As one may know from various sources, Muhu Island is often talked about as a place where time rests. This may be interpreted in various ways. People have found their balance with the environment here. They do not need to define themselves all the time. They are guided by the spiritual legacy of their ancestors. And the sea speaks of what has happened on the waves of life and what will happen in the future.
For centuries Muhu Island has been a small maritime country between two straits. Its traditions tell about the power which was already well-known to the merchants and warriors who sailed on the Silver-White Route. Goods, post packages, war parties and thousands of fortune hunters, and workers passed the island. During the Viking period the islanders forayed into the neighbouring countries and those who passed Muhu Island were claimed to pay tax. Even the forces of the medieval Order could not break the fine fleet of the islanders but make them fight on their side instead. In the Swedish period many inland ports were established wherefrom goods were smuggled to several countries in the Baltic Sea. The uisk-type sailboats were used till World War I.
In the second half of the 20th century Russian fish industry prospered in the wooden boats of Muhu people. The maritime traditions were conserved within the military controlled border zone. After Estonia had re-gained its independence the building of wooden ships started again. The boats and ships were complemented by canoes and surf boards.
