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Den Blå Planet – National Aquarium Denmark

Northern Europe's largest aquarium where sharks swim overhead and sea otters steal your heart.

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Northern Europe's largest and most modern aquarium, Den Blå Planet immerses visitors in an underwater world with over 24,000 animals across 735 species and 7 million liters of water. Located next to Copenhagen Airport, this architecturally striking facility features interactive exhibits, touch pools, feeding demonstrations, and a spectacular Ocean Tank where sharks swim overhead. Open 365 days a year with extended summer hours.

A brief summary to Den Blå Planet

  • Jacob Fortlingsvej 1, Kastrup, 2770, DK
  • +4544222244
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 4 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Book tickets online in advance—weekends and holidays frequently sell out. Online tickets save 30 DKK per adult and are essential during peak season (summer, Easter, Christmas, and autumn holidays).
  • Arrive early on weekdays to avoid crowds and maximize time at touch pools and interactive exhibits. Monday evenings after 7:00 PM offer discounted admission (99 DKK) with special feeding demonstrations.
  • Don't miss Plaske's daily sea otter performance at 11:00 AM or the piranha feeding at 2:00 PM. Check the daily schedule for mini guided tours and themed talks.
  • Plan 2–3 hours minimum for a meaningful visit. The Ocean Tank and rainforest zone are highlights; allow extra time if participating in interactive feeding experiences.
  • Visit Café Plankton for refreshments with a view of the Øresund strait. The facility has free WiFi, lockers for belongings, and accessible facilities throughout.
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Getting There

  • Copenhagen Metro

    Take the M1 or M2 metro line toward Kastrup or Lufthavn (Airport). Exit at Kastrup Station, approximately 8 minutes walk from Den Blå Planet. Journey time from central Copenhagen is 15–20 minutes. Tickets cost 24 DKK for a single journey within zones 1–2. Service runs every 3–6 minutes during peak hours.

  • Bicycle

    Copenhagen's extensive cycle network connects directly to Den Blå Planet. From central Copenhagen, allow 20–30 minutes depending on your starting point. The facility has secure bicycle parking. This is the most popular local transport option and entirely free.

  • Car and Parking

    Drive to Jacob Fortlingsvej 1, Kastrup. Paid parking is available on-site. The facility also offers electric vehicle charging stations. Parking costs vary but typically range from 40–80 DKK for 2–4 hours. Journey time from central Copenhagen is 15–25 minutes depending on traffic.

  • Regional Train

    S-train lines A, B, or C serve Kastrup Station, approximately 8 minutes walk from the aquarium. Journey time from central Copenhagen is 12–18 minutes. Single tickets cost 24 DKK within zones 1–2. Trains run every 5–10 minutes during daytime hours.

Den Blå Planet location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather

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Discover more about Den Blå Planet

An Architectural Marvel Beneath the Surface

Den Blå Planet's distinctive whirlpool-shaped building is as much a work of art as the exhibits it houses. Designed to evoke the natural movement of water, the structure has become an iconic landmark in Copenhagen's rapidly evolving western district. The award-winning architecture draws visitors in from the moment they arrive, setting the stage for an immersive journey into the aquatic world. The building's design seamlessly integrates with its waterfront location, creating a sense of entering another realm entirely.

A World of Marine Diversity

With 7 million liters of water and over 24,000 animals representing 735 species, Den Blå Planet offers an extraordinary window into global aquatic ecosystems. The Ocean Tank stands as one of Northern Europe's largest, where visitors experience the awe-inspiring sight of hammerhead sharks and other large predators gliding overhead. Beyond the main tank, themed zones transport you from tropical rainforests teeming with birds, reptiles, and a resident sloth, to Danish coastal waters where native species like crabs and flounders inhabit touch pools. Each exhibit is thoughtfully curated to educate and captivate visitors of all ages.

Interactive Encounters and Live Demonstrations

Den Blå Planet distinguishes itself through hands-on experiences that bring marine life to life. Daily feeding demonstrations showcase piranhas, giant arapaimas, and cownose rays, with visitors invited to participate in some feedings. The aquarium is one of the few places in Scandinavia where you can encounter sea otters—all rescued from the wild after separation from mothers or injury. Plaske, the world's only talking sea otter, performs daily at 11:00 AM in the outdoor habitat. Mini guided tours led by storytellers offer curated insights into favorite exhibits, while creative workshops and the interactive Wild Pond allow children to net and examine tiny creatures up close.

Seasonal Adventures and Special Experiences

During summer months, Den Blå Planet transforms into an extended playground with a water splash area and expanded programming. Evening tickets after 7:00 PM offer a calmer, more intimate exploration at a reduced price, complete with special feeding demonstrations and guided tours. The aquarium regularly hosts themed talks connecting animals to their native countries, and in 2025 featured the Underwater Photographer of the Year exhibition—a rare Scandinavian showing of world-class ocean photography. Peak season hours extend to 9:00 PM, allowing extended exploration during busy periods.

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

All areas feature level access for visitors with reduced mobility, and the facility welcomes families with strollers and young children. A cloakroom provides coat and luggage storage, while Café Plankton offers dining with views across the Øresund strait. The aquarium operates 365 days a year, including holidays, with extended hours on Mondays and during peak seasons. Online ticket booking is strongly recommended, as weekends and holidays frequently sell out. Annual passes offer excellent value for repeat visitors, with discounted rates available through the mobile app.

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