Mathildedal: Where industrial heritage meets vibrant artisan culture
By Malin Norman | Photos: Visit Mathildedal
The charming village Mathildedal, in the southern archipelago of Salo in Finland, is known for its historic ironworks. The village has maintained its community spirit and is now a vibrant hub with local crafts, delicious food and exciting cultural activities. And with the sea on one side and a lake and a national park on the other, there are plenty of outdoor activities awaiting visitors, too.
Mathildedal lives and breathes ironworks history and creativity. The ironworks was founded in 1852 by entrepreneur Viktor Bremer. The village developed and grew around the ironworks, with a real sense of community. “It was not just a workplace, it was a way of life,” says Hanna-Mari Järvinen, who oversees marketing for the Mathildedal entrepreneurs’ association. “Even though the ironworks closed a long time ago, it’s still at the heart of the village and the entrepreneurial spirit is palpable.”
Bistro Bruket. Photo: Silva Kaverinen
With the goal of preserving the historical cultural landscape, Tuula and Harri Gustafsson purchased the historic industrial site in 2003 – restoring and repurposing the old brick buildings. Walking through Mathildedal, considered one of Finland’s best preserved ironworks villages, you will experience the rustic beauty but also a thriving community with many local businesses, such as design boutiques and cafés, who continue to shape village life.
“Thanks to the Gustafsson family, our unique ironworks village is kept alive for future generations,” says Järvinen. “When visiting, you will see that Mathildedal has maintained its history and identity, but it’s also a beautiful and relaxing destination that oozes creativity. Visitors appreciate the idyllic, unspoilt setting and the warm, genuine atmosphere.”
Photo: Sander Vill
History intertwined with nature
Nature is also ever-present in Mathildedal. On one side of the village awaits the coast with a small guest harbour and fabulous sea views, and on the other side is Lake Matildanjärvi and Teijo National Park. The village’s identity is very much intertwined with nature; the stream and waterwheels as well as the surrounding forests and even the charcoal all played a vital role in the growth of the ironworks. Nowadays, visitors can appreciate the setting and enjoy the lush nature. “In Mathildedal, everything is within easy reach,” says Järvinen. “Walking around the village, along the long oak-tree alley and past the old ironworks buildings, you will experience our peaceful lifestyle.”
But visitors will also find a wide range of outdoors activities waiting around the corner, with opportunities aplenty to explore the wonders of Finnish nature. Teijo National Park offers excellent hiking and cycling trails in stunning natural surroundings. Visitors can also rent bicycles, fat bikes, kayaks, rowing boats, and stand-up paddleboards. Swimming and fishing are possible both in Lake Matilda and at sea, with guided fishing trips available, too. And the village also hosts yoga classes at various locations, including the park, the beach and on the pier of Mathildan Marina.
Photo: Mathildan Marina
For golfers, a beautiful golf course also runs along the sea. Sauna is an important part of Finnish culture, all year round, and Mathildedal has several public saunas available. In the winter months, cold-water swimming is an experience to enjoy, and there are opportunities for downhill skiing nearby.
For families with children, Järvinen recommends exploring the village at a child’s pace. On the Ant Trail in Teijo National Park, they can learn everything there is to know about ants. The little ones also love the village’s own playground, and there is adventure mini golf in Mathildedal Central Park. A group of alpacas also call Mathildedal home in summer, taken care of by volunteers from the village. “One of Mathildedal’s strengths is that there are a range of options for every visitor,” Järvinen says. “Regardless of age and interests, we have something to keep you entertained.”
For those interested in trying their hand at foraging, companies such as Hotel & Café Mathildedal organise guided trips in the region’s forests throughout summer and autumn, where visitors can pick lingonberries, blueberries and a Finnish favourite, chantarelles.
Photo: Nina Kaverinen
Celebrating local artisans and delicacies
As part of its vibrant community life, Mathildedal has several small independent businesses and local artisans. For instance, you will find locally produced food and ingredients at Lähiruoka Puhti, and stylish home décor and interior design at the Dock Helsinki store. Attic Shop Vinttipuoti offers a unique selection of handicrafts, art, and locally produced food, while handmade brushes and baskets can be found at Kaarnalaiva.
At Ruukin Kehräämö, you will find high-quality alpaca knitwear. The product range also includes home décor items, alpaca yarns, and natural cosmetics. Clothes made entirely in Finland are available at Aate Clothing, a boutique run by Maija Nuppula and Miina Launiainen. “Every step of the process takes place in Finland, and every maker is personally known to them,” says Järvinen.
Ruukin Kehräämö.
Restaurant Terho. Photo: Silva Kaverinen
Hungry visitors are in for a treat too, as Mathildedal is known for its authentic culinary experiences based on local and seasonal ingredients such as fish, game, vegetables and berries. You can devour seaside delicacies at Mathildan Marina, while at Bistro Bruket you can enjoy delicious charcoal-smoked specialties. The homely Restaurant Terho has mouth-watering stone-baked pizzas on offer, and also organises live music in its backyard. Then, there are special treats aplenty, including the famous cinnamon buns, to tempt visitors at Café Mathildedal. “We also have our own brewery, which offers guided tours,” says Järvinen.
Photo: Mathildan Marina
From Ironworks Day to Pumpkin Weeks
There is something happening in Mathildedal all year round. Festivals throughout the year offer fun for visitors and locals alike. Ruukkipäivä, or the Ironworks Day, takes place in mid-May every year, celebrating the industrial heritage of the village with local arts and crafts on offer, as well as regional food. In summer, the village hosts open-air theatre performances, live music and various other cultural events.
Ghost museum. Photo: Sander Vill
If visiting in autumn, do not miss the Pumpkin Weeks in Salo, as well as Mathildedal’s Ghost Festival and the Halloween celebrations in October. This includes a pop-up Ghost Museum set up inside the old ironworks, as well as a ghost walk. “The whole village gets involved,” says Järvinen. “Everything is transformed into a spooky autumnal town!” In November, a traditional Christmas market is held in the village.
Café Mathildedal. Photo: Sander Vill.
A stay in Mathildedal can also be easily combined with a visit to Kemiönsaari and, in particular, to Högsåra, a small island with a restaurant. There is also the spa, restaurant and harbour to look forward to in Kasnäs. In Salo, two must-sees are Wiurila Manor and Veturtalli Art Museum.
A chance to escape in the relaxed village
This is a great destination for day trips as well as overnight stays, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and leave the everyday routines at home. For couples, staying at Hotel Mathildedal, Mathildan Marina or Boutique Hotel Matri House is ideal, whilst for families, Mathilda Villas cottages or Meri-Ruukki holiday village ensure a comfortable stay. Mathildedal is also ideal for business trips, with packages available for corporate and conference guests.
Clearly, Mathildedal is a village of many possibilities with a fantastic entrepreneurial spirit, many activities to choose from, a wide range of accommodation options, a rich cultural heritage of arts and crafts, and delicious local food.
The village is situated just 140 kilometres from Finland’s capital, Helsinki, and is easily accessible by car, bus or boat.
www.visitmathildedal.fi
Facebook: visitmathildedal
Instagram: @visitmathildedal
The village has its own magazine, Mathildedal Life. Through its online magazine, you can get a glimpse of what life is like in a small historic ironworks village, as well as get to know its residents and entrepreneurs.
www.mathildedallife.fi/en
SHARE
Requests to commercially license our content for republishing are now being processed through PLSclear. Please visit www.plsclear.com to complete your permission request. You can search PLSclear by title, ISBN/ISSN, author, or keyword.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Receive our monthly newsletter by email
