AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park
Northern Europe's largest freshwater aquarium meets wild Danish nature in this immersive family discovery centre.
AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park in Silkeborg combines Northern Europe's largest freshwater aquarium with an outdoor wildlife park featuring native Danish animals. Inside, panoramic windows reveal pike, giant catfish, and otters in naturalistic aquatic settings across four exhibition floors. Outside, a nature park hosts beavers, raccoons, wild boar cubs, and storks, complemented by a large water playground with canons, sluices, and paddling pools. The facility includes a cafe serving organic food and barbecue facilities, making it an ideal half-day family destination.
A brief summary to AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park
- Vejlsøvej 55, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
- +4589212189
- Visit website
- Duration: 2.5 to 4.5 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Bring a change of clothes and swimwear—the water playground is designed to get you wet. This is part of the experience, not a drawback.
- Arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds and maximize time at the water playground and animal feeding demonstrations.
- Plan for 3–4 hours to experience both the indoor aquarium exhibitions and outdoor wildlife areas without rushing.
- Visit during the daily animal feeding times for the most engaging zookeeper presentations and animal activity observation.
- Consider booking an overnight shelter experience to witness nocturnal animal behavior and enjoy a unique nature immersion.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Bus from Silkeborg Town Centre
Local buses operate from central Silkeborg to AQUA, with journey times of approximately 10–15 minutes depending on route and traffic. Services run multiple times daily, with increased frequency during peak hours. Standard single tickets cost around 25–35 DKK. Check local timetables as frequency varies by day and season.
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Bicycle from Silkeborg Town Centre
Silkeborg is highly cycle-friendly, and AQUA lies approximately 3–4 kilometers from the town centre via flat, well-maintained cycling routes. Journey time is typically 15–20 minutes. Bike rental services are available throughout Silkeborg, with daily rates around 80–120 DKK. The route is suitable for families with children, passing through pleasant residential areas.
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Private Car with Parking
AQUA has dedicated on-site parking facilities. From Silkeborg town centre, the drive takes approximately 10 minutes via local roads. From Aarhus (approximately 40 kilometers away), allow 45–60 minutes. Parking is included with admission. The facility is well-signposted from major roads in the region.
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Taxi or Ride-Share Service
Taxis and ride-share services operate throughout Silkeborg and the Aarhus region. From Silkeborg town centre, expect a journey of 10–15 minutes costing approximately 100–150 DKK. From Aarhus Airport, the journey is approximately 50–70 minutes with costs around 400–600 DKK, depending on service and traffic conditions.
AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park
Northern Europe's Premier Freshwater Aquarium Experience
AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park stands as a distinctive attraction in Silkeborg, housing Northern Europe's largest freshwater aquarium. The indoor facility showcases the rich aquatic biodiversity of Danish lakes and waterways through carefully designed exhibitions spread across four floors. Visitors encounter ferocious pike through expansive panoramic windows and follow the record-breaking giant catfish, creatures capable of swallowing entire ducks. The touch pools offer hands-on interaction with aquatic species, allowing children and adults alike to engage directly with the underwater world. These interactive elements transform the aquarium from a passive viewing experience into an educational adventure where visitors actively participate in discovering freshwater ecosystems.Wildlife Park and Natural Habitats
Beyond the aquarium walls lies the AQUA park, a carefully landscaped nature reserve featuring animals native to Denmark and Northern Europe. European beavers, playful otters, curious raccoons, wild boar cubs, and elegant storks inhabit naturalistic enclosures designed to reflect their wild environments. The park's commitment to animal welfare is evident in spacious, well-maintained habitats that prioritize the creatures' wellbeing. Daily feeding demonstrations and zookeeper presentations provide fascinating insights into animal behavior and conservation efforts, transforming observation into learning. The wilderness trail winds through the park, offering peaceful moments of discovery and connection with nature.Water Play and Family Adventure
