Dropping everything. Slipping into a swimsuit. Forgetting about all the world’s woes as you melt away in the warm waters of a pool, surrounded by breathtaking vistas.
Feeling a “yes, that’s exactly what I need” moment? Then get ready for our splashy tour of some of the coolest pools in the world. And, guess what? Most of them happen to be in Europe, meaning you can easily reach them by train.
Image Credit: Artwood Ingresso. Image Location: Hotel Terme Millepini, Montegrotto Terme, Padua, Italy
1. Y-40 The Deep Joy — Montegrotto Terme, Padua, Italy
Moving south, Italy has got a treat for you: Y-40 The Deep Joy, the deepest thermal water pool in the world. It’s so deep you’d think you’re on your way to the center of the Earth. And, it’s even got caves and other cool sites to see for underwater adventurers.
Location: Find this deep delight at the 4-star Hotel Terme Millepini in Montegrotto Terme, Province of Padua, Italy.
Entry fee: Access varies whether you’re scuba diving or freediving. A scuba experience costs from $40. Freedive ticket prices start from $43.
How to get there: It’s a short train ride from Venice to Montegrotto Terme. From the station, Y-40 is 20 minutes by foot.
2. Embassy Gardens Sky Pool — London, UK
Ever fancied swimming 115 feet (35 meters) up in the sky with nothing but a sheet of glass between you and the ground? Well, London’s got you covered with its Sky Pool. It feels like you’re floating in the clouds, quite literally.
Location: London’s Sky Pool is located in Embassy Gardens in the Nine Elms area of Wandsworth, near the U.S. Embassy.
Entry fee: The Sky Pool is part of a residential development and has restrictions on public access. You can only visit it as a guest of the Embassy gardens development.
How to get there: Once in London, you need to get to Vauxhall station, which is run by the Victoria line (light blue) and is in Zone 1/2. From here, it’s about a 10-minute walk.
3. Nemo 33 — Brussels, Belgium
Over in Belgium, there’s Nemo 33. It’s like an indoor swimming pool but on steroids. With a 33-meter (108 feet) depth, it has underwater rooms that make you feel like an aquatic Indiana Jones.
Location: Located in the heart of Brussels, Belgium.
Entry fee: They have different packages for freedivers and scuba divers (and also for groups).
For scuba diving:
- Licensed divers and instructors: $30.70, which includes the tank.
- Newbies with an instructor: $30.70 online, plus $13 at the door. Gear is included.
Into freediving? They’ve got two zones: Deep (33m/108 feet) and Shallow (33 feet).
- Certified divers and instructors: $30.70 in the deep zone, $24 in the shallow zone. Both include a buoy.
- Beginners with a coach: Same prices as above, and you get the buoy, too.
Pro tip: Get their Bronze card for some sweet deals.
How to get there: Brussels is well-connected by train with many spots in Europe. Once in the city, Nemo 33 is accessible by public transport or a short taxi ride.
Image Credit and Location: Hotel Krallerhof, Leogang, Austria
4. Hotel Krallerhof’s Infinity 50 Pool — Leogang, Austria
Swimming with a view of the Austrian Alps — sounds like a dream, right? That’s exactly what you get at Hotel Krallerhof’s 50-meter-long (164 feet) and 1.6-meter-deep (5.2 feet) infinity pool. Seamlessly integrated into the lake, this one lets you swim in Olympic dimensions with the breathtaking Alps as your backdrop. And here’s the best part: it’s heated to a toasty 86 °F, making it the ideal all-year-round spot for a cozy, warm swim.
Location: Nestled in the Austrian Alps, part of Hotel Krallerhof (Rain 6, 5771 Leogang, Zell am See, Austria).
Entry fee: Included in your stay at the hotel.
How to get there: There are direct trains from Salzburg to Leogang station, and then it’s only 20 minutes by foot to the hotel.
5. Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool — Singapore
Swimming in the Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool is like floating on the edge of the world. Perched 57 stories high and stretching 150 meters (492 feet) across the Marina Bay Sands hotel’s three towers, it’s the world’s largest outdoor infinity pool at this height. When the sun dips down, the place turns into an awesome, neon-lit pool.
Location: Atop the Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore.
Entry fee: Exclusive to hotel guests. Booking a room is your ticket in.
How to get there: Singapore is a global hub, accessible from pretty much anywhere. Once in the city, Marina Bay Sands is a landmark you can’t miss.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Matthew Micah Wright. Image Location: Blue Lagoon, Grindavík, Iceland
6. Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa — Grindavík, Iceland
Ready for a dip in milky blue waters while surrounded by lava fields? Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is waiting for you. This pool is a natural spa, famous for its healing waters and otherworldly beauty.
Location: The Blue Lagoon thermal spa is located in the heart of the Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark in Iceland.
Entry fee: Various packages are available, from Comfort ($73) and Premium ($95) day entry to luxury experiences. For $577, you’ll indulge in five hours of opulence at the Retreat Spa. This includes a private changing suite and unlimited access to the exclusive Retreat Lagoon and the iconic Blue Lagoon.
How to get there: Blue Lagoon is just 20 minutes by car from Keflavík Airport and 50 minutes from Reykjavík.
Take a dive with Trainline
So, there you have it — a whistle-stop tour of the world’s coolest pools. Whether you’re floating above London or diving into Italy, these are the spots to make your Instagram or TikTok go wild. Download the Trainline app today and get your aquatic adventure booked.
Header Image Credit and Location: Hotel Krallerhof, Leogang, Austria