Väike-Õismäe

Väike-Õismäe is a subdistrict in Haabersti district, right on the shores of Lake Harku, which most people associate with its unique circular pond. This artificial lake can affectionately be called the heart or the core of Väike-Õismäe, as housing, kindergartens, schools, pedestrian walkways and parks have been carefully planned in concentric ovals around it.

The unique planning solution of Väike-Õismäe dates back to the 60s when design and construction were carried out in conditions of unlimited resources and land use. For example, it was kept in mind that buildings should be positioned so that all apartments receive ample sunlight and each of them offers a variety of expansive views. To compensate for the lack of landscape relief, buildings with 1, 2, 4, 5, 9 and 16 storeys are alternated in the subdistrict. This is also the reason why tourists can occasionally be seen strolling around the subdistrict in search of a thrilling experience, having come specifically to admire this modernist urban planning achievement.

Estonians also consider Väike-Õismäe as one of the most valued of the Soviet-era dormitory suburbs. It's hardly surprising: in addition to its modernist architectural style and well thought-out design, it is the location of the active person’s dream home.

In the immediate vicinity, there are activities for everyone who appreciates an active lifestyle: from beach lovers – who have both the Kakumäe beach and the sandy shore of Lake Harku within easy reach – to true sports enthusiasts who appreciate the opportunity to go cycling or rollerskating on the long health trails, explore the running tracks of Lake Harku or walk in the numerous parks of Väike-Õismäe. People interested in motor sports can enjoy go-karting and there is also an ice rink, a sports hall and a number of renowned sports clubs nearby.

There are four schools in the Väike-Õismäe subdistrict: Tallinn Õismäe Gymnasium, Haabersti Russian Gymnasium, Tallinn Õismäe Russian Lyceum and Tallinn Järveotsa Gymnasium. Väike-Õismäe library and Nurmenuku library also operate in the subdistrict.

Young people like that it’s easy to travel between Väike-Õismäe and the city centre by public transport. Both trolleybuses and buses start their daily service early in the morning and stop around midnight, with a large part of the journeys being made without detours. Väike-Õismäe is 8 km from Tallinn city centre.

However, you don’t even need to go to the city centre for most things as everything is right here at your fingertips. Rather, it’s the people from the city centre (and beyond!) who travel here, close to Väike-Õismäe, to visit Saku Suurhall and take part in Estonia’s best music, cultural and sporting events, to visit Tallinn Zoo or to shop in the big Rocca al Mare Centre.

The main guiding principle behind the establishment of this subdistrict was that Väike-Õismäe should become an environment for living. Looking at how far this concept has developed today, one could even say: and what an environment for living!