On a beautiful sunny day recently a friend and I decided to take our boys to the Olympic Swimming Stadium. Upon arrival we found our idea was not terribly unique, as the queue snaked out the door.
Once inside we had the choice of four pools – the main pool, a diving pool, a children’s pool & the wading pool.
We opted for the wading pool, which meant we could watch the boys without being in the water the whole time. There’s also a playground and a water slide, which you pay a small fee to use.
The diving pool was busy and an announcement was made over the loud speaker each time the highest platforms were opened for use.
The pools were originally built for the 1940 Summer Olympics, which were cancelled due to the war.The building was completed in time for Helsinki to host the 1952 Summer Olympics and the pools are now open each year from May – September.
I love the way the natural landscape has been kept, with rocks and trees providing places to lie and shelter.
During the war the pools were used to store root vegetables and herring. Here’s hoping that sunny day wasn’t a red herring as we haven’t had such a warm day since.
With up to 5000 people visiting on a good day however, it’s not food you’ll be finding but the phenomenon of a warm crowded swimming pool that I call people soup.
Helsinki Swimming Stadium ( Uimastadion )
Hey Helsinki 
They stored veggies in the pools?! You find all this amazing knowledge about Helsinki, I doubt anyone born here knows as much as you! I checked with my mum, she didn’t know either and she grew up almost next to the stadium. I am impressed. Again.
LikeLike
You’re too kind. I’m sure your mum has some amazing stories about growing up here. ; )
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Beautiful Helsinki and commented:
I’m pleased to see that summer has arrived in Heksinki!
LikeLike
This looks amazing! I have just re logged it on Beautiful Helsinki.
LikeLike
Thanks Debra! Hope you’re well ; )
LikeLike
Beautiful pools! I wish we could send you some of our heat…it’s been unseasonably warm and hot, as well as dry, here since early May. Your mention of using the pools to store root vegetables and herring during WWII makes me wonder what it was like in Finland, and for Finns, during that war. So much I do not know… Thank you for the interesting post!
LikeLike
Thanks Leslie! I hope summer hasn’t been too hot for you! We’ve just been away for a week and experienced some very hot temperatures. I loved it but am happy to be back now in Finland. All the best, Mel.
LikeLike
Pingback: 101 reasons to visit Helsinki | Hey Helsinki