an event, please inform us in advance.

There will be no events on 28 July, 4 August, or 6 August. These days are reserved for any homework assignments and group work or, potentially, course leaders will organise course-specific events. Please check the course schedule for more details.

Participation in events is not compulsory, but we encourage you to take part in as many activities as possible. The number of events included in the course fee depends on the course length. If you stay in Tartu beyond the duration of your course, you are still welcome to join the events as a participant of UniTartu Summer School.

UniTartu Summer School City Tour
July 29: Tartu City Centre Tour
Description: The Tartu City Centre tour offers a guided walk through the heart of Estonia's second-largest city, showcasing its rich history, charming cobblestone streets, iconic landmarks like Town Hall Square, and vibrant cultural spots. It’s a perfect introduction to the city’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Time: 6pm
Duration: 1h
Price: Included in the course fee

Registration deadline: July 25
Registration link: TBA
UniTartu Summer School University of Tartu Museum
July 31: University of Tartu Museum Tour
Description: The University of Tartu Museum tour includes a guided exploration of this historic landmark, showcasing its stunning architecture and rich academic heritage. The Visit includes a possibility to visit the old cathedral towers.

Time: 4pm
Duration: 1,5h
Price: Included in the course fee

Registration deadline: July 25
Registration link: TBA
UniTartu Summer School Social Programme Game Night
August 1: Board Game Night
Description: Board Game Night offers a relaxed and enjoyable evening where participants can enjoy a variety of classic and modern board games. It's a great opportunity to unwind, connect with others, and engage in friendly competition in a cosy atmosphere.

Time: 6pm
Duration: 3h
Price: Included in the course fee

Registration deadline: July 25
Registration link: TBA
UniTartu Summer School Estonian National Museum.
August 2: Estonian National Museum
Description: The guided visit to the Estonian National Museum, the largest museum in Estonia, offers an immersive experience into the nation's history, culture, and traditions. Explore interactive exhibits, artefacts, and stories that bring Estonia's rich heritage to life in a modern and inspiring setting.

Time: 11am
Duration: 1h guided tour + time until 6pm to explore in the museum
Price: 15 EUR (includes VAT 24%)

Registration deadline: July 15
Registration link: TBA
UniTartu Summer School Trip to South Estonia
August 3: Trip to South Estonia
Description: I bet you have never swum in a bog lake before or eaten freshly picked mushrooms in the middle of the forest! Join us on a trip to South Estonia to see the amazing unique nature of Estonia. We will get to at least three different trails or sightseeing spots. This trip is perfect for anyone who enjoys hiking and is interested in seeing different landscapes!

Time: 9am
Duration: 11h
Price: 110EUR (includes VAT 24%): transportation from Tartu to three sight seeing places and back to Tartu, hot meal in a restaurant, two meals in the bus, water throughout the day, entry tickets to sightseeing spots.

Registration deadline: July 15 or until spots available (45 available spots)
Registration link: TBA
UniTartu Summer School Boat Trip on Emajõgi
August 5: Boat Trip on Emajõgi
Description: The boat trip on the Emajõgi River offers a relaxing journey with beautiful views of Tartu’s surroundings. Onboard, you can enjoy refreshments from the café, which serves drinks and ice cream, or bring your own snacks for a delightful experience on the water.

Time: 6pm and 7pm (two groups)
Duration: 1h
Price: Included in the course fee

Registration deadline: July 25
Registration link: TBA
UniTartu Summer School Scavenger Hunt
August 7: Scavenger Hunt in Karlova
Description: The Scavenger Hunt in the Karlova District is a fun and interactive activity where participants explore one of Tartu’s most charming neighbourhoods, solving clues and discovering hidden gems. With prizes for the winners and the option to visit the iconic Barlova bar afterwards, it’s a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Time: 6pm
Duration: 1-2h
Price: Included in the course fee

Registration deadline: July 25
Registration link: TBA

Our suggestions for free days

If you’d like to explore Tartu at your own pace, we highly recommend taking some time to discover the city’s rich cultural offerings. You can visit the numerous museums, attend local events, or simply rent a smart bike and cycle through the charming streets, soaking in the city's unique atmosphere. To help you plan your visit, we’ve compiled a list of interesting options that you may find appealing.

