Den Blå Planet – National Aquarium Denmark
Dive into Northern Europe's largest aquarium with 24,000 animals and 7 million liters of immersive underwater wonder.
Northern Europe's largest and most modern aquarium, Den Blå Planet houses over 24,000 animals across 735 species in 7 million liters of water. Located adjacent to Copenhagen Airport, this award-winning architectural landmark offers immersive experiences including interactive ray feeding, sea otter encounters, a rainforest exhibit with rescued wildlife, and an enormous Ocean Tank where sharks swim overhead. Open 365 days annually with extended summer hours and special evening admission rates.
A brief summary to Den Blå Planet
- Jacob Fortlingsvej 1, Kastrup, 2770, DK
- +4544222244
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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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
- Purchase tickets online in advance to save 33 DKK per adult ticket and guarantee entry, especially on weekends and holidays when slots often sell out. Tickets are time-slotted, but you can stay as long as you wish once inside.
- Visit on Monday evenings after 7 PM for discounted admission (99 DKK) and a calmer atmosphere with special feeding demonstrations and guided stories, ideal for a shorter visit.
- Arrive early to catch the interactive feeding sessions scheduled throughout the day—ray feeding, sea otter meals, and piranha demonstrations—each offering unique educational insights.
- Allow at least 2–3 hours for a meaningful visit to experience the major exhibits, though 4–5 hours is recommended to fully explore all habitats and participate in interactive activities.
- During summer, explore the outdoor water playground and The Wild Pond where children can net and examine small creatures, and enjoy the extended 10 AM to 9 PM hours.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Lockers
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Copenhagen Metro
From central Copenhagen, take the Metro Line M1 or M2 toward Lufthavnen (Airport). Exit at Kastrup Station, approximately 8 minutes walk from Den Blå Planet. Journey time from Nørreport Station is roughly 15–20 minutes. Single ticket costs approximately 24 DKK; a 24-hour City Pass is around 80 DKK. Trains run every 4–6 minutes during peak hours, every 10–15 minutes off-peak.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen's extensive cycling infrastructure makes this an excellent option. From central Copenhagen, follow the dedicated cycle paths toward Kastrup, approximately 8–12 kilometers depending on starting point. Journey time is 25–40 minutes. Bike rental is widely available throughout the city at approximately 80–150 DKK per day. Secure bike parking is available at the aquarium.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber, local alternatives) operate throughout Copenhagen. From central Copenhagen (Nyhavn, Strøget), expect a 15–25 minute journey depending on traffic. Typical fare ranges from 150–250 DKK. Airport transfers are also available if arriving by plane.
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Private Car
Driving from central Copenhagen takes 15–25 minutes via the E20 motorway toward the airport. Parking is available at Den Blå Planet; inquire about current parking rates and availability when booking tickets online. Note that Copenhagen's city center has congestion charges and limited parking; driving is most practical if arriving from outside the city.
Den Blå Planet location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Den Blå Planet
A Modern Marvel Beneath the Surface
Den Blå Planet stands as Northern Europe's largest and most modern aquarium, a striking architectural achievement that draws visitors into an underwater universe. The building itself is an award-winning design that seamlessly integrates with its waterfront setting near Copenhagen Airport. Inside, 7 million liters of water support over 24,000 animals representing 735 different species, creating one of Scandinavia's most comprehensive marine and freshwater ecosystems under one roof.Immersive Encounters with Marine Life
The aquarium transcends traditional exhibition design by inviting visitors to step into carefully curated habitats rather than simply observe from behind glass. The centerpiece is the enormous Ocean Tank, where sharks, rays, and other large predators swim directly overhead, creating an unforgettable sense of immersion. Interactive touch pools allow visitors to handle Danish sea creatures like crabs and flounders, while the popular ray-feeding experience lets guests assist in nourishing the cownose rays and witness their remarkable sensory abilities firsthand. The facility is one of only a few places in Europe where visitors can encounter rescued sea otters—all animals at the aquarium have been rehabilitated after separation from mothers or injury in the wild.Diverse Habitats and Themed Experiences
Beyond the main ocean exhibits, Den Blå Planet features a dedicated Rainforest section where visitors encounter tropical birds, reptiles, and a resident sloth in a lush, humid environment. Themed feeding demonstrations occur throughout the day, including piranhas, giant arapaimas, and sea otters, each accompanied by educational commentary about animal behavior and ecology. During summer months, the aquarium expands its offerings with outdoor water play areas, The Wild Pond where visitors can net and examine small creatures with magnifying glasses, and special evening sessions after 7 PM featuring curated feeding demonstrations and guided stories at reduced admission rates.Year-Round Access and Practical Amenities
The aquarium operates 365 days annually, including all holidays, with standard hours from 10 AM to 5 PM Tuesday through Sunday and extended Monday hours until 9 PM. During peak seasons—including summer (late June through August), winter holidays, Easter, and autumn half-term—the facility extends to 10 AM to 9 PM daily. Visitors must book timed-slot tickets online, which offer savings of 33 Danish kroner per adult ticket compared to on-site purchase. The building features full level access for people with reduced mobility, a cloakroom for coats and luggage, and Café Plankton offering food and beverages with views across the Øresund strait. Photography is permitted throughout the facility, and WiFi is available to guests.Strategic Location and Transportation
Situated at Jacob Fortlingsvej 1 in Kastrup, the aquarium sits immediately adjacent to Copenhagen Airport and the Metro system, making it highly accessible from central Copenhagen. The location places it within Copenhagen's rapidly evolving western districts, characterized by contemporary architecture and modern urban development. The surrounding area includes TV-Byen (Denmark's equivalent to the BBC), golf facilities, and other cultural attractions, positioning Den Blå Planet as part of a broader leisure and cultural destination.Educational and Conservation Focus
Beyond entertainment, Den Blå Planet emphasizes education and animal welfare, meeting established guidelines for responsible animal care. Themed talks throughout the year connect visitors with animals and their native ecosystems, from Alaskan sea otters to Costa Rican sloths and Tanzanian cichlids. Special exhibitions, such as the Underwater Photographer of the Year display, rotate seasonally to provide fresh perspectives on marine conservation and ocean biodiversity.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Krudhuset
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The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950
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Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
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Circle Bridge
