Sundhöllin á Ísafirði, the indoor swimming pool on Austurvegur in Ísafjörður, opened its doors to the public on 1 February 1946. Designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, a prominent state architect, this building is not only a pool but also a cornerstone of community life in Ísafjörður.
The pool itself is 16 metres long and forms part of a larger complex housing several public facilities. From the outset, Sundhöllin was envisioned as a venue for both recreation and education. Prior to its construction, residents learned to swim in the nearby Reykjanes area or the Ísafjörður harbour, where the cold sea limited such activities to summer months. The project took on momentum in the mid-1930s, following a push from the town council, but construction did not begin until the autumn of 1943.
Part of the building includes a gymnasium measuring 11 by 24 metres, purpose-built for physical education. The upper floor has changed use over time, serving first as the town library until 2003, then briefly as a preschool classroom for five-year-olds from local kindergartens. Today, it accommodates an after-school club for children attending Grunnskólinn á Ísafirði (the Ísafjörður elementary school).
Sundhöllin á Ísafirði is more than a swimming pool. Its multi-use facilities have been a constant backdrop to local life. For many years, all the classes from the town’s school used the pool, and the local swimming club Vestri trained here until 2016. The gymnasium, though less used since a larger sports hall opened in 1993, remains a place for public recreation. The building’s basement now hosts Djúpið, a youth centre.
Outside the entrance, two statues by Martinus Simson, depicting a man and woman in swimwear, welcome visitors. The stretch of Austurvegur aside Sundhöllin serves as a pedestrianized schoolyard, underlining the central role the complex plays for young residents.
Sources
- Wikidata
- Wikipedia (Icelandic) in Icelandic
Facts last reviewed 18 October 2026. Published 19 October 2026.