The expansive water playground represents a centerpiece of the outdoor experience, featuring water canons, interactive sluices, paddling pools, and activities designed for all ages and heights. The playground incorporates climbing structures, swings, cable cars, and sandboxes, ensuring that both young children and older visitors find engaging activities. The facility's design acknowledges that wet clothes are inevitable—indeed, encouraged—making this a destination where families should arrive prepared for water-based fun. Adjacent to the playground, a substantial lunch area with barbecue facilities and the Café Foderbraettet provides sustenance, with options ranging from grilled food prepared by visitors to light dishes and organic meals served indoors.Seasonal Rhythms and Year-Round Access
AQUA operates throughout the year, welcoming visitors across all seasons. The facility's mixed indoor-outdoor design allows for flexible exploration regardless of weather conditions. Winter visits offer quieter experiences and opportunities to observe nocturnal animals during extended darkness, while warmer months bring the water playground into full use. The park's landscape transforms with the seasons, offering different perspectives on the natural environment and animal behavior patterns. Extended daylight in summer enables longer visits, while shorter winter days suit families preferring more compact experiences.Immersive Nocturnal Experiences
AQUA offers unique overnight stays in comfortable forest shelters, allowing visitors to experience the park's secret nightlife. As darkness falls, nocturnal inhabitants emerge—squirrels dart through branches, badgers rustle through undergrowth, and European beavers become most active. The shelters provide soft mattresses and practical facilities, creating a balance between authentic nature immersion and comfortable rest. Morning brings the opportunity to enjoy breakfast accompanied by birdsong and explore the park anew, transforming a single visit into a multi-sensory nature education experience that resonates long after departure.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Silkeborg Water Tower
1.4 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Lovisehøj
1.8 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
silkeborg
2.0 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
3.0 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
9.2 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
9.6 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Store Troldhøj
10.9 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Randershøj
11.1 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Bølling Lake
11.6 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Jutland's Automobile Museum
14.0 km
Discover Denmark's automotive history at Jutland's Automobile Museum in Gjern, showcasing vintage cars and motorcycles from the early 1900s to iconic post-war models, offering a unique glimpse into the nation's motoring heritage.
Abbey Mill
15.2 km
Explore Abbey Mill in Skanderborg: A picturesque blend of history and nature, perfect for leisurely strolls and unforgettable experiences.
Øm Klostermuseum
16.3 km
Discover Denmark's medieval monastic life at Øm Klostermuseum near Ry: Explore ruins, gardens, and artifacts revealing centuries of history and brewing traditions.
Mossø
18.9 km
Discover the serene beauty of Mossø, Denmark's third-largest lake, offering hiking, watersports, and historical sites in the heart of the Danish Lake District.
Jutland
19.6 km
Discover Jutland, Denmark: Explore Viking history, stunning nature, and family fun on the mainland peninsula, offering an authentic Danish experience.
The Uncovered Bridge
21.7 km
A hidden railway bridge buried for 85 years, spectacularly restored and now one of Denmark's most beloved landmarks.
Unmissable attractions to see
Odderpassager
0.5 km
A low wooden boardwalk skimming Almindsø’s surface, Odderpassager lets you drift between forest and lake at Østre Søbad, half pier, half tranquil nature trail.
Indelukkets Friluftsscene
0.6 km
Historic open-air theatre hosting rock festivals, concerts, and cultural events in scenic Silkeborg parkland.
Aboretet Silkeborg
0.6 km
A quiet world of global trees in a 200‑year‑old Silkeborg forest, where wetlands, wildlife and easy woodland paths create a free, low‑key escape close to town.
Befrielsesmonument i Silkeborg
0.6 km
A powerful World War II memorial in Silkeborg’s Indelukket park, where Knud Nellemose’s bronze freedom fighter rises from granite reliefs of occupation, resistance and liberation.