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Lille Langebro
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Explore Kronborg Castle, the iconic setting of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' and delve into Denmark's Renaissance history.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
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Copenhagen Opera House
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Black Diamond
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Ofelia Plads
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Børsen
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Danish Architecture Centre
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Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
6.2 km
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The Kissing Stairs
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Nyhavn
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Copenhagen's most iconic waterfront: pastel townhouses, maritime history, and lively canal-side dining.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
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Unmissable attractions to see
Amager Beachpark
1.9 km
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Amager Beach Park
2.8 km
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St. Anne's Church
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Amager
4.4 km
Copenhagen’s all‑in‑one island: wild grasslands, long sandy beaches, bold architecture and easygoing waterfront life, all just minutes from the historic city centre.
DR Koncerthuset
4.8 km
Copenhagen’s bold blue concert house, where world-class acoustics, striking Jean Nouvel architecture and Denmark’s national ensembles meet under one dramatic roof.
Bella Center Copenhagen
4.9 km
Copenhagen’s powerhouse convention and exhibition centre, combining vast flexible halls, sleek Nordic design and direct metro access in the modern Ørestad district.
Dragør havn
5.0 km
Historic Dragør Havn blends centuries of maritime heritage with a working waterfront, cosy quayside cafés and wide Øresund views just south of Copenhagen.
Field's
5.0 km
Scandinavia-scale shopping, dining and entertainment under one sleek roof in Copenhagen’s modern Ørestad district, from fashion and design to cinema, trampolines and a vast hypermarket.
Arne Jacobsens Allé 12
5.1 km
A vast, light-filled shopping town under one roof in Copenhagen’s Ørestad district, mixing fashion, daily essentials, dining and shelter from the Danish weather.
Amager Fælled
5.2 km
Semi-wild meadows and wetlands brushing against Copenhagen’s skyline, Amager Fælled is the city’s closest taste of open Danish nature.
Lille Mølle
5.3 km
A compact windmill on Christianshavn’s ramparts, Lille Mølle blends defensive history, domestic interiors and gentle canal‑side views in one atmospheric museum.
Operaen
5.3 km
Innovative cocktails in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Green George af Thomas Dambo - Trold nr. 50
5.4 km
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Christiania
5.4 km
A self-governing “freetown” of murals, lakeside paths and experimental living, tucked behind Copenhagen’s old ramparts in the heart of Christianshavn.
Church of Our Saviour
5.5 km
Copenhagen’s Baroque landmark with a daring spiral spire, soaring views over canals and rooftops, and a luminous interior rich in music, symbolism and royal history.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Lola
5.3 km
Bold, travel-inspired cooking and inventive smørrebrød served in a sunny 17th‑century house with a leafy garden hideaway on Christianshavn’s historic ramparts.
Kadeau
5.7 km
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Cafe Wilder
5.7 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Noma
5.7 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
Restaurant Kanalen
5.7 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Restaurant Barr
5.8 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
No. 2
5.9 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Khun Juk
6.1 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
à terre
6.2 km
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Skipperkroen
6.3 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Cap Horn
6.3 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
La Banchina
6.4 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Nyhavns Færgekro
6.4 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
King Hans Cellar
6.4 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Kanal-Caféen
6.4 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
6.2 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
6.2 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Magasin du Nord
6.4 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Zane
6.4 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
6.5 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Viking Souvenirs
6.5 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
6.5 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
6.5 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
6.5 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Danish Souvenirs
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Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Urban Outfitters
6.6 km
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The Wilde Shop
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Royal Souvenir Shop
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ILLUM
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ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Læderstræde
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Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Whammy Bar
4.1 km
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Lassie Bar
4.7 km
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Eiffel bar
5.7 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
Pier5 Bar
6.2 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
TATA Cocktail Bar
6.2 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Brønnum
6.4 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
The Marble Bar
6.4 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Ved Stranden
6.5 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
K-Bar
6.5 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Balthazar
6.6 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
Ruby
6.6 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
The Bird and The Churchkey
6.6 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Bar Deco
6.6 km
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The Storm Inn Copenhagen
6.6 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Zefside
6.6 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
6.6 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
Club Mambo
6.7 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
The Zoo
6.7 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Mini Bar
6.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Chateau Motel
6.8 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
6.9 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
KB3
6.9 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
Dorsia
6.9 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Miami Bar
6.9 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
6.9 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
6.9 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Baggen
6.9 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
Module
7.0 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Culture Box
7.0 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
La Terraza
7.0 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Wheelchair Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
