Vietä yö höyryjunassa / Sleep in a steam train, Tuuri Finland
Background
The Tuuri railway station was built in 1908 and is now the only remaining station building of its type. (Its sister station in Mustasaari was destroyed in a fire.) The station area includes a Jugend-style station building, a double watchmen’s house, a horse stable, and a warehouse, forming a unique historical complex.
The construction of the Tampere–Vaasa railway began in 1879 and was completed in 1882, with the official opening in September 1883. Initially, Tuuri station was a siding under Alavus station, but due to its popularity, it was upgraded to a full station in 1908. In the 1920s, Tuuri station became a significant freight terminal, with goods being transported particularly towards Lehtimäki.
During the war, soldiers from the area departed from Tuuri station into the unknown – and sadly, many were also returned here for their final farewell with friends and family. A memorial for Töysä’s soldiers, who left for the Winter War, stands in the nearby bank courtyard.
Life in the Station Garden
A majestic Siberian pine still grows in the station garden, once climbed by local children to collect cones for their delicious nuts.
In the evenings, the tree can be easily found by following the flock of jackdaws flying between the pine and the station’s chimneys.
The Station’s Colors and Changes Over Time
The station building was repainted during the 1952 Olympics in the then-trendy mustard yellow. The paint lasted over 60 years, but the building has now been restored to its traditional linseed oil-based color. Tuuri station was closed in 1987, and the stop was moved 500 meters towards Alavus, next to the Keskinen shopping center.
A New Life for the Station
About 20 years ago, previous owners purchased the property from VR, and the buildings have since housed various businesses, including a café, an upholstery shop, and an antique store. The station also housed a pharmacy museum. Later, a steam locomotive and carriages were acquired for accommodation during the summer season. The locomotive is a Finnish heavy steam engine, Vr2 number 951, nicknamed “Ankka” (Duck). It was manufactured at Tampella factories in Tampere in 1931.
Restoration and the Future
The station and its surroundings have been restored to their former glory, combining historical charm, traditional craftsmanship, and modern comforts. The watchmen’s house is fully restored, and the station master’s historical rooms will be opened for accommodation. In 2025, a new kitchen will be installed, and the station will also serve as an event venue. Tuuri station and its buildings are a living part of history – a place where past and present meet in a unique way, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors.