Tartu Rattamaraton

Date
Saturday 19.09.2026
Distances
86 - 126 km
City
Otepää-Elva
Country
Estonia
Website Contact

Tartu Bike Marathon is the first UCI Gravel World Series event in Estonia. With nearly 30 years of history, this landmark race in the Baltics attracts thousands of cyclists every year. The race starts in Otepää and finishes in Elva, taking riders through the scenic rolling landscapes of South Estonia. It’s a race where fast tracks turn passion into speed!

Course

The southern Estonian terrain features continuous short ups and downs, with around 1500 m of elevation gain over the 123 km course—no very steep climbs, but several challenging ascents along the way. With a mix of gravel roads, dirt roads and grass sections the course is 93% off-road with only a small part in the first half on paved roads.  In typical conditions you can expect a fast rolling course if the weather won’t cause any surprises.

Men over 60 and women over 50 must qualify on a shorter 83km course.

Why Ride the Tartu Bike Marathon?

  • A Proven Classic

It’s a long-standing bike event shaped by community and tradition. It offers a true festival atmosphere alongside the chance to test your strength on a world-series gravel course and earn your ticket to the Gravel Worlds. There are also shorter 21, 40 and 86 km distances, which are not qualifying for the UCI Gravel World Championships.

  • Easy to Reach 

With nearby airports in Tartu, Tallinn and Riga, getting here is simple and affordable from most European cities. All key race locations — start, finish and expo — are reasonably close, and race-day shuttle buses help keep the entire weekend smooth and easy. More info https://tartumaraton.ee/en/tartu-rattamaraton-2026/getting-there 

  • Local Attractions 

Otepää Nature Park provides hills, forests and lakes for relaxation and outdoor activities, while Tartu — Estonia’s vibrant university city and the oldest in the Baltics — charms visitors with culture, cafés and museums. Traditional cuisine and world-famous sauna culture complete the experience. More info https://visittartu.com/

 

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TRM finish in Elva

OTEPAA

Otepää is a charming town in southern Estonia, often celebrated as the country’s winter capital. Nestled among rolling hills and surrounded by forests and lakes, it offers a landscape that feels unique in Estonia’s otherwise flat terrain. The town has a rich history, dating back to ancient fortifications and playing a role in the consecration of the Estonian national flag in 1884. Today, Otepää is a year-round destination: in winter, it attracts skiers to its well-maintained tracks and sports centres, while summer brings hikers and cyclists to explore its scenic trails and the tranquil shores of Lake Pühajärv. Combining natural beauty with a strong sporting tradition, Otepää is both a cultural landmark and an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
 
  • Location & Significance: Otepää is in Valga County and is often called the winter capital of Estonia because of its popularity as a ski resort. It’s about 50 km southeast of Tartu.
  • Nature & Activities: The area is famous for its hilly landscape (rare in Estonia), forests, and lakes, making it ideal for hiking and cycling in summer and skiing in winter. Lake Pühajärv nearby is a major attraction.
  • History: Otepää has roots going back to the 6th century BC and was historically important as a fortress site during the Viking era and Northern Crusades. It’s also where the Estonian national flag was first consecrated in 1884.
  • Modern Tourism: Today, it offers ski tracks, hiking trails, smoke sauna experiences (UNESCO-listed tradition), and cosy accommodations ranging from spa hotels to rustic cottages. Popular spots include Tehvandi Sports Center and Otepää Nature Park.

ELVA

Elva is a picturesque town in southern Estonia, known for its serene atmosphere and natural beauty. Surrounded by forests and dotted with lakes, it offers a peaceful escape while still being close to Tartu, the country’s second-largest city. Elva has a strong reputation as a hub for outdoor activities, with well-marked hiking and cycling trails that wind through scenic landscapes, and its lakes provide opportunities for swimming and boating in summer. The town also has cultural charm, with cosy cafés, local events, and a relaxed rhythm that appeals to visitors seeking tranquillity. Its combination of nature, sport, and community spirit makes Elva a delightful destination for those who want to experience Estonia beyond the big cities.

Top things to do in Elva:

  • Explore Lake Verevi, a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing in summer, with a sandy beach and clear waters.
  • Walk or cycle along the Elva–Verevi nature trails, which showcase the area’s forests and lakeside scenery.
  • Visit the Elva Railway Station Museum, offering a glimpse into the town’s history and its role in Estonia’s rail network.