Purtse jõgi weather today
Lüganuse — middle reaches, Ida-Virumaa woodland
5-day forecast
River data
- Length
- 57 km
- Drainage basin
- 640 km²
- Source
- North-eastern edge of the Pandivere Upland (Rakvere–Kiviõli area)
- Mouth
- Gulf of Finland (Purtse harbour, Lüganuse parish)
The Purtse is a 57 km long north-flowing river in Ida-Virumaa that begins on the north-eastern edge of the Pandivere Upland and empties into the Gulf of Finland near Purtse harbour. The river runs mostly through woodland, which keeps the water relatively clean despite an oil-shale region lying on the edge of its catchment. The Purtse's estuary valley is one of the deepest primeval valleys formed along the coast in northern Estonia.
- Measurement point: 59,384° N, 27,039° E
History & culture
Purtse Castle (Tolsburg), built in the 15th–16th centuries under the control of the Livonian Order, stands on the riverbank and is one of the best-preserved examples of small fortresses in Ida-Virumaa. In the Swedish era (17th–18th centuries) the village and harbour of Purtse saw active fishing for migratory fish, documented in the manor records, and the fishing community carried on the tradition into the 20th century. In the 19th century hides and grain were shipped to Tallinn through Purtse harbour, before the railway curtailed Purtse's value as a transit point.
Seasonal changes
The Purtse responds quickly to the spring snowmelt — its short catchment fills and empties within a few weeks; during summer droughts the river can partly dry up in its narrow valley sections.
Local climate
| Month | Avg °C | Avg high °C | Avg low °C | Precip mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -4.2 | -2.3 | -6.2 | 41.4 |
| Feb | -4.8 | -2.6 | -7.1 | 40.0 |
| Mar | -1.5 | 1.5 | -4.5 | 34.3 |
| Apr | 4.7 | 8.7 | 0.8 | 38.9 |
| May | 10.5 | 14.6 | 6.1 | 58.3 |
| Jun | 15.4 | 19.1 | 11.2 | 89.2 |
| Jul | 18.2 | 21.7 | 14.4 | 76.5 |
| Aug | 17.0 | 20.4 | 13.7 | 77.3 |
| Sep | 12.2 | 15.2 | 9.5 | 55.6 |
| Oct | 6.4 | 8.6 | 4.4 | 59.3 |
| Nov | 1.5 | 3.1 | -0.1 | 52.2 |
| Dec | -2.3 | -0.6 | -4.1 | 45.4 |
Frequently asked questions
When does the high water arrive?
The Purtse responds quickly to the spring snowmelt — its short catchment fills and empties within a few weeks; during summer droughts the river can partly dry up in its narrow valley sections.
When does Purtse jõgi freeze?
Purtse jõgi usually freezes in January, when the area's average January air temperature drops to -4.2°C. The ice typically lasts until March, when the spring thaw begins.
Is Purtse jõgi suitable for canoeing?
Purtse jõgi is best for canoeing from May to September, when the water level is stable and the current moderate. During the April spring flood, expect a faster current.
Where does Purtse jõgi begin and end?
Purtse jõgi begins North-eastern edge of the Pandivere Upland (Rakvere–Kiviõli area) and flows into Gulf of Finland (Purtse harbour, Lüganuse parish).
How long is Purtse jõgi?
The river is 57 km long.
Is Purtse jõgi good for fishing?
Purtse jõgi is rich in fish: common species are pike, perch and burbot. The best fishing is early spring (March–April) and autumn (September–October). Check the fishing rules on the Environmental Board website before you go.