Hidden legends and forest trails – a journey through Nõmme

This pleasant route through Nõmme lets you get a taste of Tallinn's local life. The neighborhood is green, calm, historical, and charmingly eccentric.

A quieter, greener side of Tallinn

This calm, forested district of Estonia's capital feels like an escape from the city yet lies just a short train ride from the centre. With winding trails, historic buildings, whimsical sculptures, and local markets, a self-guided walk in Nõmme offers a blend of nature, heritage, and charm - all at your own pace.

What to expect on the route:

Main attractions: Glehn Park with its unique statues and buildings; the serene Nõmme-Mustamäe Landscape Protection Area, the charming Nõmme Market, and the Nõmme railway station and museum.
Distance: 4.2 km (2.6 miles)
Duration: Between 2-3 hours
Season: All year round
How to get here: From Tallinn's main train station (Balti Jaam), take a westbound train to Hiiu station. Once you finish exploring Nõmme, you can take the train and continue your travels around Estonia.

Glehn Park

Castle, sculptures, and forest fantasy

The romantic woodland of Glehn Park is rich with local legend and artistic whimsy. Towering trees shade winding paths that guide you past some of Nõmme's most iconic landmarks.

Baron Nikolai von Glehn, founder of Nõmme, built this park as both retreat and outdoor gallery. You’ll stroll along winding paths shaded by tall pines and discover striking sculptures, such as a stone figure of Kalevipoeg and a playful crocodile. Glehn Castle is the park's centerpiece, showcasing the ambition and romantic vision of its creator. It is currently owned by Tallinn Technical University and is rented out as an event space.

Woman looking at a stone statue of Kalevipoeg in Glehn Park.

Photo author: Rea Kõiv

The Nõmme-Mustamäe Landscape Protection Area

Serene woodlands and a quiet escape beyond the urban hustle and bustle

Kitsarööpa Road runs through the forests of Nõmme. Once a narrow-gauge railway, it is now a pedestrian path that meanders through pinewoods and sandy heathland. This trail leads through the Nõmme-Mustamäe Landscape Protection Area, a conservation site known for its steep slopes and spring-fed streams. On your walk, listen for birdsong as you pass by the Mustamäe ski jumping hill, which offers a great view of Tallinn’s Mustamäe district from its base.

Woman walking in a forest trail in Nõmme-Mustamäe Landscape Protection Area.

Photo author: Rea Kõiv

The heart of Nõmme

Nõmme Market, Nõmme railway station, and neighborhood museum

As you emerge from the forest, you’ll find yourself at the center of Nõmme, right next to Nõmme Market (Nõmme turg). Here you can browse fresh seasonal vegetables, fruits, dairy, and smoked goods. In spring and summer, vendors sell flowers and plants. The wooden stalls and cozy cafés lend it a rustic charm; locals pause here to catch up with friends, shop, or grab a coffee.

Your route continues through the quaint center of Nõmme and ends at Nõmme railway station, which also houses Nõmme Museum. Two exhibition halls present the story of Nõmme from its founding in the late 19th century through its years as an independent town (1926–1940) and into its later development. Nearby stands Tukkuv jaamaülem (the Dozing Stationmaster), a sculpture that reminds passersby that in Nõmme, time doesn’t just slow down — it takes a nap.

A young couple at Nõmme Market, surrounded by colorful stalls.

Photo author: Rasmus Jurkatam

Let curiosity lead you beyond the walls of Tallinn's Old Town!

Explore Nõmme’s forest trails and hidden sculptures in the neighborhood known as "Tallinn's garden." It's a short train ride from the city center, though it will feel like you've left town entirely. As it's off the beaten path, you'll have the opportunity to experience life like a local.