When travellers pause to refresh themselves at the Linnatuuli highway station, they can really say they’re “on the road” – or, rather, some metres above it, as this unique stopping place has been built right over Finland’s main highway number 3, some 20 kilometres south of the City of Hämeenlinna.
“The pumps were also renewed last summer during the big renovation,” says retailer Seppo Lauer.
It’s easy to stop off at this refreshment oasis, which was completely refurbished last summer, regardless of whether you are travelling north or south. If you have travelled from Helsinki, your coffee spot will be a good hour’s drive from your starting point.
One stop, three tank fulls
Linnatuuli markets its services with the “one stop, three tank fulls” theme. Retailer Seppo Lauer explains:
At Linnatuuli, you can fill up your car tank with your preferred fuel; then you can fill up your stomach, and thirdly you can fill up your refrigerator. After all, Linnatuuli’s K-market has a wide selection of drinks for the home or summer cottage!
All kind of refreshment
No matter whether you are on holiday or travelling for another purpose, you will find just the kind of refreshment you need at Linnatuuli’s restaurant world. A cup of fresh coffee can be supplemented with delicious Finnish sweet breads and baguettes baked in-house, while the á la carte menu and buffet lunch table has something for everyone’s taste.
If hamburgers are king, then Carrols is happy to serve you, and, as you head towards your car, you can pause at the ice cream stall to sample its mouth-watering goodies!
For the whole family
The Neste service station pumps at both ends of the Linnatuuli station have been renewed in terms of technology and appearance. There is plenty of space for refuelling and at each pump you can either pay with your card or at the shop counter.
There is also a green yard with playing areas for children and tables for the adults. Inside the shop you will find games and playing areas for the littlest children, as well as a Häme Travel Office info point. What more could the summer traveller wish for?
Busy summertime
It’s no wonder that Seppo Lauer breaks into a broad smile – even in the middle of the summer bustle – when customer numbers are mentioned. “We’re open every day around the clock, but summer is overwhelmingly the busiest time. We have over two million customers every year – that’s more than visit the Linnanmäki Amusement Park in Helsinki!”
Indeed, the most adventurous customers on a July Thursday morning have come from as far as Laos!
Helena McNamara and her 2.5-year-old son Hugo have just picked up Hugo’s father, Jason, who has flown in for the Finnish summer.
“Hugo and I came back first, and now we’ve got Jason here for the whole summer. We’ll return to Laos in the autumn,” says Helena.
“Linnatuuli is where we always stop on these trips. It’s at an ideal distance between the Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport and Tampere, and it’s easy to stop here. The restaurant is very light and pleasant and a good place to take a morning snack.
According to Helena, usually one of the parents eats a breakfast of sausages and eggs at Linnatuuli, but this time the whole family will make do with a lighter serving.
We also often do a little shopping here and Hugo visits the children’s play area before we continue our trip.
How does the Finnish summer feel after your long flight? “Not bad so far,” says Jason McNamara with a smile as he sips coffee at Linnatuuli on the first day of his holiday with wife Helena and son Hugo.
www.k-market.com