kali meteorite crater

According to the theory of more recent impact, Estonia at the time of impact was in the Nordic Bronze Age and the site was forested with a small human population. The impact energy of about 80 TJ (20 kilotons of TNT) is comparable with that of the Hiroshima bomb blast. It incinerated forests within a 6 km radius.

I had low expectations of the Meteor Crator at Kaali, but my Estonian friend insisted i visited it, since it was only a short detour from the road from Kuressaare to the ferry at Virtsu. I'm glad that she did. This is a profoundly impressive sight.Despite making many trips to the Arizona desert, and along route 66 - I have not yet managed to visit the Meteor Crater there, which is massive. But this is on an entirely more human scale. To walsall the way around the edge of the crater will take only a few minutes, and you can ascend down into it on some stairs that have been built for the purpose. It is perhaps 8 metres deep. But it is still unlike any landscape feature I have ever seen before. It is impossible to imagine that it was caused by anything other than a catastrophic impact.If you are looking for wow and spectacle, Kaali is probably not for you. But if you are looking for somewhere unique, and tranquil, in which to enjoy a few moments to ponder the incredible forces at play in our universe - there is barely anywhere better.Since it is free to view, there is parking nearby, and a gift shop and toilets, I'd suggest hat it is worth a visit if you are in the area. There is not much to do on Saaremaa, to be honest, and it is a long trek from either Riga or Tallinn. But I would say that for the inquisitive traveller, the meteor crater and Kuressaare castle make it worth the journey.

One of the very few places in the world where you can see a Meteorite Crater. It is worth getting the bus out here from Kuressaare and sitting and contemplating what it must have been like when this was formed 4000 years ago. There are 9 craters here, the largest is the only one worth looking at as the others are quite overgrown. Steps lead you up the slope which was created by material thrown out by the meteor. From the rim you see a perfectly circular pool whose water level changes due to rain. Inside it is very peaceful and quite echoey. Steps lead down to the waters edge and there are signs which explain all the statistic about the meteor. How fast it travelled, when it hit and how large it was. This is a unique attraction and a must if you are spending time on Saaremaa.

When we reached the crater, the sun was setting and it was nice to watch it disappearing while being down to the buttom of crater. It has a parking lot not far away. Naturally, it is awesome to see such nature games and the power of it! This is a very calm and peacful place, at least it was when we visited.

I know the last few reviews on Trip Advisor didn't give it high regard but where else on earth can you see this? It is worth seeing while on Saaremaa.

I really don't know what I was expecting before visiting Kaali, it was rather a place where everybody must go when visiting Saaremaa. So visited. It's just small green pond, really nothing wow. We've read that in the area there are several craters, but Kaali beeing the most famous and biggest. After Kaali experience we decided not to search for the others.

We visited the Kali Crater with our group. We were expecting a large lake but the meteorite crater was quite small- Ok to visit but not a must see!

There is not much chance to see meteorite craters in Europe, so if you are interested in earth or space sciences, this place is a must. Otherwise, skip. There is a small museum (entrance fee is 0.60 EUR) about the discovery, describing the craters and many meteorite fragments are also displayed. Ask for the key in the grocery shop. The biggest crater is a beautiful, calm place with a lake. Just sit down there, and you may get some cosmic feelings :) The other craters are also in walking distance, but some of them is hard to find or reach.There are direct buses from Kuressaare (25 minutes, <1 EUR) to the site (because it's next to a school.) You can also take some long distance buses stopping at Masa, and walk 15-20 minutes, a taxi (about 15 EUR) or hire a bicycle. We came from Kuressaare by bus and spent at the site about 1.5 hours and took a direct bus back to Kuressaare, but it was not enough. For us, this place was much more interesting than we expected.

I usually like outdoors and nature, but this site felt kind of a disappointment to me. I believe coming during summer would do more justice to this place, but in early march it really felt like a lonely dirt pond covered with ice.

Nice place, but it is only hole in the ground :-) Interesting thing is, how the water level varies depending on the season.

I usually enjoy nature and everything it offers but here...its just a hole in the ground. Dont waste your time - Sarema has much more to offer :)

Amazing place in the Kali village - several meteorite craters with huge central one. Amazing place with nice area around. Curious, with enough historical and scientific info on guides. Nice small museum accomplish all that area. One can find there parking, shops, rest area and some cafe. I was really impressed to find that such places exists and I can visit them. really recommend for everybody who interests in such things.Tips: try to find all the craters using the guides and maps given there in the surrounding area in the village. Like a quest for you and you children. We found couple of them and were very satisfied! :)

A nice little detour. But basically a hole in the ground! Not much else to do here. Convenient to visit as it's fairly central.

You can imagine how big the meteore was just by walking there. A little handscraft shop is avail at the place.

I have not seen many such places but this one is nice and there is very much information about geological history and also good place where to eat.