Kaali crater

Kaali crater is a group of meteorite-impact craters on the island of Saaremaa in Estonia, noted for a prominent central crater that holds a small lake. The site comprises several adjacent craters formed by a fragmented meteorite impact.

The largest depression measures around 110 metres in diameter with a depth on the order of 22 metres and contains a lake; the surrounding smaller craters make a compact cluster that is easily visited on foot. The site is one of the better-preserved small impact crater groups in Europe and is a local natural landmark.

Scientific study indicates the craters formed in the Holocene by a catastrophic meteorite fall rather than volcanic processes, and they have been the subject of geological and archaeological interest. The landscape around the craters includes bog and pasture and has been used and visited by local communities for centuries.

Kaali sits in central Saaremaa, near the village of Kaali, on the island’s gently undulating inland plateau. The site is reachable by local roads and is a short drive from the island’s main towns.

• Impact origin: The craters are Holocene-age meteorite impact structures; the largest contains a lake and has steep inner walls with a visible crater rim.

What to See #

• Main crater: The main Kaali crater - a circular lake about 110 metres across and roughly 22 metres deep - formed by the largest impact in the group and is the focal point for visitors.
• Smaller craters: A cluster of smaller, shallower craters surrounds the main depression; the group is commonly described as nine individual craters spread over a compact area.