Van Eyck Swimming Pool
Dive into history at Belgium's oldest indoor pool, a beautifully renovated Art Deco gem offering a unique swimming experience in Ghent.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more lanes
Van Eyck Swimming Pool
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more lanes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into history at Belgium's oldest indoor pool, a beautifully renovated Art Deco gem offering a unique swimming experience in Ghent.
"Absolutely a privilege to be able to swim on such a beautiful and historic location."
Bring Cash for Entry
Entry fee is around 7 euros for non-residents. Maestro, local cards, and cash are accepted. 💶
Coin for Lockers
You'll need a 50 cent or 1 Euro coin for the lockers. Bring change! :moneybag:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.1 · 568 reviews
Type
Swimming Pool
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Art Deco Architecture
Main Pool Area
Marvel at Belgium's oldest indoor pool, beautifully renovated to preserve its stunning Art Deco design. A true step back in time.
Historic Swimming Experience
Pool
Immerse yourself in history by swimming in a beautifully maintained, iconic 1886 public bathing house.
Warm, Clean Waters
Pool
Despite some older reviews, visitors find the water clean and pleasantly warm, perfect for a refreshing swim.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Dip
Navigating Changing Rooms & Lockers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
The Van Eyck swimming pool a 100 years ago
Still a pretty good place, shame it's always closed during the summer holiday.
Bring Cash for Entry
Entry fee is around 7 euros for non-residents. Maestro, local cards, and cash are accepted. 💶
Coin for Lockers
You'll need a 50 cent or 1 Euro coin for the lockers. Bring change! :moneybag:
Swimming in Gent!
Hi! I saw one post here, about swimming pools in Gent, but the thread was like 2 years old, so I'd like to ask you - which place would you recommend for swimming in Gent? Can be a swimming pool or some outdoor swimming option as well. Me and my friend, we wanted to go to Van…
Public swimming pool etiquette
Hey, I'm a newbie to Gent and want to go to a public indoor swimming pools. Are there anythings I should consider before or be aware of? Like only certain kind of bathing trunks, swimming cap. Etc.
Shower Before & After
Showers are communal and located near the pool. Some bring toiletries for a full wash. 🚿
Swim Goggles Available
Vending machines sell swimming goggles, though only children's sizes were noted. :athletic_shoe:
Pool in Ghent, Belgium
Ok, I admit this is a picture from internet and not taken myself (shame on me). But they are very strict on the prohibition of taking pictures, as they don’t want it to become a « tourist attraction », and I still wanted to brag about it!
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Entry
Entry fee is around 7 euros for non-residents. Maestro, local cards, and cash are accepted. 💶
Coin for Lockers
You'll need a 50 cent or 1 Euro coin for the lockers. Bring change! :moneybag:
Shower Before & After
Showers are communal and located near the pool. Some bring toiletries for a full wash. 🚿
Swim Goggles Available
Vending machines sell swimming goggles, though only children's sizes were noted. :athletic_shoe:
Student Discount
Students can enjoy a significantly reduced entry fee of around 1.7 euros. :student:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Van Eyck Swimming Pool for its stunning Art Deco architecture and historical significance, calling it a privilege to swim in. While it can get crowded and the changing room/locker system is unique, the clean, warm water and affordable entry make it a worthwhile experience for many.
"I was worried to swim here after reading some of the reviews. I came on a Monday at 12:45, so halfway through the second slot on that day. It was a good time because the pool was already very busy, but most swimmers were close to finishing their laps and in the end I had a lane to myself. So yes, it gets very busy, but you can work around it.
The cleanliness is like most public pools. The lady’s changing rooms are downstairs. It was hard to find a free individual one, there are only very few, less than 10. So I changed in a common one (at the end of the corridor). I packed everything in my bag and then there are lockers at the other end of the building where you can lock everything using a 50 Cent or 1 Euro coin. To get to the lockers (and to the main pool area) you have to go through one of the individual changing rooms into the main pool area. I’m not aware how to get there if they are all locked, which was initially the case when I arrived.
As I was aware of the shower situation, I just showered before and after the swim, but did not bother to wash my hair properly. I did that at home. However, I saw a lady bring her shower gel and shampoo to the shower that is in the main pool area."
Ein Google Nutzer
"The most beautiful cabin pool I’ve ever seen. Although the entry fee is around 6-7 euros and it can get quite crowded, the water is clean and warm.
It’s definitely worth visiting at least once to experience a touch of history and relax."
Ivan Limić
"Belgium's oldest indoor pool (1886), recently renovated with a lot of respect for the beautiful art-deco architecture.
Also a public bathing house for people who want to take a bath but don't have one at home.
Absolutely a privilige to be able to swim on such a beautiful and historic location. Plenty of space if you don't come during the bussiest times.
Yes the showers are next to the pool, yes the lockers aren't immediately next to the changing cabins. Et alors..
It's cheap, it's well maintained, perfect for a quick swim."
Karel-Jan Misseghers
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Van Eyck Swimming Pool is centrally located in Ghent. Public transport options are readily available, with several tram and bus lines stopping nearby. Walking from the city center is also a pleasant option if you're staying close by.
Parking in Ghent can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk if possible. If you must drive, look for public parking garages in the city center, though they can be a bit of a walk from the pool.
Van Eyck Swimming Pool is an indoor facility. While it's a historic and beautiful indoor pool, there are no outdoor swimming options available at this specific location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is approximately 6-7 euros for non-residents and around 1.7 euros for students. It's advisable to check their official website or inquire directly for the most current pricing.
Advance booking is generally not required, but it can get busy. Arriving during off-peak hours is recommended to ensure a smoother entry and a more enjoyable swim.
The pool is typically open from morning until 10 pm, offering flexibility for visitors. However, hours can vary, so it's best to confirm the daily schedule before your visit.
Payment can be made using Maestro cards, some local cards, and cash. It's recommended to have cash on hand as a backup.
Students receive a significant discount. While not explicitly mentioned for residents, it's always worth asking about potential local discounts upon arrival.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The pool can get quite busy, especially during peak times. Arriving early or on weekdays can help you avoid the largest crowds and potentially get a lane to yourself.
Visitors generally describe the water as clean and warm, making for a comfortable swimming experience.
There are individual cabins, but they are limited in number. Many visitors use the common changing rooms and then proceed to the lockers.
The lockers are located at the other end of the building from the changing rooms. You'll need to pass through an individual changing room to access the main pool area and lockers.
Yes, you can bring your own shower gel and shampoo. The showers are located in the main pool area, and some visitors use them for a full wash.
📸 📸 Photography
While not explicitly prohibited, it's generally best to be discreet with photography in public swimming facilities to respect other patrons' privacy. Focus on capturing the beautiful architecture when others are not in the frame.
The Art Deco architecture itself is the main photographic draw. Capture the grand design of the pool hall, the changing cabins, and any decorative elements that highlight its historic charm.
Yes, the historic elements and the beautiful Art Deco design are what make this pool so special. Focus on capturing these architectural details.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit