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National Aquarium Denmark

Last updated: 26 June, 2023

Every city these days has an aquarium, but in Copenhagen’s case, it’s a bit special. This national aquarium (also known as ‘The Blue Planet’) reopened in 2013 to become the largest aquarium in northern Europe.

Inside there are more than 50 separate aquaria housing almost 17.000 animals and 700 species, including 4m hammerhead shark, sea otters and moray eels.

The building is also notable for its innovative architecture: clad in scale-like aluminium panels, the aquarium resembles a giant whirlpool from above, while from the ground it appears to float in a circular reflection pool.

Logistics

Price from: £18
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The aquarium is located next to the airport, a short walk from the Kastrup metro station. Alternatively, it’s a 45-minute cycle ride on bike lanes, via Amager Strandpark.

You can buy tickets at the entrance, but it’s better to do so in advance via the aquarium website; this will save you money and help avoid the entry queues, which can be long. Tickets can be printed out or simply scanned on your smartphone.

The popular museum restaurant serves local fish and seafood in Nordic style, with a focus on sustainable, accessible, and affordable food, made from local and seasonal products.

When to do it

The aquarium is open all year round, seven days a week.

In the week it can get busy with school groups – less of an issue in the summer months when they can get outside to eat and use the play areas. The aquarium opens late on a Monday evening – one of the best times to go.

Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

  • Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

Copenhagen

Destination guide

Compact, sexy, culture-rich and charismatic, this most stylish, progressive and tastiest of all the Nordic capitals never disappoints.