Kalana – Hillfort, Limestone and Fossils

Kalana appeals to travelers who want to choose a destination based on specific landscape and historical features. The main attractions are a hillfort, the history of limestone quarrying and fossil finds, and the Umbusi River. To make your decision, it helps to distinguish between them: the hillfort and the quarry tell different stories, while the Umbusi River is a subject in its own right, with its source, a protected habitat, and public accessibility.

Hillfort and Landscape

At 82.3 m, the hillfort Kalana linnamägi, also known as Otissaare mägi, is the region’s highest point and clearly visible in the landscape. The Otissaare hillfort in Kalana dates from the 11th century and is designated as a place with beautiful views. To distinguish between them, the topographic elevation and landscape feature refer to Kalana linnamägi, also known as Otissaare mägi; the date and designation for its views each refer to the historic Otissaare hillfort in Kalana.

Limestone and Fossils

Limestone was quarried in Kalana for the glass industries of von Lauw; the extracted stone was called “Kalana marble.” This makes limestone not only a geological feature of the place, but also part of its industrial history. The quarry is also notable for its fossil finds: these include nautiloids, snails, corals, crinoids, brachiopods, sponges, trilobites, and graptolites. In addition, the Kalana quarry is described as the richest site for fossils of algae species. The industrial use and fossil finds appeal to different interests: one concerns the extraction and use of limestone, while the other concerns the fossils found in the quarry. For travelers interested in geology, the finds therefore stand as a distinct topic alongside the history of the glass industry.

The Umbusi River

The Umbusi River rises at Kalana spring. The river contains a protected spawning and habitat area (KLO3002592), and the Umbusi River is publicly accessible. Its source, the protection of a habitat, and its accessibility are distinct aspects of the river. Unlike the hillfort and quarry, the focus here is a body of water; its protected habitat is just as much a part of its connection to the area as its public accessibility. In this way, the Umbusi River adds a distinct water-related theme to the landscape and historical perspective on Kalana.

Destination and Hotel Search

When searching for a hotel in Kalana, you can start by asking which connection to the area you want to shape your stay: the hillfort and its historical context, the quarry’s history and fossils, or the river as a habitat. You can then compare hotel offers according to your own requirements. The area’s features can help you choose your destination; you can decide which criteria matter for your hotel when comparing offers.

Discover more destinations: Voldi, Voore, Elistvere, Tõrve, Mustvee, Palamuse

For the overview of the wider region: Jõgeva.