Hotel Klaus Kurki opened in Helsinki 1938, and decades later it had become a rather anonymous place. Therefore, the new owner wanted to convert it into a modern lifestyle product – “a hotel with style and story”. When Stylt started working on the project, the ambition was to use Kalevala, Finland’s national epic and most significant works of literature, as the main source of inspiration.

Kalevala is a 19th century work of epic poetry, compiled by Elias Lönnrot from Finnish and Karelian oral folklore and mythology. Ever since, Kalevala has been an important part of Finnish national identity and pride, and also a major influence for Tolkien’s ”The Lord of the Rings”. Kalevala tells a similar story of the struggle between good and evil and even has its own ring - ”Sampo”. One of the main characters in this dramatic story of passion, betrayal, lies and envy, is the ferocious Klaus Kurki whose name was carved into the granite of the hotel’s entrance in 1938.

But the new Klaus K Hotel is much more than just a name on a door. It is a personal contemporary hotel, inspired by the emotional contrasts of Finland’s national epic, its nature and drama. It honours Kalevala’s tradition and background without getting trapped by its history. The hotel is fresh and different, stylish and experimental, modern and yet legendary with a story that continues to fascinate travelers from around the world.

Staying true to the story, the hotel is divided into a light and a dark side. Almost all of the furniture, carpets, wallpapers and objects have been custom-made, and the myths of Kalevala can be found in many surprising details. The corridor’s carpets between the guest rooms tell the main creation story, explaining how the world and the universe were created from seven eggs. The egg shape can be seen in many places throughout the hotel, such as the white reception desk, designed like a gigantic egg.

The hotel’s guests are guided on each floor to their rooms by animals from Kalevala’s adventures: songbird, magpie, swan, eagle, horse, moose, wolf, and bee. The pike is Kalevala’s symbol for music as Väinämöinen, the story’s main strong man, makes the first-ever kantele instrument out of a pike’s jawbone. This part of the story is emphasized by a large mosaic, depicting the legendary pike. The hotel’s four original room categories are named after strong Kalevala emotions: Passion, Mystical, Desire and Envy. Every room has a piece of art displaying a quote from the Kalevala, describing a specific mood. A restaurant concept true to the Finnish nature was created and named ”Ilmatar” after the goddess of the wind, and the bar and nightclub was called ”Ahjo” after the fire where the ring Sampo was crafted. The hotel’s Italian restaurant Toscanini pays homage to musician and conductor Arturo Toscanini who got to know Finnish painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela, creator of Kalevala’s immortal artwork.

Apart from being Helsinki’s first true design hotel, Klaus K Hotel hosts design and arts-related events such as fashion shows, themed events, vernissages, art exhibitions, unveilings, brand launches etc. In 2014, Klaus K expanded by adding 30 new Sky Loft rooms and suites. Today, Klaus K is a member of Kämp Collection Hotels who has the widest range of luxury hotels, restaurants, bars, lounges and meeting venues in Helsinki. The hotel’s story continues, grows and develops.