The transition between October and November brings with it the growing popularity of Halloween in Finland, providing a welcome boost to the increasingly dark autumn days. Various Halloween events are held around the country, but one definitely worth recommending is Halikko Pumpkin Weeks.
The heart of the event is the Pumpkin Park located in a field in Halikko, but there is plenty more to see in the Salo area as well.
We attended the Pumpkin Weeks last year, and this post is based on our experiences. However, the dates mentioned here have been updated based on this year’s schedule.
Mathildedal Ironworks & Ghost Museum
We started our exploration of the Pumpkin Weeks event with a visit to Mathildedal Ironworks during the day. Known as an idyllic summer destination, the Ironworks becomes even more fascinating during Halloween.
The entire Ironworks area is decorated for Halloween, with pumpkins and autumn decorations everywhere, creating a cozy fall atmosphere. It’s delightful to browse the small shops in Mathildedal, and the café offers a pleasant break from all the wandering. However, the real highlight in Mathildedal was definitely the Ghost Museum!
The Ghost Museum is located in the museum of Mathildedal Ironworks, and during the Pumpkin Weeks from October 11th to 27th, it is open daily from 1 PM to 9 PM. Admission to the Ghost Museum is completely free, making it a perfect destination for anyone seeking something a bit spooky but also fun.
The museum was impressively executed, and its eerie details captivated us completely. Children are sure to enjoy it too, though it’s worth noting that the atmosphere might be a little intense for some younger visitors (recommended age is 13 years and older).
Mathildedal is also home to some very cute alpacas. The alpaca field is located right next to the Ironworks, along Matildan Puistotie, and it’s easy to spot upon arrival. Petting and feeding the alpacas was just as fun as always, and their attention-seeking nature added a cheerful touch amid all the ghostly attractions. A visit to the alpaca field is highly recommended, as they’re sure to brighten anyone’s day!
Mathildedal is located about 25 kilometers from Salo, so it’s good to factor that into your plans when visiting.
Halikko Pumpkin Park – Thousands of Carved Pumpkins
After our time in Mathildedal, as the evening began to darken, we headed to the main attraction of Pumpkin Weeks: Halikko Pumpkin Park. The Pumpkin Park is set up in a field and, as the name suggests, it is full of beautifully lit and carved pumpkins. It’s best to visit the field in the evening when the illuminated pumpkins are at their most striking.
It’s a good idea to park your car in one of the downtown parking lots and walk to the field via the old Halikko bridge. The pumpkin-lined path on either side of the road, lit with candles inside the pumpkins, is already an impressive sight.
The Pumpkin Park is filled with skillfully carved pumpkins spread across the field, and there’s plenty of additional Halloween-themed decorations. It’s hard to estimate the number of pumpkins, but there are certainly thousands. They are arranged individually, in piles, and on various structures.
The atmosphere in the Pumpkin Park is truly magical!
You can freely wander the field and admire the ambiance and pumpkins, which, as it turns out, are all for sale. So, if you don’t feel like carving your own, you can buy a pre-carved pumpkin to take home as a decoration. There’s also a café on-site offering pumpkin-filled treats, and if you’re interested in carving, you can buy whole pumpkins to take home and carve yourself.
Pumpkin Weeks take place from October 11th to 27th, with the Pumpkin Park open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM. We highly recommend visiting during the twilight hours when the atmosphere under candlelight is unmatched. Entrance to the Pumpkin Park is free. On the final day of Pumpkin Weeks, October 27th, there will be a fireworks display at 8 PM.
The combination of these two Halloween destinations is an excellent way to spend the darkening October evenings. A visit to the historical setting of Mathildedal Ironworks and Ghost Museum, followed by a stroll through the magical Halikko Pumpkin Park, makes for a wonderfully enjoyable Halloween day.
