Seven most beautiful indoor swimming pools in Helsinki

Hidden inside a central city-centre block and cherished by generations of bathers is the beautiful Yrjönkatu swimming hall. The hall reopened to the public on 2 February 2026 following a comprehensive renovation. A restoration that has truly respected the historic swimming hall’s bathing heritage as one of the oldest indoor swimming halls in the Nordics and the oldest in Finland (the hall was built in 1928). So, the aesthetics of the hall remain very much the same and improvements have only involved modernising the technical systems of the swimming hall and making them more environmentally friendly, as well as improving the accessibility of the facilities.

Architecturally, Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall represents Nordic Classicism enriched with Art Deco influences. The ground floor houses a 25 metres long swimming pool, spacious washing facilities and two saunas. Men and women swim on separate days there and everyone has the opportunity to swim nude. A one-time pass costs 6€ or 8€ if you want your own seated cabin (well worth it!).

If you feel like splashing out, it costs 20€ to access the upstairs lounge that overlooks the pool. There, you’ll get access to your own curtained relaxation space (with a bed!) and you get your own bathrobe and towel. Upstairs has several different saunas, including a traditional wood-fired sauna and a steam sauna. It also has a delightful café, from which you can order food, drinks and snacks whilst enjoying the view downstairs.

Helsinki

Art Deco

Pst! At the entrance to the swimming hall you can find beautiful new public artwork commissioned under Helsinki’s Percent for Art principle. Created by artist Noora Sandgren, the work Water Bodies is composed of six glass-printed photographs that “celebrate water as a life-giving force and highlight the interaction between different organisms”.

2. Jakomäki swimming hall – the most accessible

Jakomäki swimming hall was originally built for the students at Jakomäki high school; in fact, the pool is in the school’s basement. The pool opened in 1972 and has since been renovated and made fully wheelchair accessible. There is a children’s pool as well as a 25m swimming pool for adults and it’s a lovely place to go for a dip after work. A ticket will cost you €6. Remember to check their website before you plan to go: the opening hours are irregular! 

3. Itäkeskus swimming hall – the underground wonder

The most unusual thing about Itäkeskus swimming hall is that it’s built underground, into a rock. In fact, it can even serve as a bomb shelter. The hall opened in 1993 and is home to six saunas, a cold water pool, and a steam bath—as well as the famous 50m pool. It’s worth visiting for the experience, and the length of the pool makes it a great place to exercise. They also have a unisex dressing room which is especially useful for families. A one-time pass costs €6 and the metro takes 16 minutes to get to Itäkeskus from the centre of town. 

5. Mäkelänrinne swimming hall – for the serious swimmers!

At 50m long, Mäkelänrinne swimming pool is popular with Helsinki’s serious swimmers. As well as gym facilities, a steam room, and saunas, the hall houses a 10m diving board, a cold water pool, and a hydro massage pool. High profile swimming events often take place in Mäkelänrinne swimming hall. Tickets cost €7.20 each.

6. UH and FIX Vuosaari – the kids’ favorite!

UH and FIX Vuosaari is home to a 25m pool, a children’s pool, diving boards, two saunas, and the most magnificent water slide. The pool’s back wall is made of glass, so you can enjoy the daylight while you swim in the middle of winter. An adult ticket costs €6.50 and the metro to Vuosaari takes 22 minutes from the centre of town. 

7. Töölö swimming hall – the small and intimate

Töölö swimming hall is Helsinki’s little pool secret if you like, favoured by many locals. The place is bright and airy with a pool for adults, two kids’ pools and one “spa pool” for relaxing – and of course some saunas too. There is also a gym and a cafe. The central location of Töölö swimming hall makes it a great and easy place to visit even on a short Helsinki-break. Adult ticket costs 6€.