Tartu Turg is a vibrant marketplace, well-known and loved across all of Southern Estonia
For Visitors
OUR STORY
Tartu's markets are nestled right in the city center by the banks of the Emajõgi River – the historic Market Hall is on Vabaduse Puiestee and the Open Market is just behind Dorpat. The historic Market Hall is also well-known for one of the city's favorite sights: the bronze sculpture of the market pig, Roosi. For locals and visitors alike, the market is a cherished spot to spend time, chat, and shop.
A mindful shopper values not only good goods, but also friendly conversation while browsing, a cozy, comfortable setting, and plenty of variety. When it comes to food, freshness, great flavor, fair prices, trust, and local roots matter most. Picking out goods and chatting directly with vendors gives you tips and recommendations you just won't find in an ordinary store. Beyond shopping, folks come here to enjoy quality time with family, grab a bite to eat, and catch up with traders. People love sharing their experiences at the market – talking about how a recipe turned out and how good it tasted. The market is a living sharing economy that's been thriving for centuries.
Our Mission
Tartu Turg’s mission is to create a delightful shopping experience, nurture local trading culture, offer wholesome farm and garden produce alongside crafts, and inspire everyone on how to use wholesome ingredients for healthy eating. The market backs emerging producers and traders, offering a welcoming environment for daily, direct connections with shoppers. We serve as a springboard for budding entrepreneurs, aiming to be the top choice for small merchants across Southern Estonia. We work with both long-term leaseholders and daily guest traders – keeping things simple and flexible. For family farms and local craft makers, the market is often their only steady sales spot, since big supermarket contracts can be risky for small producers and opening a standalone shop is simply too costly.
Verified Quality
The heart and soul of the market are its familiar faces – many of our regulars are small business owners who grow, process, gather, and craft the food on their counters, either solo or with their families. The hallmark of fresh, local farm produce is the Market Stamp (Turu Tempel). For instance, seasonal vegetable growers from Kastre Parish – Lättekivi Farm’s Kaarlimõisa Aiasaadused OÜ – trade at the Open Market and proudly carry the Market Stamp.
There's always something going on at the market! Some of our most popular events include Estonian Flavors in the Market Hall right before Independence Day, the Strawberry Drive-In in June, Latvian Flavors Days in November, and the Holiday Market in December. The biggest crowds gather for our seasonal fairs: the Spring, Hanseatic, St. Mary’s, and Christmas Fairs, stretching all the way from the Open Market to Town Hall Square and from the Emajõgi River to Küüni Street.
Market Stamp
Your thoughts and feedback truly matter to us, and we use them to keep improving Tartu Turg for everyone.
- What sets the market apart from ordinary stores:
- We offer special, locally sourced goods you won't find on supermarket shelves.
- We cherish real conversations: our vendors love sharing the stories and helpful tips behind their produce.
- There's something new every single day – fresh vendors, seasonal goods, fun events, and great daily specials from our regular traders.
Our Very Own Newsletter
Tartu Turg publishes its own gazette, Turu Teataja! It’s designed to keep you in the loop with everything happening around the market: upcoming events, trader spotlights, and, of course, plenty of great bargains.
