Lake Ülemiste
Lake Primary freshwater reservoir supplying Tallinn city
Lake Ülemiste lies just east of Tallinn’s center and functions as the city’s principal drinking-water reservoir; visitors note the lake’s proximity to Tallinn Airport and nearby green spaces.
Lake Ülemiste is the largest lake in the immediate Tallinn area in northern Estonia and is the main source of drinking water for the city.
The lake has been used for municipal water supply since the 19th and 20th centuries as Tallinn’s population and infrastructure developed. Over time water-management facilities and protective measures have been implemented to secure the city’s drinking water.
Situated on the eastern edge of Tallinn, the lake lies within a short distance of the city centre and borders the urban districts that connect the Old Town to the airport and outlying suburbs.
- Water source and location: Serves as Tallinn's primary municipal water reservoir and is immediately adjacent to Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport on the city's eastern edge.
- Folklore: Associated with the local folktale of the 'Ülemiste Elder', a traditional story tied to the lake and the city's founding legends.
How to Get to Lake Ülemiste #
Lake Ülemiste is adjacent to Tallinn Airport and about 4-5 km east of Tallinn’s Old Town. From Tallinn city center take tram lines or buses toward the airport/Ülemiste Centrum stops; driving follows the E67/E263 routes. There are pedestrian paths along parts of the shoreline.
Tips for Visiting Lake Ülemiste #
- Walk the lakeside promenade toward the old town for the best skyline views-on clear days Tallinn's towers reflect crisply in the water.
- If photographing at dawn, aim for the eastern shore where city light softens over the lake.
- The area around Ülemiste is an industrial and business district-combine the lake visit with a stop at the nearby Ülemiste Keskus mall or the medieval old town (10-15 minute tram/bus ride).
Best Time to Visit Lake Ülemiste #
Summer for comfortable walks and reflections; winter for stark, frozen cityscapes.
Weather & Climate near Lake Ülemiste #
Lake Ülemiste's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -7°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (678 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 79 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
