Home News European experts call for protection of Valhalla Swimming Hall Complex in Gothenburg, Sweden, under threat of demolition

European experts call for protection of Valhalla Swimming Hall Complex in Gothenburg, Sweden, under threat of demolition

September 11, 2026 | Posted in 7 Most Endangered

A European expert team has released a Report on the future of the Valhalla Swimming Hall Complex (Valhallabadet) in Gothenburg, Sweden. Open seven days a week and welcoming around 500,000 visitors annually, Valhallabadet is one of Gothenburg’s most important public swimming facilities, yet it is under threat due to plans to demolish it to make way for an expanded events area. Its modernist architectural design, including its outstanding abstract mosaics covering the halls, received the Bronze Medal for Architectural Design at the 1948 Olympic Games.

The complex was listed among the 7 Most Endangered heritage sites in Europe for 2025, in the framework of the 7 Most Endangered Programme run by Europa Nostra with the support of the European Investment Bank Institute. The site was nominated by Europa Nostra Sweden.

Summary of the Report

Located just outside Gothenburg’s city centre, the Valhalla Swimming Hall Complex is a remarkable example of post-war architectural heritage that continues to serve the public at full capacity. Despite its architectural, social and functional significance, the complex is at risk from plans by the Gothenburg City administration to demolish Valhallabadet as part of a major redevelopment of the area around the swimming hall and the nearby Scandinavium ice-hockey and concert arena.

The proposed redevelopment would make way for an expanded events area, with construction expected to begin in the coming years. The Report highlights the need to reconsider the demolition of a building that remains heavily used by the public and whose architectural significance extends well beyond Gothenburg. It also points to the importance of considering alternatives that could reconcile the city’s ambitions for the area with the preservation and continued use of Valhallabadet.

The campaign to save the swimming hall has gained significant public attention in Gothenburg. Supported by Europa Nostra, the local heritage group FASAD has brought Valhallabadet into the 2026 municipal election debate. The proposed redevelopment has become a prominent local political issue, while the previous agreement between six parties in support of demolition has broken down. Although parties broadly favouring replacement still command a majority, disagreements over financing could affect the future of the project.

Beyond the immediate fate of Valhallabadet, the case raises broader questions about the protection of modern architectural heritage in Sweden. The Report highlights shortcomings in the country’s current heritage protection framework and points to the importance of stronger European good practice in safeguarding culturally significant public buildings and ensuring meaningful consideration of alternatives before major publicly funded developments proceed.

In summary, the Report calls for the future of Valhallabadet to be reconsidered in light of its architectural significance, its exceptional level of public use and its importance to Gothenburg’s cultural and social life. Preserving this iconic swimming hall would demonstrate that ambitious urban development and the protection of modern heritage can be pursued together.

On-site mission

The Report was produced on the basis of the outcomes of the on-site mission conducted from 16 to 21 March 2026. The expert mission included visits to Valhallabadet and its urban setting, meetings with local and national heritage stakeholders, architectural practices, heritage professionals and elected municipal representatives, as well as discussions with the County Administrative Board and the Swedish Heritage Board.

The mission team consisted of Christopher Hurst, Laurie Neale and Pablo Longoria (virtually), on behalf of the Advisory Panel of the 7 Most Endangered Programme. In collaboration with representatives from Europa Nostra Sweden and the local heritage group FASAD, their engagement with the various stakeholders was crucial to developing a thorough understanding of the heritage, political and planning context surrounding Valhallabadet and the challenges to its preservation.