Experience the charm of Mathildedal
The historic ironworks village of Mathildedal flourished in the 19th century following the discovery of valuable iron ore in the area. Ironworks operations initially began in Teijo, north of Mathildedal, but in 1852, industrialist Viktor Bremer established a steel factory at the mouth of the Mathildedal River. At the same time, he renamed the village, formerly known as Hummeldal, after his wife, Ottiliana Mathilda.
A village of creativity and craftsmanship
Today, the historic factory buildings and red-painted workers’ houses have been carefully restored, and the vibrant village of 140 residents is home to charming cafés and restaurants, a chocolate factory, a village bakery and brewery, a coffee roastery, and numerous artisan and vintage boutiques. Mathildedal is also home to Finland’s only alpaca wool mill, where visitors can meet the curious alpacas grazing in the village meadows during the summer.
Teijo National Park – A Wilderness Escape Nearby
Mathildedal is the perfect starting point for exploring Teijo National Park. With trails ranging from challenging hikes to accessible routes, visitors can enjoy the stunning lake, wetland, and coastal landscapes whether on foot, by bike, with a stroller, or in a wheelchair.
Just two kilometers from the village, the Teijo Nature Center at Matildanjärvi offers canoe, fat bike, and SUP board rentals, as well as rowboats, a favorite among fishing enthusiasts. One of the most unforgettable adventures in the area is crossing Sahajärvi Lake on a hand-pulled ferry.
Active Adventures or Pure Relaxation
Mathildedal offers a wide range of activities, rivaling those of a much larger city. Sandy beaches invite you to take a refreshing morning swim in the sea or Matildanjärvi Lake. In Mathildedal Central Park, you’ll find tennis and padel courts, as well as a mini golf course. For thrill-seekers, Teijo Ski & Action Park provides the village’s most exciting activities, including mountain and lift biking, paintball, laser trap shooting, and skiing in winter.
At the same time, Mathildedal’s serene landscapes make it the perfect place to simply unwind. Take a leisurely stroll along a babbling brook, sink your toes into the warm beach sand, or relax in a lush summer garden, listening to the songs of birds. These peaceful moments offer a welcome break from the rush of daily life—and sometimes, the best kind of vacation is doing nothing at all.
