UniTartu Summer School social and cultural programme
Our social and cultural programme gives you the chance to discover Tartu, experience Estonia beyond the classroom, and connect with participants from across the summer school.
The UniTartu Summer School offered a wonderful variety of social and cultural activities, from museum visits to a memorable evening boat trip on the Emajõgi River. We also came together across different courses to enjoy spontaneous moments – swimming in the river on a warm summer day and visiting the open-air film festival at the Town Hall Square. These shared experiences made the summer school feel like a true international community.
UniTartu Summer School cultural programme at a glance
The social programme is optional, and you are welcome to join the events that interest you. Some activities are included in the course fee, while some weekend events may require an additional fee.
The number of included events depends on the length of your course.
Registration is required for all organised events and will open in April. Some days are left free for independent study, course-related activities, or exploring Tartu on your own.
Time: 9:00–10:00
Duration: 1 hour
Location: TBA
Registration link: TBA
You will explore some of Tartu’s best-known landmarks and get a first sense of the city’s character, where tradition and modern student life meet.
Time: 18:00-19:30
Duration: 1.5 hour
Price: Included in the course fee
Registration link: TBA
The evening will continue with additional social games and activities, giving everyone the chance to connect, make new friends, and enjoy the first days of the summer school together.
Time: 18:00–21:00
Duration: 3 hours
Price: Included in the course fee
Registration link: TBA
The visit also includes the option to explore the cathedral towers.
Time: 16:00-18:00, two groups
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: Included in the course fee
Registration link: TBA
This is a good opportunity to discover local cafés, museums, parks, riverside walks or neighbourhoods that interest you most.
Teams will need to recreate scenes, strike unusual poses, and come up with imaginative ways to capture each location. The challenge combines teamwork, creativity, and a bit of friendly competition while encouraging participants to explore the city and interact with one another.
The Photo Hunt is a great opportunity to discover Tartu, break the ice, and create memorable moments with fellow summer school participants.
Time: 18:00-21:00
Duration: 3 hours
Price: Included in the course fee
Registration link: TBA
* Opportunities and Challenges of Contemporary Youth and Community Work: An Estonian Perspective
* Entrepreneurship in Arts and Creative Industries
Time: 9:00–10:00
Duration: 1 hour
Location: TBA
The story follows two friends on an unusual summer adventure, encountering colorful characters and unexpected situations along the way.
Filled with youthful energy, summer nostalgia, and a uniquely Estonian sense of humor, the film offers a glimpse into local culture and contemporary Estonian cinema.
It's a great opportunity to relax, enjoy a film together, and spend time with fellow summer school participants in one of Tartu's most iconic cinemas.
Time: 18:00-20:00
Duration: ~2h
Price: Included in the course fee
Registration link: TBA
This is a good opportunity to discover local cafés, museums, parks, riverside walks or neighbourhoods that interest you most.
Celebrate the end of the summer school with a relaxing evening on the Emajõgi River. This special boat trip is a chance to enjoy beautiful views of Tartu, spend time together, and mark the 5th anniversary of UniTartu Summer School in a memorable setting.
Whether you come for the riverside views, the good company or the farewell atmosphere, it is a lovely way to end your summer school experience.
Food and drinks are provided on board.
Time: 18:00-21:00
Duration: 3 hour
Price: Included in the course fee
Registration link: TBA
You are welcome to enjoy Estonia on your own and make the most of your last days here. See the recommendations below.
Optional Activities with an Additional Fee
Please note: Some optional activities take place at the same time, so participants will need to choose which activities they would like to join. If you choose the Study Visit to Viljandi, you will spend the whole weekend in Viljandi from 1 to 2 August. The excursion to North Estonia takes place on Sunday, while the Estonian National Museum can be visited on Saturday.
Many museums and sights in Tartu can also be visited independently on other days. The joint social programme does not take place every afternoon, so participants will also have free time to explore the city on their own.
No previous canoeing experience is required, and all necessary instructions will be provided before departure. Canoes will be shared by two or three participants, making this a fun and social opportunity to connect with fellow summer school participants while exploring Tartu from a unique perspective.
Time: 30 July
Duration: 19:30-21:30
Location: Emajõgi River, Tartu
Price: €25
Time: 1–2 August 2026
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Location: Männiku Metsatalu, Viljandi County, Estonia
Price:
€110 early-bird fee for registrations made by 30 May
€120 for registrations after 30 May
The fee covers accommodation for one night and meals for both days!
If there is sufficient interest, we will organise group transport from Tartu to Viljandi and back. More information will be shared with registered participants.
The Estonian National Museum offers a wide range of exhibitions and interactive displays, making it an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding of Estonia during your stay in Tartu.
Time: 11:00-...
Duration: 2-hour guided tour, with free time to explore the museum until 18:00
Price: TBA
Registration link: TBA
During the trip, we will visit Rakvere Castle, one of Estonia’s best-known medieval fortresses, and Palmse Manor, a beautifully restored manor estate surrounded by a picturesque park.
We will also discover Estonia’s natural beauty with stops at Oandu Nature Centre and Viru Bog, where a boardwalk trail and observation tower offer stunning views of the unique bog landscape.
Combining history, culture, and nature, this trip is a great opportunity to see more of Estonia, enjoy beautiful scenery, and spend a memorable day with fellow summer school participants.
Time: 8:30-21:30
Duration: 12 hours
Price: TBA
Registration link: TBA
Suggestions for free days
On free days, you can explore Tartu at your own pace, visit museums, join local events, or enjoy the city by bike or on foot. Below you will find a few suggestions to help you plan your time.
Please note that these activities are not part of the official social programme and are not included in the course fee. Participants are responsible for their own bookings, tickets and related costs.
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
Old Observatory
Visit Estonia’s first observatory, one of the two Estonian cultural sites on UNESCO's 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
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 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 the place, duration, etc. on the website
Website: https://www.joematkad.ee/en/
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
- Participants are required to register for social programme events by 24 July.
- If you miss the deadline, limited registration may still be possible during the information session on the first day of the programme.
- Registration is required for all events, including those included in the course fee.
- Once registered, your place is reserved. If you are unable to attend, please inform us in advance.
- 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 email: [email protected]
- 90% of the event fee (events paid by participant) 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.
