The origins of Liimattunas can be traced to the early medieval period, when the area served as a small farming community along trade routes between Estonia and Latvia. Documented evidence of habitation dates back to the 12th century, and the first written reference to the name Liimattunas appears in a 16th‑century land survey of the region. During the period of Livonian Order rule, the village was part of a larger estate overseen by local Baltic German nobles. Following Estonia’s declaration of independence in 1918, Liimattunas became part of the newly formed state and was incorporated into Valga County in 1925. The local administration was reorganised in 1975 during Soviet rule, when the settlement’s name was briefly changed to Liimatunaküla. After Estonia regained independence in 1991, the original name was restored.
The demographic composition of Liimattunas is predominantly ethnic Estonian (about 95 %) with a minority of Russian speakers (approximately 4 %) and a small number of other nationalities. The population trend has been relatively stable over the past decade, with a slight decline linked to limited employment opportunities and migration of younger residents to larger urban centres.
The local economy is mainly agrarian, based on small‑scale dairy farming, crop production, and the cultivation of forest resources for timber and resin. In recent years, eco‑tourism has developed around Lake Liimat and the surrounding natural attractions, drawing visitors for fishing, hiking, and bird‑watching. A community centre, staffed by volunteers, offers a modest range of cultural and educational programmes, ensuring continued community engagement despite the town’s limited resources.
Culturally, Liimattunas maintains many traditional Estonian customs. Annual celebrations include the midsummer “Jõuluvana” festival and a harvest festival centered on local produce. A small wooden church, constructed in 1768, remains a focal point for both religious life and tourism, and the municipality has a local heritage museum dedicated to its agricultural history.