Svømmestadion Danmark (Swim Stadium Denmark), Esbjerg

A giant indoor world of water in Esbjerg

Svømmestadion Danmark is a vast indoor water universe on the edge of central Esbjerg, billed as the country’s largest bathing and swimming facility. Spread over roughly 10,000 square metres, it combines a tropical-style fun park with a full-scale competition arena, all under one light-filled roof. The temperature is kept comfortably warm without feeling stuffy, making it a genuine all‑weather escape on Denmark’s windswept west coast. The complex is part of the broader Sport & Event Park Esbjerg area, surrounded by other sports venues, which gives the place an energetic, active atmosphere. Yet once you step inside the pool halls, the outside bustle fades into the background, replaced by the slap of water, echoing splashes and the occasional whoosh of someone launching down a slide.

Slides, waves and play zones for every age

For families, the heart of Svømmestadion Danmark is its tropical water park, laid out with a mix of adventurous and gentle attractions. Two flagship slides dominate the slide tower: the 81 m multimedia tube known as “The Gray Deep”, where lights, sound and images surround you as you twist down from the fourth floor, and “The Old One”, a 60 m open slide with built‑in timing so you can race your own best run. A third slide, the near‑vertical “Blue Cannon”, offers a short, sharp adrenaline hit with a drop start from about 5 m up, ideal for thrill‑seekers who like their rides quick and intense. Around the slides there is a wave pool that surges at intervals, plus a counter-current canal where you can play with eddying water and test your strength against the flow. Younger children are well catered for in a dedicated baby pool and a shallow children’s pool, with depths around 30 and 45 cm. Softly shaped edges, warmer water and colourful toys make these areas feel safe and approachable. Floats, water wings and rubber toys are typically available to use, so you do not need a big bag of gear to keep little ones entertained.

Serious swimming in the 50 metre competition pool

Beyond the fun park, Svømmestadion Danmark is also a respected training base for swimmers. The main 50 m pool is built to competition standards, with multiple lanes, starting blocks and a deep section suited to racing turns. A flexible floor section can be raised to create a shallower play or training area when full competition depth is not required, giving the pool impressive versatility. On one side, diving facilities include 1 m and 3 m springboards as well as a 5 m platform, allowing both recreational jumpers and club divers to practise. The surrounding deck offers ample space for coaches, athletes and spectators during meets, and the hall’s design keeps temperatures relatively comfortable even with many people inside. Because the pool is shared between sports clubs and the general public, lane swimming, training sessions and open play are usually scheduled in different time slots or zones. This shared-use approach allows the stadium to function as both a community leisure pool and a venue capable of hosting larger swim events and training camps.

Relaxation, wellness and Roman-style baths

Not everything at Svømmestadion Danmark is about speed and exertion. A Roman-inspired bathing area provides a calmer corner, with a mix of hot and cold pools, steam bath, traditional sauna, soft‑sauna and jacuzzi. Moving between different temperatures is part of the experience here, encouraging slow, mindful circulation rather than constant activity. Alongside the main pool complex sits Esbjerg Spa & Wellness, an attached wellness centre offering saunas, steam facilities, spa pools, therapy baths, an ice fountain and quiet relaxation rooms. This side of the complex focuses on recovery and indulgence, making the stadium just as appealing for those who prefer a peaceful soak to a fast front crawl.

Atmosphere, practicalities and who it suits best

The overall atmosphere shifts through the day: early mornings and late evenings often feel more about lap swimming and fitness, while mid‑day and weekend sessions tend to be livelier, with families enjoying the slides and play pools. Modern changing rooms, various family facilities and clear information boards help the building handle heavy use without losing its sense of order. Svømmestadion Danmark is particularly well suited to mixed groups where some people want training-level swimming and others are mainly after fun or relaxation. With different pool zones, a wellness wing and spectator areas, it can absorb everything from a rainy‑day family outing to an intensive swim camp, all under one roof in Esbjerg’s sports district.