Finland blocks Chinese firm from buying Tallukka hotel over security concerns

Finland’s defence ministry has blocked the sale of the Tallukka hotel and its surrounding properties in Vääksy to a Chinese-owned company, citing national security risks.

Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen issued 14 negative decisions in early June, preventing real estate purchases by buyers from outside the EU and EEA. Nordic Inn Oy, the company behind the proposed Tallukka acquisition, is fully owned by Chinese citizens, according to the ministry.

The current owner must divest the property within six months of the decision taking legal effect, which occurred 30 days after notification. The deadline expires in early January 2027. If the sale is not completed by then, the ministry will order a forced sale through enforcement proceedings.

The hotel remains on the market, with its most recent online auction in May failing to attract a buyer. Huang Dong, deputy CEO of Greenstar Oy, which operates the hotel, responded briefly to Yle’s request for comment on Thursday: “The hotel is operating well at the moment. We are trying to sell the property, but I cannot disclose details now.” He added that more information would be available once a purchase agreement is signed.

The properties are located along Highway 24, between lakes Vesijärvi and Päijänne, an area critical to the Helsinki region’s water supply due to the Päijänne Tunnel.

No appeal has been filed against the ministry’s decision, according to the Hämeenlinna Administrative Court.