Home » FINLAND TRAVEL NEWS » Historic Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall Reopens with Modern Amenities for Tourists, Everything You Need to Know

Published on
February 3, 2026

The historic Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall in Helsinki has officially reopened its doors to the public on February 2, 2026, after a major renovation. This historic landmark, which is one of the oldest indoor swimming pools in the Nordic region, has continued to serve an important purpose in the long-standing bathing culture of Helsinki. The renovation of this historic landmark has ensured that the architectural heritage of the building is maintained while also incorporating modern facilities to improve the experience of visitors. As a distinct landmark, the reopening of Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall is expected to draw both locals and foreign visitors to experience the spa culture of Helsinki.

A Glimpse into Helsinki’s Bathing Heritage

Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall first opened its doors in 1928, becoming Finland’s first indoor facility designed for year-round bathing, exercise, and relaxation. Located within a city-center block in Helsinki, the facility quickly became a cornerstone of the city’s bathhouse culture, which grew popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As Helsinki became known for its seaside baths and health resorts, Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall remained a prominent symbol of the city’s health and wellness heritage. Despite changing times and trends, it has remained beloved by Helsinki residents for nearly a century.

The renovation aimed to strike a balance between modernization and preserving the historical essence of this iconic facility. The project was designed to enhance accessibility, while maintaining the unique character and atmosphere that has made Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall a cherished institution for generations. The careful preservation of architectural elements, including the building’s iconic ceramic tiles dating back to the 1920s, underscores the commitment to protecting its cultural and historical value.

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Architectural Beauty: A Blend of Nordic Classicism and Art Deco

Architecturally, Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall showcases a beautiful combination of Nordic Classicism and Art Deco styles. Designed by architect Väinö Vähäkallio and constructed by Jalo N. Syvähuoko, the building was an engineering feat for its time, especially given its compact location within a dense urban block. The architectural design is reflective of the era’s pursuit of functional beauty, where space and utility were optimized without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

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The swimming hall features a layout that caters to both leisure and exercise. The ground floor contains the main swimming pool, alongside essential amenities such as washing facilities, changing rooms, and saunas. On the upper floor, visitors can enjoy private relaxation booths, a café overlooking the pool, and additional saunas, including a traditional wood-fired sauna and a steam sauna. A smaller pool and group exercise spaces complete the diverse offerings available to guests.

A Cultural Landmark and Leisure Hub

Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall has long been more than just a swimming facility. In the early 20th century, it was part of a broader urban leisure experience, offering services such as shoe polishing, clothing pressing, and hair styling. Visitors would often visit these amenities before heading out to social venues in the city. Over the years, the hall’s role has evolved, but it has always remained a place where people could gather, exercise, and rejuvenate.

Today, Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall continues to serve as a central hub for Helsinki residents and tourists alike, offering a blend of wellness, exercise, and relaxation. The reopening after renovation is expected to further cement its status as a key destination for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic Finnish bathhouse experience.

Renovation Efforts Focus on Preservation and Modernization

The renovation of Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall was carried out with close collaboration between the City of Helsinki’s cultural and architectural conservation experts. The primary objective was to preserve the building’s original materials, proportions, and design details, while improving accessibility and integrating modern technical and environmental standards.

Significant changes were kept to a minimum, with most of the visible alterations focused on the lifeguards’ control area and the ticket office. The building’s historical charm remains intact, and the result is a seamless integration of modern amenities with the hall’s original architecture.

Introducing Public Art and New Cultural Features

As part of the renovation, a new public artwork was introduced to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the swimming hall. Commissioned under Helsinki’s Percent for Art program, the artwork, titled Water Bodies, was created by photographic artist Noora Sandgren. The installation consists of six glass-printed photographs displayed at the entrance of the swimming hall, exploring water as an essential element of life and the interactions between living organisms and the environment.

This new artistic addition further enriches the visitor experience, creating a space that encourages reflection while highlighting the significance of water in both health and culture. The combination of art and architecture makes Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall a truly immersive destination for tourists and locals alike.

A Unique Bathing Experience in Helsinki

Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall remains unique among Helsinki’s public swimming facilities due to its dual bathing policy. Visitors can choose to swim either nude or in swimwear, maintaining a longstanding tradition of providing a more flexible and personalized experience. To preserve this tradition, swimming days are scheduled separately for men and women, further respecting cultural practices and individual preferences.

The two-story facility offers a combination of active swimming on the ground floor and more spa-oriented experiences on the upper level. This design ensures that visitors can enjoy both the physical benefits of exercise and the relaxing, rejuvenating qualities of a traditional Finnish spa environment.

Impact on Tourism and Travel in Helsinki

The reopening of Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall is set to have a positive impact on tourism in Helsinki. As visitors from around the world seek to experience the authentic Finnish sauna culture and bathhouse traditions, Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall provides a unique and immersive experience that appeals to wellness and culture tourists.

Helsinki’s reputation as a spa and wellness destination is further enhanced by this historic facility, which offers a genuine Finnish experience in a city that is already known for its unique blend of modern design, history, and natural beauty. For tourists seeking to connect with local traditions while enjoying world-class amenities, Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall is an ideal destination that reflects the essence of Finnish relaxation and wellness culture.

A Timeless Experience for Today’s Travelers

The reopening of Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall offers both locals and tourists a chance to experience one of Helsinki’s most beloved cultural landmarks. With its blend of historic charm and modern upgrades, the swimming hall remains a testament to the enduring appeal of Finland’s bathhouse culture. For travelers looking to explore Helsinki’s rich cultural heritage while relaxing in an authentic, serene environment, Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall is a must-visit destination.