The thriving school of palaeontological research that Björn Kurtén surprisingly established at Helsinki came about through a unique combination of Swedish and Finnish traditions that were merged in Kurtén's personal history, inclination and personality. Late in his life, the authors experienced him as a teacher and Ph.D. adviser in the many-splendoured scientific and cultural circumstances that his international recognition as scientist and writer had generated. Here, we share recollections of those days and look back, trying to understand how the seemingly unexpected establishment of successful palaeontology in a nearly fossil-free environment grew through the choices and activities of a very special individual.