Twelve kilometres from Kaarma are the Kaali Craters, for years the subject of speculation and legend. Lennart Meri, former president of Estonia, joined the debate in 1976 with his book, Silverwhite. The truth is in fact straightforward, if dramatic. The craters were formed by a meteorite that fell probably around 3,000 years ago, though it could have been earlier. The largest lake is over 100m wide and gives the impression of being completely undisturbed since its violent origin.A new visitor centre opened here in 2005, which provides all the geological background to the meteor and a survey of the different uses to which dolomite can be put. The souvenir sellers outside have shown considerable imagination in how it can be carved into a statue or candle-holder light enough to take home by air. It is easy to miss the schoolhouse next door but it is now a centre for exhibiting and selling local lace. Note the coat of arms which was fortunately hidden during Soviet times. The inscription is in German: DAS WORT GOTTES BLEIBT EWIG (The word of God is everlasting).
Neil Taylor "Estonia. The Bradt Travel Guide", 2007 |
