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AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

Northern Europe's largest freshwater aquarium meets wild Danish nature in this immersive family discovery centre.

4.3

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
  • Environment icon 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.
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Getting There

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Cold Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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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.

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