Hidden legends and forest trails – a journey through Nõmme

This pleasant route through Nõmme lets you get a taste of local life in Tallinn: green, calm, historical, and charmingly eccentric.

Step off the beaten path and uncover a quieter, greener side of Tallinn. This calm, forested district 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 quaint and lovely Nõmme Market, Nõmme railway station and museum.
Distance: 4.2 km (2.6 miles)
Duration: between 2-3 hours
Season: Year-round
How to get here: from Tallinn train station (Balti Jaam) take a westbound train to Hiiu station

Glehn Park – castle, sculptures and forest fantasy

The romantic woodland of Glehn Park is a natural oasis 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 gallery. You’ll pass winding paths shaded by tall pines and discover striking sculptures such as a stone Kalevipoeg figure and a playful crocodile, which are symbols of myth and whimsy embedded in the landscape. The Glehn castle stands as a centerpiece, echoing the ambition and romantic vision of its creator.

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

Photo author: Rea Kõiv

Serene woodlands of the Nõmme-Mustamäe Landscape Protection Area

In the forests of Nõmme runs Kitsarööpa road. Once a narrow-gauge railway, 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, spring-fed streams, and bird-filled air. On your walk, you’ll pass by the Mustamäe ski jumping hill which offers a great view of Tallinn’s Mustamäe district from its base.

This is where Nõmme truly reveals itself as a neighbourhood in dialogue with nature and a quiet escape just beyond the urban hum.

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

Photo author: Rea Kõiv

Through the heart of Nõmme

As you emerge from the forest, you’ll find yourself at the centre of Nõmme district, and right next to Nõmme Market (Nõmme turg). Here you can browse fresh seasonal vegetables, fruits, dairy, smoked goods, and tend to find flowers and plants during spring and summer months. The wooden stalls and cosy cafés lend it a rustic charm: locals pause here to catch up, shop, or sip coffee while surrounded by familiar faces.

Your route continues through the quaint centre of Nõmme and ends at Nõmme railway station, which also houses the 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 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.