'Rüütli Street' by @sketchingpaas — from 'How to Tartu'

Rüütli Street

by

Artwork 'The Bridges of Tartu' - a map of river Emajõgi and its bridges in the city of Tartu
Zoom in on 'Rüütli Street' (.jpg)

'Rüütli Street'

is the Rome of Tartu’s evening and night life. Eventually, all the roads lead you there.

Also, it is our Pompeii. A site of well-preserved memories from a bygone golden age. Find a 30-something-year-old (former) Tartuvian and (s)he will tell you about the ‘Bermuda Triangle’ and how big was Rüütli in the early 2010s. I know I would.

This street was central also in medieval Tartu, as it led from the northernmost city gate to the town hall square.

Back then Rüütli Street, ‘Knight’s Street’, or die Ritterstraße, as the German-speaking elite called it, was much more crooked. It was straightened when rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1775.

Written and illustrated by @sketchingpaas in 2022-2024.

The backside of the 'The Bridges of Tartu' postcard set package
A building from 'Rüütli Street' artwork
A building from 'Rüütli Street' artwork
A building from 'Rüütli Street' artwork
A building from 'Rüütli Street' artwork
A building from 'Rüütli Street' artwork
A building from 'Rüütli Street' artwork
A building from 'Rüütli Street' artwork
A building from 'Rüütli Street' artwork
A building from 'Rüütli Street' artwork

Tips for Explorers

Pick...

your destination based on what you need and like.

For a group meal, I'd recommend going to Kampus, Pompei, or Pazzo (NB! Book a table in advance on their home pages!). If you're into wines and have a spare evening, visit Vein ja Vine. If you're into beer, visit first the Gambrinus shop and Pühaste Kelder.

I've marked on the illustration the places I like the most or consider the most iconic with a black pillar.

Time...

your visit so that you're on Rüütli Street when it's the busiest.

I do enjoy empty Rüütli also on an early summer morning but it is the liveliest around midday and then around 8 pm to 10 pm, Wednesdays to Saturdays.

Go...

on the Tartu City Museum's special historical tour of Rüütli Street.

During the tour, you will hear what kind of people were moving on Rüütli Street in the past, what companies were located here before World War II, and about the street's most colorful incidents.

 Please check the official websites of the sights, institutions, or service providers for the latest information. Be respectful of the surroundings, stay safe, and have a happy exploring.

Extras

1 & 2

OG vlogger.
In 2012, ahead of the Estonia-Finland football match in Tartu, I made a video tour of Rüütli in English for the Finnish fans.

3

On the stairway of Trepp.
At some night in the early 2010s.

4

Digital nomad era.
Since the mid-2010-s, places like Säde (now closed) have served as my offices for a few hours (or a day).

5

Rüütli in Summer.
A usual sight in front of Vein ja Vine on a warm evening from May to September.