Museum Jorn, Silkeborg
0.9 km
Riverfront modern art sanctuary in Silkeborg, uniting Asger Jorn’s bold legacy, CoBrA masterpieces and hands-on creativity in an intimate, light-filled museum.
Dronningestolen
1.2 km
A modest forest hill with a royal name, Dronningestolen offers a framed Silkeborg panorama, woodland quiet and a sense of history above the lakeside town.
Kroghs Bænk
1.2 km
Central Jutland’s award-winning safari and wildlife park, where visitors can encounter exotic animals, participate in immersive experiences, and explore vast open landscapes.
Birkehøj Silkeborg
1.2 km
A modest Silkeborg hilltop with wide woodland views, Birkehøj offers a simple, quiet pause above town for walkers, cyclists and anyone craving a breath of open sky.
Ulvehoved
1.5 km
A gentle hilltop in Silkeborg’s Nordskov, Ulvehoved offers forest trails, soft climbs and tranquil views across Denmark’s hilly lake highlands.
Badeanstalten
1.6 km
Denmark's most authentic bathhouse—a historic Nordic wellness sanctuary preserving centuries of bathing tradition.
Silkeborg Archive
1.6 km
Silkeborg’s collective memory, preserving documents, images and stories that trace the lakeside city’s journey from industrial outpost to modern municipality.
Galerie Moderne Silkeborg
1.7 km
One of Scandinavia’s largest modern art galleries, blending CoBrA masterpieces, contemporary works and a welcoming, free-to-enter space in central Silkeborg.
Vægmaleri
1.7 km
Experience the tradition of Denmark’s lake steamers aboard Turbådene Himmelbjerget, a nostalgic boat journey bridging Ry, Silkeborg, and the legendary hill.
Tollundmanden
1.7 km
Meet the Tollund Man, a 2,400‑year‑old bog body whose hauntingly preserved face and story of ritual, death and discovery define Museum Silkeborg’s Iron Age heart.
Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården
1.8 km
Step into Silkeborg’s oldest manor house to meet Tollund Man, explore bog mysteries and trace the town’s journey from Iron Age wetlands to modern Jutland hub.
Essential places to dine
Orangeriet
0.4 km
Seasonal Nordic cuisine in a historic orangery surrounded by gardens and natural light.
Gl. Skovridergaard
0.4 km
Historic forester’s lodge turned serene hotel, restaurant and conference haven, wrapped in parkland with forests, lakes and Silkeborg’s cultural life close at hand.
Resturant indelukket
0.7 km
Modern Danish comfort food on the edge of Silkeborg’s Indelukket park, where classic flavors, fresh ingredients and riverside greenery create an easygoing dining escape.
Ristorante Pizzeria Roma
1.4 km
Unpretentious Italian comfort in central Silkeborg, with stone-oven pizzas, generous pasta plates and a cosy, family-friendly dining room ideal for relaxed evenings.
Restaurant Karoline Amalie v/Rikke Brockstedt
1.4 km
Destination dining in the woods near Silkeborg, where seasonal Danish menus, thoughtful wine pairings and a calm, intimate room turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
Restaurant Spyd
1.5 km
Charcoal-grilled Turkish kebabs and Middle Eastern specialties in casual Silkeborg dining.
Skovbakken Silkeborg
1.6 km
Hilltop event restaurant with sweeping river and harbor views, hosting weddings, celebrations and meetings above Silkeborg’s green waterfront.
La Casita
1.6 km
Colorful Mexican comfort food, tequila and hygge in a cozy, rustic cantina right on Bindslevs Plads in the heart of Silkeborg.
Tin's
1.6 km
Casual, cozy Vietnamese cooking in central Silkeborg, serving steaming pho, crisp banh xeo and fresh herbs in a relaxed, modern setting ideal for lunch or dinner.
Madkassen V/allan Petersen
1.6 km
Casual Silkeborg sandwich and tapas kitchen serving generous box lunches, easygoing takeaway and tailored catering from a friendly Tværgade storefront.
