Hidden legends and forest trails: a self-guided journey through Nõmme

Depart from Balti jaam  

Your journey begins at Balti jaam, Tallinn’s main railway station and a historical crossing point between the city and the world beyond. Today, its platforms are your gateway to a day filled with greenery, heritage, and charm. Trains towards Hiiu are operated by Elron. The orange trains, affectionately called "carrots" by locals, run frequently and take you just 15 minutes away from the city centre where you'll discover a whole new side of Tallinn.  

Arrive at Hiiu and head towards Glehn Park  

Once at Hiiu, cross the street and head straight along Hiiu-Suurtüki street until you reach the end of the street and see the pinewood forest in front of you. Turn left onto Vana-Mustamäe street and walk until you reach the romantic woodland of Glehn Park – 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:  

• The atmospheric Glehn Castle, built in the 1880s by Baron Nikolai von Glehn, the visionary founder of Nõmme.  
• The mighty stone statue of Kalevipoeg, Estonia’s national hero.  
• The whimsical Crocodile sculpture, which hints at the baron’s creative spirit.  

Let the forest’s hush accompany you, and perhaps take a moment to imagine the baron himself strolling these very paths.  

Follow Kitsarööpa tee through the pinewood forest 

Retrace your steps onto Vana-Mustamäe street and continue straight along until you notice a forest path running parallel to the street. This is Kitsarööpa tee — 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.  

Here, time seems to stretch. Each step takes you further into nature — and further back into history.  

Discover the heart of Nõmme  

After a while, you’ll notice the pathway heading upward onto a pedestrian bridge. Take a moment to enjoy the view both ways. To your left, a road leads towards Mustamäe district. To your right, you’ll see the charming centre of Nõmme. Across the bridge to your right, you’ll notice a monument to the Baron von Glehn - the founder of Nõmme. 

In the centre of Nõmme, stop in at:  

• Nõmme Market (Nõmme turg) – a charming local market selling fruits and vegetables, but also chocolate, pastries and other goods. The lovely wooden market building was built in the 1930s and is one of the last of its kind. 
• Kalev Chocolate Shop – tucked within the market, this sweet-smelling stop lets you indulge in Estonian confections and nostalgia.  

Have a meal on your way to the station 

From the market, head further into Nõmme towards Jaama street. You’ll pass some great places for a meal:  

• Kius is a stylish restaurant right next to the market, serving contemporary international cuisine. 
• Sõõrikukohvik, on Jaama street, is a legendary eatery beloved by locals for their delicious Estonian style doughnuts, although they also serve more substantial meals.