Saaremaa is the biggest island in the West- Estonian archipelago. Here farm tourism has developed recently, registering more than 60 farm- lodgings. With meteorite craters, botanical rarities, nature reserves, and with its beautiful nature and rich historical heritage, Saaremaa has been a place for tourists where they always want to return.
On the islands, folk traditions and customs have been cherished much longer than in other parts of the country. For instance, the inhabitants of the island of Ruhnu used to wear folk costumes until World War II.
The folk costumes of Saaremaa are very rich and diverse. Nowadays, folk costumes are often worn at public festivals. The Estonian language had here 16 different dialects, with a slight touch of the Swedish accent that can be still traced on the islands. The most attractive monuments of the ancient times are the strongholds situated in old parish centres. Surrounded by deep moats and high banks, several of these strongholds have witnessed the fight for freedom of the ancient Estonians.
The houses in Saaremaa villages were sited haphazardly. Long stone fences edged village lanes and enclosed small patches of land. On the seacoast, there were cabins for fishermen coming from the upcountry during fishing seasons. Numerous post windmills could be seen in the fields.
Ancient islanders used to believe in elves and fairies, witches and the souls of the dead. Local people have always been kind, friendly and hard-working, sometimes even stubborn. Local sense of humour is well-known too.

Kristianstad is working to develop tourism in line with the strategy plan "Tourism in Kristianstad 1998- 2002". Today, tourism generates a turnover of SEK 450 million and creates 390 dependent jobs. The tourism strategy over the next few years will concentrate on three main areas: product development, marketing and information and guest reception services. The goal is to increase tourism- generated turnover by 5% a year.
The overall strategy is cooperation, good environment, concrete products, customer demand openness to new ideas, follow- up and analysis, quality and fulfilled expectations, providing facilities for all needs and disabilities, extending the season, and marketing including information technology development.
Cooperation within northeastern Sklne is important to tourism development in Kristianstad. The cooperation between the municipalities of Bromölla, Hässleholm, Osby, Göinge and Kristianstad is very strong and goes back ten years. The region comprises a third of the total area of Sklne. The different areas within northeastern Sklne all agreed to make the best use of the cultural and geographical advantages the region offers, and to complement their actions to create possible best comprehensive tourism product.