Regatta Sandwich
1.6 km
Freshly baked Italian sandwiches in the heart of Silkeborg—quality ingredients, casual charm.
Asian Restaurant & Café
1.7 km
Cozy Southeast Asian flavors in the heart of Silkeborg, pairing Vietnamese and Thai dishes with a warm, relaxed atmosphere on lively pedestrian Søndergade.
Daruma Ramen
1.7 km
Cosy Japanese noodle bar on Søndergade in Silkeborg, serving comforting ramen and crisp chicken katsu in a simple, relaxed setting ideal for casual meals.
BABBA
1.7 km
Mediterranean-inspired social dining, wine and cocktails in a cosy Silkeborg townhouse with a lively bar and atmospheric courtyard terrace.
Burger Beast Silkeborg
1.7 km
No-nonsense, juicy burgers with organic beef, soft buns and signature Beast dressing in a relaxed, central Silkeborg burger bar geared for eat-in and takeaway.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Pindhus.dk
1.7 km
Hand-curated Scandinavian design, gifts, and lifestyle treasures in the heart of Silkeborg.
t.i.n.g.
1.7 km
Scandinavian design paradise in central Silkeborg, offering two floors of curated furniture, lighting, interiors and gifts in a calm, inspiring boutique setting.
Fair Retro
1.7 km
Curated mid-century and retro furniture in a cosy Silkeborg shop, where vintage Danish design, characterful lighting and sustainable home inspiration fill every corner.
Huset Lene Bak Silkeborg
1.7 km
Welcoming women’s fashion boutique in central Silkeborg, specialising in quality jeans, flattering fits and personal styling in a calm, uncluttered setting.
Femilet
1.8 km
Premium Scandinavian lingerie and intimate wear for women seeking comfort, quality, and perfect fit.
Buksecompagniet
1.8 km
Independent Silkeborg fashion store mixing timeless Scandinavian basics, denim and footwear with seasonal trends for both men and women on lively Søndergade.
Bivs.dk
1.8 km
Silkeborg's dedicated children's clothing and toy specialist with extended daily hours.
Companys Silkeborg
1.8 km
Modern Scandinavian womenswear in a calm, central Silkeborg boutique, ideal for curated wardrobe updates between café stops and city-center strolls.
TOFT SHOP
1.8 km
Curated menswear blending timeless elegance with contemporary style in Silkeborg's charming lake district.
b.young Silkeborg
1.8 km
A contemporary Danish womenswear boutique in central Silkeborg, offering accessible Scandinavian style, versatile outfits and relaxed, easy-going browsing.
Tenna Og Jens Kristian I/S
1.8 km
Family-run multibrand womenswear house in central Silkeborg, combining 400 m² of contemporary fashion, personal styling and Scandinavian labels on lively Vestergade.
Bustedwoman.com
1.8 km
Curated European fashion and personalized styling in Silkeborg's premier women's boutique.
Normal
1.8 km
Denmark's original discount retailer where treasure hunting meets affordability in quirky, welcoming surroundings.
Mr Silkeborg A / S
1.8 km
Refined menswear boutique in central Silkeborg, combining Danish and international brands with attentive, style-focused service for business, casual and occasion wear.
Boemo
1.8 km
A cozy Silkeborg lifestyle store where Scandinavian interiors, curated fashion and gallery art come together in one calm, design-focused space.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bodega Hjørnet
1.2 km
A cosy corner bodega in central Silkeborg, where dim lights, cold beer and easy conversation capture the timeless charm of Danish bar culture.
Cafe' Paradis
1.4 km
A compact, old‑school bodega in central Silkeborg, serving cold beers, local atmosphere and late‑night conversation in an unpretentious, lived‑in bar setting.
Sportspubben Målet
1.6 km
A cozy, no-frills sports pub in central Silkeborg, where big screens, cold beer and local chatter turn every match day into a shared living room.
