Merise Tulepaak Lighthouse

The Merise Tulepaak lighthouse is located on the island of Saaremaa in Estonia and has a rich history dating back to the 19th century.

History

• The lighthouse was constructed in 1857, during the period of Russian rule over Estonia.
• The lighthouse was designed by Estonian architect, Karl Gustav Reuter, who also designed several other notable lighthouses in Estonia.

Architecture

The Merise Tulepaak lighthouse is a wooden tower with a distinctive octagonal shape. It stands at a height of 20 meters above sea level and has a focal height of approximately 30 meters.

• The tower is made of wooden construction materials, including oak and pine, which were locally sourced.

Light Characteristics

The Merise Tulepaak lighthouse emits a white light with a range of 6 nautical miles. The light is characterized by a Fl (first order) pattern, indicating that it is an aid to navigation for ships approaching from the north.

• The light's period is approximately 1.5 minutes.

Current Status

The Merise Tulepaak lighthouse is currently an automated aid to navigation, meaning that it operates without human intervention.

However, its status as a functional aid to navigation has been in question due to concerns about its reliability and safety.

Location and Accessibility

The Merise Tulepaak lighthouse is located on the island of Saaremaa, Estonia, near the village of Kallssmaa.

• The lighthouse can be accessed by road or by sea, with several marinas and harbors nearby offering boat storage and maintenance facilities.

Visitors to the lighthouse must obtain permission from the Estonian Maritime Administration before entering the tower.

Due to its remote location and limited accessibility, the Merise Tulepaak lighthouse is not a popular tourist destination.

Heritage Status

The Merise Tulepaak lighthouse has been designated as a cultural monument of national significance in Estonia.

The lighthouse's unique architecture and historical significance make it an important part of Estonia's maritime heritage.

Notable Historical Events

• One notable event in the history of the Merise Tulepaak lighthouse was its role during World War II, when it served as a navigational aid for Allied forces navigating the Baltic Sea.
• The lighthouse played a critical role in guiding ships safely through the treacherous waters of the Gulf of Finland.

Despite its historical significance and cultural importance, the Merise Tulepaak lighthouse remains a relatively unknown landmark among tourists and visitors to Estonia.

Its remote location and limited accessibility have contributed to its relative obscurity, but it remains an important part of Estonia's maritime heritage.