The Island of Ruhnu was first mentioned in 1341 in the Freedom Letter by the Bishop of Kuramaa. However, people lived on the island already in 5200 B.C.. It is believed that some of the early inhabitants of the island arrived from Scandinavia during Viking times. The Swedes lived in Ruhnu (Runö in Swedish), for many centuries, but left for Sweden in 1944 befor the Soviet occupation. Their culture has been well preserved in the old churches, chronic books, Swedish graveyard, and the local place names.
Ruhnu is popular tourism destination for Estonians, with pure, tranquil and natural environment. The island attracts Swedish tourists and scientists, searching for the cultural heritage of the ancient Swedes. It is a popular tourism destination for Latvians, as the closest island to them. Because of its geographical position the island is on a way for people traveling with ships and yachts from Europe to Riga, Pärnu and Kuressaare. More and more tourists are coming with their own sailing boats or ships to spend some days on the island. Every summer several open sea regattas are held that stop at Ruhnu. There are many natural beaches, the best for swimming is Limo beach, with its 'singing' sands (extremely fine and white sands). Tourism sector is well developed in Ruhnu. Transportation between the island and the mainland at summer time is by regular boat connection, in winter time (from November until May) aircraft is the only means to get to the island.
The church of St. Magdalen, which dates from 1644, is the oldest wooden church in the Baltic States and oldest wooden building in Estonia. Another sites of interest are partly preserved ancient buildings of Korsi farmhouse, a unique metal lighthouse (assembled in 1877) on the highest point of the island, Haubjerre hill, one of Estonia's deepest drilled wells (787.4 meters deep), and ruins of the Soviet area military installations. Ruhnu is known for its wonderful nature, the island and the islets to the north-west form a protected area. In the Ruhnu forest there are many unique and protected plant and animal species.
