When evaluating the many swimming halls, I've focused on the aspects that matter most to me as a swimmer. My criteria came down to these key points:
- The temperature inside the swimming hall
- Space for swimmers, coaches, spectators, and behind the starting blocks
- Humidity levels
- Access to a cool-down pool
- Good facilities for dryland warm-ups
- Number of lanes
- The pool’s design (consistent depth, quality starting blocks, etc.)
Note: Only 50-meter pools were considered in this review.
1. Denmark’s Best Swimming Hall: Herning Swimming Hall – Herning
Based on the criteria above, Herning Swimming Hall stands out as a truly complete venue for swimmers.
Even with over 500 swimmers at DJM before summer break, the hall never became uncomfortably hot. You could easily sit through entire sessions without overheating, thanks in part to well-balanced humidity.
Uniquely for Denmark, there is generous space for swimmers, coaches, and spectators on both sides of the pool—no one is crammed together. Multiple pools are available for cool-down swims, and there’s plenty of space everywhere for warming up.
The pool is built with 10 lanes, each 2.5 meters wide—true Olympic standards—with a consistent depth of 2 meters throughout, creating a calm swimming environment. Another thoughtful detail: the stairs aren’t in the water itself, so you avoid awkward collisions.
All things considered, Herning Swimming Hall is a remarkably well-designed facility. Every detail is crafted for a world-class swimming experience—and Herning has succeeded impressively.
2. Hjørring Park Vendia – Hjørring
The relatively new swimming hall in Hjørring earns an excellent second place. Its only real drawbacks are the lack of a dedicated cool-down pool and having just 8 lanes. Otherwise, it’s a fantastic facility: even with 500 swimmers and coaches present, the hall stays comfortably cool. Both sides of the pool offer ample space for everyone, humidity levels are pleasant, and there’s plenty of room outside the pool for warm-ups. The pool itself features a comfortable floor and modern starting blocks.
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3. Bellahøj Swimming Stadium – Copenhagen
Bellahøj, Copenhagen’s iconic swimming stadium, comes in third—just ahead of the next contender. The hall does get very warm when filled with swimmers, spectators, and coaches; sometimes it’s uncomfortably hot. Humidity isn’t ideal either, likely due to the building’s age. On the bright side, Bellahøj offers more space for competitors and audiences than most, has a cool-down pool, 10 lanes of 2.5 meters each, even depth throughout, and excellent starting blocks at both ends. There’s less space for dryland warm-up, but overall, it remains a top choice.
4. Denmark’s Swimming Stadium – Esbjerg
The swimming stadium in Esbjerg claims fourth place. Its biggest strength is its ability to keep indoor temperatures comfortably low, as well as offering plenty of space for trainers, swimmers, and spectators. However, because the hall is designed for public use, there’s no access to a cool-down pool, and the pool itself has a deep end on one side. This doesn’t detract much, though—Denmark’s Swimming Stadium remains a great venue for swim meets.
