A long-standing traffic station in Rovaniemi, which started 35 years ago, is being demolished and replaced by a new ABC station following its closure.
The iconic traffic station in Rovaniemi, known for its long history as Esson and later as Neste Reissumies, is set to be demolished after closing its doors for the last time. The founders, Jyrki and Susanna Ruokanen, shared an emotional farewell video in September, depicting the moment they turned off the lights and locked the doors, marking the end of an era. The owners had always hoped the Reissumies would continue, believing the business could change ownership without vanishing completely, but change was inevitable.
The closure saga began last summer when Osuuskauppa Arina purchased the land on which Reissumies stood, while Neste planned to lease the site. Rumors of the station's impending closure circulated soon after, though Neste initially did not comment. By August 2025, the situation became clearer as Neste confirmed the closure, leading to the bittersweet final farewell in September when the doors were shut for the last time.
Arina reportedly justified the purchase of Reissumies as a land reserve for future development, reflecting a broader trend of modernization in the area. The anticipated replacement with a new ABC station highlights the tensions between preserving local heritage and the push for new developments that meet current consumer needs, signaling a shift in the landscape of Rovaniemi's services.
