Itäkeskus swimming hall, Underground swimming center in Itäkeskus, Finland.
Itäkeskus swimming hall is a large underground swimming facility located in a district of Helsinki. The venue offers a 50-meter pool, children's pool, water slides, diving boards, several saunas, jacuzzi, and a steam bath.
The facility opened in 1993 as Helsinki began expanding its underground infrastructure to manage urban growth. Building within solid bedrock was a new approach for the city to create space beneath its dense neighborhoods.
The facility sits deep below ground within Helsinki's rocky landscape, making it a distinctive part of the city. Visitors experience the place as a regular swimming destination today, though the subterranean setting creates a particular quality to the visit.
The facility is easily accessible with wheelchair-friendly entrances, changing areas, and locker space for visitors. Massage services are available on site and can be arranged in advance.
The facility serves a hidden second purpose beyond daily recreation: it can house thousands of people during emergencies and functions as an underground shelter for the city. This dual design shows how Helsinki integrates emergency preparedness into everyday structures.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
