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National Aquarium Denmark

1 Jacob Fortlingsvej, Kastrup,

Description

The National Aquarium Denmark, also called Den Blå Planet, is the largest aquarium in Northern Europe. It has over 50 exhibits clustered in 5 sections: the Rainforest (Philippine crocodiles, boas, sting rays), the African great Lakes (cichlids, Nile perch, village weaver birds), Cold Water (cod, puffin, sea otters), Warm Ocean with a 4m litre tank (various shark species, eagle rays, groupers, lionfish), and Evolution & Adaptation with a mangrove aquarium. The modern building was designed by Danish architects 3XN in the shape of a whirlpool's vortex.

Access & Transport

The aquarium is located 8 km southeast from Copenhagen's city centre, adjacent to the airport. The address is Jacob Fortlingsvej 1, 2770 Kastrup. There is a pay parking onsite but it is easy enough to get there by metro with Kastrup Station (M2) only a 5mins walk away. Bus #5C also goes there. Info for disabled access: https://denblaaplanet.dk/en/visit-us/disabled-access/

Instructions & Recommendations

Tickets must be purchased online for a designated timeslot. The online price is about 10% cheaper than at the ticket counter.

Meta review

Situated outside of the city centre so it gets less press coverage and attendance by foreign tourists but it does get good reviews from guidebooks. The online visitor reviews are mostly positive but with some caveats, specifically that it is quite expensive and busy (and noisy) with children on certain days, which can impact the quality of the experience and the wait at the restaurant for those electing to eat there. In terms of size and quality, the sense is that it is not one of the most impressive aquariums in the world but is still very much enjoyable, especially for families with younger children - the sea otters are a recurring favourite. Tip: do not forget to book online in advance, many people get the unpleasant surprise of not having slots available anymore when they show up.

Environmental & Social

The building has good environmental credentials (use of sea water for cooling and some electricity produced from biofuel) and there is a strong emphasis on research and conservation projects + fight against plastic waste in the ocean. Info available here: https://denblaaplanet.dk/en/about-the-blue-planet/science-and-nature-conservancy/

Conclusion

The aquarium is a good option for families looking for a change from castles, museums or simply exploring the city. It does come at a price though, like many things in Denmark, so keep that in mind and make sure to book online before heading there.

Key positive

Impressive architecture and wide range of species

Family-friendly activity

Good conservation and sustainability credentials

Key negative

Expensive (by European standards)

Can be crowded on certain days

Suitability

Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Open until 21h00 during school holidays

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:2h 15m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Sep, 01

Season 1

MONDAY10:00 - 21:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 17:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 17:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 17:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 17:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 17:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 17:00

Start of Season 2:Jun, 29

Season 2

MONDAY10:00 - 21:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 21:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 21:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 21:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 21:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 21:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 21:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
DKK 199
Adult
12 - 64
DKK 199
Child
3 - 11
DKK 107
Infant
0 - 2
DKK 0
Online price for non-peak season

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