About
Tuuri Train Station in central Finland was built in 1908. It is the only remaining station type of its style in the country (a fire destroyed its sister station at Mustasaari). Besides the grand Jugend style station building, there is a double watchman’s house, a railroad magazine (warehouse) and horse stalls in the station grounds.
The construction of the Tampere-Vaasa railway started in 1879 and was completed at 1882, with the official opening held in September 1883. Tuuri Station was initially a junction under the Alavus station. Due to the popularity of the location, it was elected to be a station in the 1908.
Tuuri Station became a significant freight terminal in the 1920s where goods were distributed in the Lehtimäki direction. During the war, soldiers of the local region left from Tuuri station towards the unknown. Sadly, many relatives and friends came to the station to reunite with soldiers who passed away during the war. There is statue dedicated to the memory of winter war soldiers from the region in the nearby bank yard.
In the gardens of station there is still an old Sembra pine tree. Local children are known to have climbed the tree to eat its delicious nuts. You can spot the pine tree in evenings by following a flock of jackdaws flying between it and the station chimney tops.
The building was re-painted from its original colour in traditional yellow fish oil paint for the 1952 Helsinki Summer Olympic Games. Paint has stuck well for over 60 years. Perhaps you will see the return of traditional Linseed oil paint in coming years.
Tuuri station ceased operating as a stop station in 1987, with the stop relocated 500 meters to the Alavus direction next to the Keskinen shopping centre.
Around 20 years ago, the previous owners purchased the property from the Finnish VR, Finland’s state-owned railway company. They used the buildings for different purposes, including as an upholstery business, antique shop, café and pharmacy museum. Later a steam train Vr2 number 951, nicknamed Duck, and two carriages were added to use as accommodation during the summer. The ‘Duck” was manufactured in 1931 in Finland at Tampella’s factory.
Ari and Sandra Haukka purchased the property in 2017. They continue to restore the property, expand the train accommodation business, and explore new business opportunities. Many guests are in awe when they enter the renovated train inspired by the oriental express. The main room of the train station has been transformed into a space used for yoga and art exhibitions. The owners are also committed to protecting and promoting the unique history and traditional architecture of the station and generating economic and social benefits for the local community.
We look forward to hosting you.
Yours
Train Conductor Haukka