Ghosts & Pumpkins in Mathildedal
As autumn darkness settles over the old ironworks village and mist creeps between the historic buildings, the ghosts of Mathildedal come back to life once again...
🎃👻 Welcome to spend a delightfully spooky autumn holiday at the Ghosts & Pumpkins event week in Mathildedal, 9-18 October! 🎃👻
The historic ironworks village will be filled with ghostly experiences, live ghosts, pumpkin treats, and the mysterious atmosphere of autumn. Do you dare to visit?
Programme
Ghost Museum at the Ironworks
9-25 October and 30-31 October, open daily from 11:00 to 22:00
Live ghosts: 9-10 October and 16-17 October
(Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.)
For younger children, there is also a dedicated Children's Ghost Museum, free from sound effects and suitable for visitors who are sensitive to noise.
Matilda Villas Ghost Trail
9-18 October, 19:00-22:00
Read more: www.kummituspolku.fi
Ghost Golf at Mathildedal Central Park
14-17 October, 14:00-20:00
(Paid attraction)
Horror Yard behind Restaurant Terho
9-25 October
Weekdays: 12:00-22:00
Fri-Sat: 12:00-02:00
Free entry to all events (except Ghost Golf)!
Cafés and restaurants will be serving delicious pumpkin-themed treats, and the village boutiques will be open throughout the autumn holiday week.
Ghost Nights - 10 & 17 October
As darkness falls, the atmosphere becomes even more magical. On these two Saturday evenings, restaurants and cafés will stay open until 23:00, and village shops will have extended opening hours.
🎃 Ghost Museum open from 11:00 to 22:00, including live ghosts!
👻 Ghost Trail leads the bravest visitors into the darkness from 19:00 to 22:00.
💀 Horror Yard at Restaurant Terho open from 12:00 to 02:00.
🤡 Zombie Parade on 17 October at 18:00.
Starting point: Mathildedal Central Park.
Join the parade in your own spooky costume or come and watch the village's creepiest procession!
Other Activities
10 October: New Moon Yoga & Sauna Evening by Lake Matilda
16 October, 18:00-19:00: Face Yoga & Facial Massage Workshop at Mathildan Marina (paid event)
17 October, 17:00: Discover the secrets of craft beer brewing at the Village Brewery (free admission)
17 October: Oktoberfest at Bistro Bruket
17 October: Autumn Yoga Day
17 October: Autumn Holiday Yoga & Sauna Evening by Lake Matilda
The Ghosts & Pumpkins event is part of the Salo Pumpkin Weeks programme and offers unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.
The event, launched for the first time last year, proved extremely popular. Be sure to book your accommodation early, perhaps even for the entire week!
Visit the Visit Mathildedal website to explore accommodation options, cafés and restaurants, activities, and the unique selection of local boutiques. 👻🎃
Explore accommodation options, cafés and restaurants, activities, and the village boutiques on the Visit Mathildedal website.
Mathildedal is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a longer stay in September. Autumn is one of the village’s most beautiful seasons, as the vibrant fall colours take over Teijo National Park and mist drifts along the seashore. Most restaurants and cafés are open throughout the week, and all are open on weekends. The village shops are open as well. A visit can easily be combined with hiking, cycling, kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the village’s historic surroundings.
September also brings two exciting events to the village. The traditional Matilda Rock Festival, now taking place for the 13th time, will be held on September 4–5 at Restaurant Terho and the seaside summer theatre stage. In case of rain, the festival will move to the Valimo event venue. As always, visitors can look forward to an abundance of Finnish rock music. Admission to Matilda Rock is free.
On September 19–20, a new poetry event will bring more than 40 poets and performers to the village. The inspiration for Poets’ Spring – Autumn Edition comes from Le Printemps des Poètes, the poetry festival held annually in France. The event celebrates poetry in its many forms. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy poetry performances, panel discussions, workshops for writers, music, dance, improvisation, and an open mic session.
Welcome to enjoy the beauty of autumn in Mathildedal!
Night of the Ancient Fires is known in Finland as Muinaistulien yö. It is a traditional celebration held on the last Saturday of August, when bonfires, torches, and other lights are lit along coastlines, in the archipelago, and by lakes and waterways. The tradition originates from the old custom of lighting fires along the coast to help seafarers navigate safely in the dark. Today, the Night of Ancient Fires is primarily a celebration marking the end of the summer season
Night of the Ancient Fires -weekend in Mathildedal brings experiences, music, movement, delicious food, and a warm atmosphere of togetherness to Mathildedal.
Create your own perfect mini holiday! All of the village’s restaurants, unique shops, and accommodation providers will be open throughout the weekend.
You can start your weekend as early as Friday with an exciting excursion into the world of local flavours. The tour introduces participants to regional delicacies and stunning rural landscapes while riding electric mountain bikes.
On Saturday, the Yoga & Sauna Evening by Lake Matilda offers the chance to experience the relaxing health benefits of yoga, meditation, gong sound vibrations, a traditional Finnish sauna, pure lake water, and swimming. On Saturday evening, dance enthusiasts can head to the rooftop bar for a lively night out. The evening at Harri's Rooftop Lounge begins with an introductory bachata dance class, followed by dancing to a DJ's beats late into the night.
At Mathilda Marina, DJs will keep the party going in the glow of the traditional Venetian bonfires. The evening programme also features partner acrobatics, salsa, and samba carnival performances.
At Restaurant Terho, Sarparanta will take the stage, while Bistro Bruket welcomes the Ivan Radeka Duo to create the evening’s atmosphere.
Sunday morning begins refreshingly by the sea with dockside yoga at Mathilda Marina (weather permitting).
Other village activities, including Adventure Minigolf, tennis and padel courts, the Bike Park, and the golf course, will also be open throughout the weekend.
Explore the full programme in the event calendar. Welcome to Mathildedal to celebrate the end of the summer season!
