Discover Kõõru: A Glacial Erratic, Nature and History

• Suure Tõllu’s sauna stone, also known as Raka kivi, is a protected glacial erratic in the village of Kõõru.
• It measures 6.4 × 3.3 × 4.5 metres and has a circumference of 19 metres. The measurements are based on a survey conducted in 1986.
• Marete auk is a karst water body, or doline, that holds water year-round.
• Mareteaukemägi is the highest and most representative sandy area in the hiking area between Odalätsi, Kuremetsa and Kõõru.

Suure Tõllu’s sauna stone is also known as Raka kivi; both names refer to the same protected glacial erratic. Its three measurements and circumference describe its size from different perspectives: the values 6.4 × 3.3 × 4.5 metres give its dimensions, while the 19-metre circumference provides another measure. The measurements are based on a survey from 1986.

Marete auk is characterised by karst: this karst water body, or doline, holds water year-round. Mareteaukemägi, by contrast, is a sandy area. It is the highest and most representative one in the hiking area between Odalätsi, Kuremetsa and Kõõru. The comparison answers two different questions: at Marete auk, the focus is on water held throughout the year; Mareteaukemägi is described in relation to the sandy areas within the named hiking area.

The historical references concern different periods and subjects. In the 18th century, the farms of Kõõru also belonged to Paju Manor. Another local reference is a barn on the Mardi farm in the village of Kõõru, in Mustjala Parish: it was built in the early 19th century. Much later, from 1977 to 1997, Kõõru was part of Pidula.

These details can be grouped by subject: the connection to the manor concerns the farms, the construction period concerns the barn, and the later period concerns Kõõru’s affiliation with Pidula. This provides a sequence for cultural and historical context, from the 18th century through the early 19th century to the years 1977–1997. These are distinct historical reference points, not a single episode.

First, consider whether nature or history is your main interest. If you’re interested in nature, you can distinguish between a glacial erratic, a doline and a sandy area; for a cultural and historical perspective, the farms, the barn and Kõõru’s later affiliation with Pidula offer different topics to explore.

Discover more destinations: Rannaküla, Haeska, Orissaare, Raugi, Tumala, Koguva, Valjala and Kuressaare.

What are the dimensions of Suure Tõllu’s sauna stone?

The glacial erratic measures 6.4 × 3.3 × 4.5 metres and has a circumference of 19 metres. The measurements are based on a survey conducted in 1986.

What is the difference between Marete auk and Mareteaukemägi?

Marete auk is a karst water body, or doline, with water standing in it year-round. Mareteaukemägi is the highest and most representative sandy area in the hiking area between Odalätsi, Kuremetsa and Kõõru.

Which historical references are mentioned for Kõõru?

In the 18th century, the farms of Kõõru also belonged to Paju Manor. The barn on the Mardi farm was built in the early 19th century; from 1977 to 1997, Kõõru was part of Pidula.

For the broader travel overview: Saaremaa.