Mathildedal is a recommendable destination in Southern Finland – a seaside village with cafés, restaurants and pubs, and a historic village with cultural sights,
Natura Viva’s depot in Teijo National Park, Teijo Nature Center, is located just a few kilometers from Mathildedal, a picturesque seaside village with cafés, restaurants and pubs and small handiwork businesses. When you plan a trip in Southern Finland, visit Teijo and make a day trek to Mathildedal.
Mathildedal Village is also a historically interesting site. The village was founded in the 19th century, when a local entrepreneur established an iron-foundry there. The village grew around the ironworks, but after the second world war iron industry and forest industry in the area slowly faded.
Mathildedal was then renovated as an historic sight, with a lively summer atmosphere. Along with Teijo Village and Kirjakkala Village, the two other historic villages on the Teijo seashore, they form a sightseeing destination worth visiting.
Of the three villages Mathildedal lies closest to Teijo Nature Center. And it definitely is a fascinating destination. You can eat and enjoy beverages at the local cafés and eaterys, and also taste some delish local micro-brewery beers. The small handiwork shops have nice souvenirs for sale. The cultural historic sight create a fascinating framework for your visit.
Village at the seashore
Mathildedal Village is small but vital. There are some 130 year-round residents, but during the summer season the number rises significantly. There’s a boat docks in the village, which attracts a lot of holiday-makers with their sail boats and motor boats. Along with the cafes, restaurants, bakeries and pubs, there’s also occasionally theater and live music.
Mathildedal also offers accommodation possibilities, from bed&breakfasts to rental cabins and hotel rooms. Natura Viva’s two forest cabins, ”Vaappu” and ”Lippa” are located around 1,5 kilometers from Mathildedal, in Teijo National Park and on the Matildanjärvi lakeshore.
Mathildedal as a historic sight
The village history reaches back to 17th century, when iron-foundries were built in the nearby Teijo and Kirjakkala regions. A third iron-foundry and a steel mill in Mathildedal were built in 1852, and the area flourished. By the end of the 19th century steel tools, machines and engines were produced in the Mathildedal factories.
In the 20th century, the production of steel goods diminished and boat dockyards and car parts’ manufacturers took over. By 1980s almost all heavy industry in the area had ceased. The forests and water basins were taken over by the Finnish government and a nature restoration process in the region began.
