Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Helsinki, Finland
A historic Helsinki landmark where Art Deco glamour, bohemian heritage, and contemporary Finnish design converge above the city skyline.
Why DNA Hotels Loves It
● One of Helsinki’s most iconic buildings, dominating the city skyline since 1931 and once the tallest building in Finland.
● A beautifully restored blend of Art Deco, Art Nouveau, mid-century modern, and contemporary Finnish design by Fyra and Studio Joanna Laajisto.
● Home to the legendary Ateljee Bar, one of the most atmospheric rooftop bars in the Nordic capitals, with panoramic views across Helsinki.
A Helsinki Icon Since 1931
Few hotels are as deeply woven into the story of their city as Solo Sokos Hotel Torni. When the 70-meter tower opened in 1931, its skyscraper-inspired silhouette caused considerable controversy among Helsinki residents. Yet what was once seen as an intrusion quickly became one of the city’s defining landmarks. For decades Torni served as a meeting place for politicians, artists, writers, intellectuals, and travelers, helping shape Helsinki’s cultural and social life. Today, following an extensive restoration, the hotel remains every bit as relevant as it was nearly a century ago.
Art Deco Heritage Reimagined
Originally designed by architects Jung & Jung, Torni drew inspiration from the emerging skyscrapers of New York and Chicago. Behind its imposing exterior sat one of Finland’s most technologically advanced buildings, complete with private bathrooms, a modern telephone exchange, and even a rooftop mooring platform intended for airships. The recent renovation carefully preserves that pioneering spirit. Art Deco detailing, marble staircases, historic fixtures, and original architectural elements have been restored while contemporary Finnish design introduces a fresh layer of sophistication throughout the property.
A Hotel Filled with Stories
Torni’s guest list reads like a chapter from Finnish cultural history. Over the decades, composers, writers, artists, diplomats, celebrities, and political figures have passed through its doors. During the Second World War the tower even played a role in military observation and intelligence operations. The building has always been more than a hotel. It has served as a stage for Helsinki itself, a place where generations have gathered to celebrate, debate, create, and observe the city below.
Rooms with Character
The hotel’s 154 rooms balance historical atmosphere with contemporary comfort. Studio Joanna Laajisto approached the interiors with a light touch, combining Scandinavian simplicity with references to Torni’s Art Deco past. Warm woods, tactile textiles, carefully curated lighting, and subtle vintage details create spaces that feel both elegant and inviting. Rather than overwhelming guests with nostalgia, the rooms quietly acknowledge the building’s history while delivering the comfort expected from a modern city hotel.
The Return of Helsinki’s Great Gathering Place
Public life has always been central to Torni’s identity. Following the renovation, the hotel once again functions as one of Helsinki’s most vibrant social hubs. American Bar has returned beneath its magnificent Art Deco glass dome, where restored Paavo Tynell lighting, marble surfaces, and rich colors create a timeless atmosphere. Nearby, Restaurant OR brings together contemporary Nordic dining, a carefully curated wine program, and an impressive collection of Finnish art that spans generations. Throughout the hotel, art, design, food, and hospitality remain inseparable.
Above the City
No visit to Torni is complete without ascending to Ateljee Bar. Opened in 1951, it was among the first rooftop bars in Finland and remains one of Helsinki’s most beloved viewpoints. From here the city unfolds in every direction: church spires, harbor waters, historic rooftops, and the Baltic Sea beyond. Whether under the midnight summer sun or surrounded by the blue twilight of a Nordic winter evening, Ateljee Bar remains one of Helsinki’s most memorable places to pause and take in the city.
A Helsinki Original
Many historic hotels survive through nostalgia. Torni survives because it continues to evolve. The renovation respects the building’s remarkable heritage while ensuring it remains relevant for a new generation of travelers. Art, architecture, gastronomy, and history come together naturally here, creating a hotel that feels deeply Finnish without ever becoming predictable. For travelers seeking more than simply a place to stay, Solo Sokos Hotel Torni offers something increasingly rare: the opportunity to experience Helsinki through one of its most enduring cultural landmarks.
