Lake ÜlemisteAbout Lake Ülemiste
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.
Nearby Attractions to Lake Ülemiste
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -6° - -1° | -10° | 49 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
| February | Poor | -7° - -2° | -10° | 34 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.0h |
| March | Poor | -4° - 2° | -6° | 36 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Acceptable | 0° - 8° | 1° | 38 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 4.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.3h |
| May | Good | 5° - 15° | 8° | 36 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.9 m/s | 1.0 high | 16.8h |
| June | Very Good | 10° - 19° | 15° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 18.2h |
| July | Good | 13° - 21° | 17° | 76 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 17.5h |
| August | Good | 12° - 20° | 16° | 79 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 15.3h |
| September | Good | 8° - 14° | 11° | 73 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 4.0 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.6h |
| October | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 3° | 74 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 10.0h |
| November | Poor | -1° - 4° | -3° | 69 mm | overcast | 91% | 4.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.4h |
| December | Poor | -4° - 1° | -7° | 60 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.9h |
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).