Nõmme-Mustamäe landscape protection area, established in 2004, entails many different types of natural and cultural heritage landscapes. The unique landscape includes the Mustamäe slope, Nõmme sands, natural springs and a pine grove, which is one of the favourite jogging and strolling places for Tallinners. This large area of urban forest was once called the „Lungs of Tallinn“. The slopes also offer great views on the city.

The relief in Nõmme and Mustamäe area has evolved during the past 12 000 years when during the last advance of the continental ice sheet a near 30-meter-high slope was created.