The Admiral Pub
1.6 km
Classic Danish bodega bar in central Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and everyday atmosphere from quiet daytime pints to late‑night weekend sessions.
Café Kling Klang
1.6 km
Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
1.7 km
Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
The bar Silkeborg ApS
1.7 km
Intimate late-night bar on Nygade in central Silkeborg, mixing easygoing pub charm with nightclub energy from evening drinks to early-morning dancing.
Roxy Malt
1.7 km
Irish-inspired Silkeborg pub with live music, quizzes, speciality beers and a cosy courtyard, blending retro charm with late-night energy in the town centre.
Rabalder Bar
1.7 km
Cozy living‑room bar in Silkeborg serving affordable drinks, sing‑along hits and late‑night party vibes in a compact, homey setting.
Bifrost Sports Pub
1.7 km
Silkeborg's premier sports bar for live action, cold drinks, and vibrant nightlife.
Butchers Silkeborg
1.8 km
Compact late-night bar and nightclub in central Silkeborg, serving high-energy music, simple drinks and a youthful party vibe on weekend nights.
Bakkens bodega
1.8 km
Unpretentious beer hall on Århusvej where locals, cold drafts and simple pub fare create a slice of everyday Silkeborg life from late morning to late evening.
Kaffebaren
1.8 km
Neighbourhood-style coffee bar on Vestergade in Silkeborg, pairing carefully made espresso drinks and iced coffees with a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
NO 21 -Tapas & vinbar i Silkeborg
2.1 km
Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
The Smoke Pub
2.6 km
A classic Silkeborg bodega on Borgergade, where smoke, cold beer and easy conversation create an unpretentious local living room from late morning to late night.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
1.6 km
Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
Team Paderborner
26.3 km
Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.
34.4 km
Lively, affordable bar at Viborg’s historic center—Terminalen offers all-day drinks, local vibes, and Danish hygge for city explorers and socializers.
Vesterbro Pub
34.4 km
Vesterbro Pub offers an authentic slice of Danish bodega culture in central Viborg, where locals gather for affordable drinks, lively chats, and classic pub games.
Scandic Opus Horsens
35.4 km
A contemporary Scandinavian hotel in Horsens with spa, dining, and panoramic city-to-nature views—an elegant gateway to both urban and outdoor experiences.
Piano Herning
36.0 km
Experience Herning’s vibrant nightlife in a cozy piano bar with live music, great cocktails, and classic Danish hospitality in the center of town.
ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S
36.0 km
Compact, casual late-night bar and dance spot in Viborg, offering simple drinks, music, and a local Danish nightlife vibe just beyond the historic center.
Murphy's Pub
36.1 km
Traditional Irish pub in the center of Herning, Denmark, featuring welcoming atmosphere, live music, a variety of beers and whiskies, and lively sports viewing.
Bart
36.1 km
Stylish cocktail bar in central Herning, renowned for inventive drinks, cheerful ambiance, and generous opening hours—an essential stop for experiencing the city’s modern nightlife.
Mindegade5
36.3 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
Fermaten
36.5 km
Experience Herning’s vibrant music scene at Fermaten, the city’s top venue for live concerts, cultural events, and dynamic nights out in central Jutland.
Sölibat Natklub
36.8 km
Late-night, no-frills clubbing in central Horsens, where loud music, simple drinks and a compact dance floor create an unapologetically local party vibe.
Hemingway's Horsens
36.8 km
Late-night disco bar in central Horsens with a mature crowd, classic hits from past decades and a cozy-but-lively atmosphere every Friday and Saturday.
Morzybitten
36.9 km
Experience the essence of Danish 'hygge' at Morzybitten, Horsens' premier barista and beer bar with live music.
Jagtbar Horsens
37.0 km
Horsens' premier nightclub where relaxed cocktails transform into energetic dance nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Family Friendly
- Fun-filled
- Adventurous
- Scenic
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Protected Area
- Wildlife Habitat
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Wheelchair Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly