Kaali crater, Impact crater field in Saaremaa Island, Estonia.
Kaali crater is an impact crater field on Saaremaa Island consisting of nine separate craters created by a single meteorite break-up. The largest crater spans roughly 110 meters across and holds a small lake, while the surrounding craters vary in size across the landscape.
A meteorite struck Saaremaa around 3500 years ago and fragmented upon impact, creating the multi-crater pattern visible today. The collision released tremendous energy that permanently reshaped the local landscape.
The ancient stone wall circling the main crater tells of how people long ago valued this striking landform as a special place. The site held meaning for communities who witnessed and remembered the impact event across generations.
The site features a visitor center where you can learn about the impact and explore the craters at your own pace. Morning visits tend to work best, as the paths dry out and are easier to walk than later in the day.
A 2023 discovery revealed an ancient arrowhead made from the meteorite's iron, showing that early people recognized and worked with cosmic material as a resource. This finds connects human craftsmanship directly to materials that fell from space thousands of years ago.
Location: Saaremaa Rural Municipality
Part of: Kaali Meteorite Crater Field
Address: Kaali Crater, Kaali, 94143 Saare County, Estonia
GPS coordinates: 58.37278,22.66944
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:00
Meteorite craters mark locations where asteroids collided with Earth. These geological structures range from 110 meters to 300 kilometers in diameter. They often contain distinct minerals like diamonds, nickel, and copper. Scientists use the craters to study Earth's history and cosmic events.
Estonia features limestone formations, medieval ruins, waterfalls, and protected natural areas. Notable sites include the 36-meter Kõpu Lighthouse from 1531, the submerged Rummu Quarry, and multiple manor houses from the 19th century. Natural attractions include the Kaali meteorite craters, red sandstone formations at Taevaskoda, and various wetland ecosystems. Historic structures range from Orthodox cathedrals to water mills and maritime museums.
Estonia offers far more than just the capital city. Throughout the country are sandstone caves, medieval castles, and national parks that show how diverse the Baltic landscape can be. Small islands, bogs, and waterfalls tell stories of a culture deeply connected to nature. Those who travel away from main routes discover villages with old traditions, fortress ruins, and nature reserves where birds and plants thrive. From south to north, there is much to explore. The Piusa Caves invite visitors into underground passages, while Soomaa attracts people with its bogs and rivers. In the east, Narva Castle stands as a monument from another era. Islands like Hiiumaa and Muhu have their own rhythm, with lighthouses, ancient churches, and villages where crafts and customs remain alive. National parks such as Lahemaa and Matsalu protect areas with forests, lakes, and rich bird life. Waterfalls like Jägala, cliffs like Paldiski, and unusual places like Tuhala Witch's Well show the power of nature. Throughout the country are museums, old manor houses, and small churches that preserve cultural heritage.
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