Hafnarfjörður Swimming Hall

Hafnarfjörður Swimming Hall has one of the oldest pools in the country and originally opened in 1943. In the beginning, seawater was pumped from the fjord, purified and heated with coal before being directed into the pool. In 1953 the swimming pool was roofed over and converted into an indoor swimming hall, making it the town’s oldest covered swimming pool. The architect of the pool was Guðjón Samúelsson, the State Architect. The pool boasts a 25‑meter indoor pool that is 8.7 meters wide and up to 3.2 meters deep at the deeper end. At the deep end of the pool there is a diving board. In a fenced garden next to the swimming pool building there are two spacious hot tubs, one of which has powerful massage jets. There is also a cold tub. In the changing rooms there are separate saunas for men and women. The swimming hall is known for its calm atmosphere and has long been a popular destination for local residents and students attending school swimming lessons. Construction of the swimming pool began in 1940, but work was delayed due to World War II. The pool was opened with ceremony in 1943 and was a major breakthrough for the residents of Hafnarfjörður, who had previously had to conduct swimming lessons in the sea under varying conditions. With the roofing in 1953 and the installation of geothermal heating in 1976, Hafnarfjörður Swimming Hall became the focal point for swimming instruction and training in the town. The swimming hall has retained its original charm, and in 2023 the pool’s 80th anniversary was celebrated. Through its unique history and tranquil atmosphere, the swimming hall remains an important venue for swimming, relaxation and socializing.