EXCURSION TO SAAREMAA

31 August - 1 September
The colloquium of SEAC 2002 will be followed by a two-day excursion to the beautiful island of Saaremaa in western Estonia. There will be no extra charge to take part in this trip. However, the accommodation (appr. 20 EUR or in tents) and food will have to be covered by the participants themselves.

The most extraordinary geological marvel on Saaremaa is Kaali meteorite craters. The latest estimates date the falling of the meteorite back to the first half of the first millennium B.C. and it has left its clear traces not only in the landscape, but also in folklore (Edda, Kalevala) and written sources (Pytheas, Scandinavian sagas).

The meteorite with a mass of 20-80 t fell from the east at an angle of 45 degrees at a speed of 15-45 km/sec. By passing through the atmosphere the meteorite heated and broke into pieces at an altitude of 5-10 km, falling to the Earth as a meteorite shower. As a result, the main crater, 110 m in diameter and 22 m in depth (Kaali lake) and at least eight smaller craters were formed. Apparently, at one time the main crater was surrounded by stonewalls dating to 600 A.D., and it is believed that it was a place of worship and pilgrimage.

For more information about the sights visited, see Saaremaa.

Tour guide: Dr. Marika Mägi

31 August, Saturday

8.00Departure from Tartu
12.00Ferry trip to Saaremaa
13.00Visit of Pöide St. Mary's Church, hillfort and medieval castle ruins
14.00Lunch in Kuressaare, capital of Saaremaa
15.30Excursion to Kuressaare castle
17.00Visiting Võhma pre-Roman period stone grave, and Panga bluff
19.00Trip to Koguva village in Muhu island
20.00Dinner in Koguva village in Muhu island


1 September, Sunday

7.30Breakfast
9.00Visiting Asva fortified settlement, Tõnija stone grave and cult place, Valjala church and stronghold and the Kaali meteorite craters
13.00Lunch in Kaali
14.30Visiting Kaarma stronghold and church, and Viking age cemetery at Piila
17.00Ferry trip to mainland
20.00Arrival to Tallinn
23.00Arrival to Tartu