Discover Murika: Tuhkana Beach and Tar Kiln History

The Tuhkana Recreation Area in Murika village lies near the Tuhkana Lake, which is rich in water lilies. Tuhkana Beach has a 500-meter-wide sandy beach. This means that Murika brings together a specific access point to Tuhkana Beach and a distinctive landscape surrounding the lake, forest, and sand.

The route from the Tuhkana Recreation Area to the beach follows a 300 m long footpath. The route crosses a stream, passes by Tuhkana Lake, and then continues across the sand on a boardwalk. There is an information board in the recreation area; the route also includes unpaved sections and a footbridge.

Another described access route leads from the Tuhkana Beach parking lot through the adjacent pine forest to the beach. These two details help you plan your beach day according to your preferred access point, without inferring the location of accommodation from the place name alone.

There is also a specific feature that is important when choosing a beach: the water at Tuhkana Beach becomes deep quickly. The beach also has a volleyball court. The beach therefore combines a broad sandy area with a clear practical restriction when swimming and a documented sporting facility.

The Pammana Protected Area is geographically associated with Murika village and Pammana village. It protects coastal lagoons, coastal meadows, grey dunes, and forested dunes. It also protects habitats of Recurvirostra avosetta. Those who want to consider coastal landscapes and nature observation alongside the beach when choosing a destination will therefore find several clearly distinct themes in Murika.

An independent cultural point of interest is the Tuhkana-Ranna tar kiln. It stands in Murika village near Tuhkana Lake in a pine forest and was built in the last quarter of the 19th century. The history of tar production complements the nature and beach themes with a regional craft and a specifically named historical site.

If you would like to compare Murika with other destinations, you can also view Pärsama, Leisi, Karja, Mujaste, Meiuste, Oitme, Linnuse, and Õeste.

Which habitats does the Pammana Protected Area protect?

The protected area protects coastal lagoons, coastal meadows, grey dunes, and forested dunes.

Which bird species is associated with the protected area?

The Pammana Protected Area protects habitats of Recurvirostra avosetta.

Where is the Tuhkana-Ranna tar kiln located?

The tar kiln stands in Murika village near Tuhkana Lake in a pine forest.

When was the Tuhkana-Ranna tar kiln built?

It was built in the last quarter of the 19th century.

When was the tradition of tar production added to the cultural heritage register?

The tradition “Tar production in Northern Saaremaa, in Tuhkana” was added to the Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage at the end of December 2017.

What historical role did the Murika fishing coast play?

At that time, the Murika fishing coast was considered the most important place for herring fishing. In autumn, almost half of Saaremaa’s fishermen would gather there.

To the main travel overview: Leisi.