Please note that these activities are not part of the official social programme for the courses, meaning the costs for these events and locations are not covered by your course fee. Additionally, you’ll need to check the availability, dates, and times of the events or places yourself, and if required, make your own reservations or purchase tickets in advance. We hope this gives you the freedom to customise your Tartu experience!

UniTartu Summer School Botanical Garden.
University of Tartu Botanical Garden
The University of Tartu Botanical Garden is a beautiful and tranquil oasis located in the heart of Tartu, offering visitors a chance to explore over 6,000 plant species from around the world. Founded in 1803, it is one of the oldest and most extensive botanical gardens in Estonia. The garden spans 20 hectares, featuring a variety of themed areas, including an alpine garden, a Japanese garden, and a tropical greenhouse. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers, providing a peaceful setting for a leisurely stroll while learning about plant diversity and conservation. The garden also hosts educational events and exhibitions throughout the year, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in botany and natural beauty.

Location: Lai 38, Tartu
Prices, opening times, etc. are available on the website.
Website: https://natmuseum.ut.ee/en/botanical-garden
UniTartu Summer School University of Tartu Museum
University of Tartu Museum
Come and enjoy the special spirit of Tartu and the University of Tartu. The University of Tartu Museum is located in the heart of Tartu – in the cathedral on Toome Hill – and its exhibitions present the history of the university and its research. Here, you will also find fascinating exhibits about Tartu Cathedral, the Crazy Scientist's Lab and interesting temporary exhibitions.

Location: Lossi 25, Tartu
Prices, opening times, etc. are available on the website.
Website: https://muuseum.ut.ee/en/university-of-tartu-museum
UniTartu Summer School Old Observatory
Old Observatory
Visit Estonia’s first observatory, one of two Estonian cultural sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Old Observatory is in the heart of the city of Tartu – on the eastern slope of Toomemägi.

Location: Uppsala 8, Tartu
Prices, opening times, etc. are available on the website.
Website: https://muuseum.ut.ee/en/old-observatory
Tartuff
TartuFF
In the beginning of August there is an annual film festival late at night for a week. It is completely free for everyone – you just need to arrive early to get the best seats! Enjoy award-winning films in a warm summer night. Tip: you can also enjoy dinner while watching the movie as the film will be shown in the town hall square with many restaurants!

Price: free
Location: Town Hall Square
Website: https://tartuff.ee/en/
Canoe Trip on Emajõgi
Canoe trips on Emajõgi
Scheduled trips are public canoe trips that anyone can join. The group is led by an experienced instructor. You will be provided with stable touring canoes with wide bottoms, which makes them difficult to tip over. Most of the scheduled trips are suitable for beginners. It is recommended to come with a partner, but it’s also possible to join alone or with a group of friends.

You can find place, duration, etc. on the website
Website: https://www.joematkad.ee/en/
UniTartu Summer School Social Programme
AHHAA Science Centre
In the heart of Tartu there is a science centre with ever-changing exhibitions. In this centre, you do not need to just look at the exhibits; you can and even must touch them to fully experience in this science museum. You can test your strength, visit a planetarium and much more.

You can find prices, opening times, etc. on the website.
Website: https://ahhaa.ee/en

Terms of Cancellation and Refund

  • If you wish to cancel your participation in any of the events you have registered for, you must inform the UniTartu Summer School team in writing via e-mail: [email protected]
  • 90% of the event fee (only applies to Trip to South Estonia and Estonian National Museum Visit) will be refunded if you cancel participation and apply for a refund at least 30 days before the start of the programme.
  • If you inform us of your cancellation less than 30 days before the start of the programme, no refund is made.
  • If the University of Tartu has to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances, you will be informed of that before the event takes place. We will fully refund the event fee.

NB! The same policy applies if you are forced to cancel because you did not receive a visa.