About Limön

Information

Gävle’s fishermen have used Limön as a seasonal fishing harbour ever since the eighteenth century. During the nineteenth century they made it a permanent fishing hamlet. In addition to fishing, there was agriculture, haymaking and pasture on the island. Up until the middle of the nineteenth century chalk was quarried for use in iron making. Thanks to the chalk-rich soil and good climate there are several plants unique to the island, and a rich bird life. The name Limön derives from ancient Norse and the English word lime, meaning chalk. There are three bathing areas on the island, Kalkudden, Scoutviken and Tärnviken.

There is a guest harbour at Limön for visitors arriving by boat. Approach using clearing marks and along the marked channel. There are guest moorings by the two floating jetties. The depth at the inshore jetty is limited. The harbour is sheltered against all winds. There is potable water at the café.

Limön is a Natura 2000 area. This means it is home to flora and fauna that are valuable from the EU’s perspective. They are protected by law and some activities within the area may require permits from the county council. Limön is also listed as being of national interest and is prioritized as a nature preservation area. Because the soil on the island is rich in calcium many chalk-loving plants thrive here, two good examples being Melampyrum nemorosum (Sw. Natt och Dag) and Saxifraga granulata (Meadow Saxifrage). Snails, which need calcium to build their shells, have also been found on the island, such as the narrow-mouthed whorl snail. There is a nature trail with information boards regarding the local flora and fauna.

Note! Do consider the countryside. Please tread carefully along paths and leave trees, bushes and moss undisturbed. Keep your dog on a leash, do not approach bird's nests and show consideration for the birds. Fires are only permitted at the special barbeque sites.