The People Behind Mathildedal Part 1
Restaurants, cafés and places to stay
The village of Mathildedal grew around the ironworks founded by entrepreneur Viktor Bremer in 1852. By the end of the 19th century, the works produced tools and machinery, while ships from around the world called at the harbour.
Entrepreneurship has always been at the heart of the village, and it still is today. Mathildedal is home to a remarkable community of creative, hardworking and courageous business owners who continue to shape village life.
In this series, we introduce the members of the Mathildedal Entrepreneurs’ Association and the people behind the businesses that make the village what it is today.
Maria Rantanen
Maria Rantanen has been the entrepreneur behind Mathildan Marina for more than 13 years. She originally came to Mathildedal to run the summer café for a single season, but today she manages a much larger operation that includes a restaurant, hotel, motorhome park and guest harbour.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
“The setting. We’re right by the sea, and even on a busy day there’s always a moment to pause and admire the beautiful view across the water.”
What’s one experience every visitor should have at Mathildan Marina?
“Without a doubt, our summer mornings and evenings. There’s something special about arriving for breakfast on a sunny morning, knowing a wonderful summer day lies ahead. And in the evening, I always recommend watching the sun set from our terrace.”
Laura Lahtinen
Laura Lahtinen worked at Restaurant Terho for almost 20 years. During that time, it became the village’s living room and a much-loved live music venue. A year ago, she became co-owner of the restaurant together with her business partner. At the same time, they opened Terho Hills at Teijo Ski & Action Park.
If you could describe your restaurant in one sentence, what would it sound, smell and feel like?
“Terho sounds relaxed, smells of freshly baked pizza and feels like spending time in your own living room with good friends.”
What makes it a perfect day at the restaurant?
“A perfect summer day is when our courtyard is full of people enjoying live music with smiles on their faces.”
ravintolaterho.fi, terhohills.fi
Stig Holmberg ja Julie Maaniemi
Stig Holmberg and Julie Maaniemi are among Mathildedal’s newest entrepreneurs. Their restaurant, Bistro Bruket, opened in spring 2025 and has already become a favourite among visitors looking for great food.
Stig: What inspires your cooking at the moment?
“Without question, the summer harvest. Fresh Finnish ingredients, seasonal vegetables, new potatoes and berries—especially strawberries. Mushroom season is just around the corner too, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Julie: What surprises guests when they dine with you?
“Most people are pleasantly surprised by both the warm service and the generous portions.”
Niina Vihnusvuori
After many years running a lunch restaurant in nearby Teijo, Niina Vihnusvuori trained as a wilderness guide and began taking guests into Teijo National Park for meals in nature. This spring, she opened her Forest Restaurant at the Teijo National Park Visitor Centre.
What fascinates you about combining nature and food?
“When white tablecloths are laid on a table in the middle of the forest and guests are served a three-course dinner, it’s a completely different experience from dining indoors. The sounds, scents and colours of the forest become part of the meal. Surrounded by nature, it’s easy to relax and simply enjoy good food.”
What’s the best feedback you’ve ever received from a guest?
“There have been so many kind comments that it’s impossible to choose just one. But one memory has stayed with me. A regular customer sent me a WhatsApp video of their three-year-old child eating our smoked salmon soup and saying over and over again, ‘This is sooo good. This is sooo good.'”
Krista Gustafsson
Krista Gustafsson and her parents have played a key role in transforming the historic Mathildedal Ironworks into the vibrant destination it is today. Following an extensive restoration and development project, the former industrial site is now home not only to the family’s hotel, café and conference and event facilities, but also to a collection of boutiques, a creative workspace, a summer theatre, a museum and a restaurant.
Today, the business remains a true family enterprise, with Krista, her husband and their three daughters all involved.
What makes this place distinctly yours?
“I think it’s the old ironworks setting itself. We’ve found a unique way to give these historic buildings a new purpose while combining them with warm, personal service.”
What do you dream of next?
“I’d love to add more accommodation to the Ironworks, together with a variety of saunas. Some of them could be built alongside the stream that runs behind us. My dream is to create a collection of experiences that grows naturally from the history of the Ironworks, fits this landscape and makes the most of everything we already have here.”
Tuukka Liljavirta
Tuukka Liljavirta has spent every summer of his life in Mathildedal at his family’s holiday home, watching the village evolve over the years. He became a tourism entrepreneur when a large holiday cottage village came up for sale, and he felt the opportunity was simply too good to miss.
What makes Matilda Villas a special place to stay?
“Our location brings together the sea, Teijo National Park and the village’s services in one place. It’s a combination that makes people feel at home and want to return.”
What do you hope guests take away with them after their stay?
“I hope they leave feeling rested and recharged. If the peace and nature here stay with them long after their holiday has ended, then we’ve succeeded.”
Minna Skogster
Minna Skogster and her husband first fell in love with Mathildedal in the 1990s while spending holidays in cottages owned by the Finnish Bank Employees’ Union. Back then, the village had far fewer services than it does today, but something about the place captured their hearts.
When the cottages came up for sale in 2004, they decided to buy them and begin welcoming guests themselves.
How would you describe your accommodation in three sentences?
“Nature begins right outside the cottage door. The village of Mathildedal and all its services are close by. It’s easy to reach every activity the area has to offer.”
What’s your favourite moment of the day?
“My favourite time is when guests start arriving in the afternoon. They’re happy, excited and looking forward to their holiday. It’s especially lovely to welcome our returning visitors. Many have been coming here for decades, and we’ve really got to know one another over the years.”
Elli Lehnhoff ja Anja Lehtonen
Mother and daughter Anja Lehtonen and Elli Lehnhoff, whose family business Matri manufactures handcrafted beds, had talked for years about opening a guesthouse or small hotel. When an 1840 house—once home to eight families working at the Mathildedal Ironworks—came up for sale, they fell in love with it immediately, despite knowing it would require extensive renovation.
What inspired you to become accommodation hosts?
“We wanted to give our customers the chance to experience a Matri bed properly before making a purchase. Staying overnight is the best possible way to try one.”
What do guests appreciate most during their stay?
“Guests often tell us how much they love the atmosphere of the old ironworks house and its beautiful interior. Our beds receive plenty of praise as well, and many guests have gone on to buy one after their stay.”