Aula-Vintri: Karst Landscape and Local History

For a travel decision shaped by natural phenomena, the Kalmu (Aste) kurisu is a clear point of reference in Aula-Vintri. It is considered a representative karst phenomenon and a natural monument. The protected area covers 1.52 hectares; the applicable regulation is in force. This brings together a specifically named geological feature and a protected landscape area at the site. If nature and landscape are your priorities when choosing where to stay, you can take this feature into account when planning your trip.

Karst formations and their scale

A karst sinkhole in the Aula karst area is about 25 metres long, 16 metres wide and 2 to 3 metres deep. These measurements give a sense of its scale: its length is about nine metres greater than its width, while the depth remains a range. This makes it possible to understand the geological formation in three dimensions, not just by its name. This karst sinkhole is a distinct, specifically described natural feature in Aula-Vintri.

The Kalmu occasionally fills with water and then becomes a temporary karst lake. The situation on the road is a separate matter: in years with abundant water, the road running east of the Kalmu is flooded. These two details concern different aspects of the landscape—a sinkhole that occasionally fills with water and a road situation associated with years of abundant water. If your plans involve the eastern road, check the situation in advance.

Protected areas and local history

The protected permanent habitat is dedicated to the black stork, covers 106.6 hectares and extends across several villages. Aula-Vintri is among the listed localities; Anepesa and Vendise are also named. The area therefore describes a larger natural region, not just the village. By comparison, the protected area at the Kalmu covers 1.52 hectares. These different scales help distinguish the specific protected area around the karst feature from the broader habitat.

The village’s name also tells the story of a two-step development. In 1977, Aula and Vintri were merged under the name Aula; in 1997, the village was given the name Aula-Vintri. Twenty years passed between the merger and the later naming. This sequence places the former name Aula and the village’s current name in their historical context, making local history a subject in its own right alongside nature.

Walking destinations nearby

A description of a 2025 hike leads to Lastelinn and its three satellite hills; the hiking area is near Aula-Vintri. This lets you take two different interests into account when choosing where to stay: the karst phenomena in Aula-Vintri itself and the destinations mentioned in the description of a hike in the surrounding area. The hiking reference is specifically tied to the 2025 hike. This offers a clear thematic comparison between geological natural features and hiking destinations, without treating them as a single attraction.

Discover more destinations: Tahula, Anijala, Kaarma, Keskranna

For the broader travel overview: Kaarma Parish.