Øresund Aquarium, Helsingør

Intimate saltwater aquarium on the Helsingør waterfront, offering hands-on touch pools, a harbor Water Laboratory and sea safaris focused on Øresund’s rich marine life.

4.3

Looking to book tours, experiences or hotels? Let me help you...

Home
Denmark
Helsingor
Øresund Aquarium

Tucked beside the shoreline in Helsingør, Øresund Aquarium is an intimate saltwater aquarium run by the University of Copenhagen, dedicated to the rich marine life of the Øresund strait. Compact yet immersive, it combines classic tanks with hands-on touch pools, an outdoor water laboratory and seasonal sea safaris, making it an engaging stop for families, curious adults and anyone keen to understand the underwater world just beyond the harbor.

A brief summary to Øresund Aquarium

Strandpromenaden 5, Helsingør, 3000, DK
+4535321970
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Mid ranged
Mixed
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 10 am-6 pm
Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
Thursday 10 am-6 pm
Friday 10 am-6 pm
Saturday 10 am-6 pm
Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

Time your visit to coincide with a scheduled feeding session; the tanks come alive and staff explanations make the behavior and adaptations of local species much easier to understand.
If you are visiting with small children, plan extra time at the dedicated kids’ touch pool and outdoor Water Laboratory, where supervised handling of crabs and starfish is encouraged.
Check in advance for porpoise or tuna safari departures; places are limited and trips are weather dependent, but they add a memorable open-water dimension to the aquarium experience.
Combine the aquarium with a walk along the seafront to Kronborg Castle to appreciate how closely the exhibits mirror the real marine habitats just off the shoreline.
Wear layered clothing and sensible footwear if you plan to spend time at the outdoor Water Laboratory or join a boat trip, as wind and spray can make conditions feel cooler than in town.

Getting There

Train and walk from central Helsingør

From Helsingør Station, the aquarium is roughly 1–1.5 km away, which usually takes 15–20 minutes on foot along generally flat, paved routes suitable for strollers and most mobility levels. Regional trains connect Helsingør with Copenhagen and other Zealand towns several times per hour, with typical one-way fares from Copenhagen in the range of 80–120 DKK in standard class. Services run throughout the day, but late-evening frequencies are lower, so it is worth checking return times if you plan to stay until closing.
Local bus within Helsingør

Several local bus routes link Helsingør Station and nearby neighborhoods with stops within walking distance of the harbor area north of Kronborg, from where it is a short walk to the aquarium. Travel times are usually 10–20 minutes depending on route and traffic. Single tickets within the local zone generally cost about 20–30 DKK when bought from machines or via transport apps, and buses run at reduced frequency in the evenings and on weekends, so allow extra time outside weekday daytime hours.
Car access and nearby parking

Drivers can approach Helsingør via major regional roads and follow signs toward the harbor and Kronborg Castle area, where the aquarium is located nearby on the waterfront. Public parking is available in paid car parks such as facilities a few minutes’ walk from the aquarium, with typical rates in Helsingør around 12–20 DKK per hour during the day and possible free or reduced tariffs in the evening. Spaces can fill up during school holidays and summer weekends, so plan a little extra time to find a spot.
Ferry from Helsingborg and onward by foot

If you are coming from Helsingborg in Sweden, frequent ferries cross to Helsingør in about 20 minutes, with pedestrian return fares commonly in the 90–140 SEK range depending on time and ticket type. From the ferry terminal in Helsingør, the walk to the aquarium typically takes 15–20 minutes along level harbor paths. The crossing operates year-round with shorter intervals at peak times and slightly longer gaps late in the evening or early in the morning.

Øresund Aquarium location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Cold Weather
Mild Temperatures
Hot Weather

Discover more about Øresund Aquarium

A small aquarium with a big local focus

Øresund Aquarium is a compact saltwater aquarium set right on the waterfront north of Kronborg Castle, focused entirely on the marine life of the Øresund strait. Instead of far‑flung tropical species, its tanks showcase the fish, crustaceans and invertebrates that actually live in Danish and nearby Swedish waters. This sharp local focus makes the collection feel surprisingly distinctive, turning what could be a modest aquarium into a window onto the sea just outside. Inside, you move through a series of biotope and theme aquariums arranged to mirror different habitats: stone reefs, sandy seabeds, eelgrass meadows and darker, deeper areas. Cold‑water fish glide through kelp, eels weave between rocks, and shy bottom‑dwellers lurk half‑hidden in the sand. Clear labeling and simple explanations in accessible language highlight how salinity, depth and currents shape life in the strait.

Hands-on encounters with Nordic sea life

One of the defining experiences here is the set of touch pools designed for different ages and comfort levels. A dedicated children’s pool keeps the animals within easy reach of small hands, with hardy species such as crabs, starfish and flatfish that can cope with gentle handling under staff supervision. Nearby, a deeper touch tank aimed at older visitors lets you get closer to rays and small sharks, offering a rare tactile experience of northern marine species. Throughout the day, staff‑led feeding sessions bring extra life to the tanks. Animals emerge from hiding to chase food, while marine biologists narrate behaviors, adaptations and ecological roles. These sessions turn brief observations into stories, whether about how a flounder changes color to match the seabed or how schooling fish avoid predators. For many visitors, this direct, guided contact with local sea life is the highlight of a visit.

The outdoor Water Laboratory by the harbor

Just a short stroll from the main building, the aquarium operates an outdoor Water Laboratory set in the harbor area. Here, a large basin is constructed as a miniature slice of Øresund, complete with stone reefs, sandy patches and seaweed beds. The water is open to the elements, and new animals are regularly introduced, so the micro‑ecosystem is always changing. This outdoor zone blurs the boundary between exhibit and nature. You can watch crabs patrol the stones, small fish dart through strips of kelp and sea anemones sway in the current. It is particularly atmospheric on calm days, when reflections of boats and sky ripple above the submerged habitats. The Water Laboratory is used for seasonal activities such as crab‑catching events and demonstrations, giving families a playful but structured way to explore the strait’s biodiversity.

Research roots and conservation mission

Øresund Aquarium is part of the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Biology, and this academic connection shapes its character. Beyond display tanks, the site functions as a knowledge hub for the local marine environment. Staff use the aquarium as a platform for school programs, lectures and field‑based teaching, translating current research into engaging, tangible experiences for children and adults. Conservation threads through much of the interpretation. Exhibits and talks emphasize why the Øresund strait is ecologically special, with its mix of brackish and more saline water and its importance for fish, seabirds and marine mammals. The aquarium is actively involved in projects that aim to protect local habitats and communicates simple, practical ways visitors can reduce their impact on the sea, from seafood choices to shoreline behavior.

Sea safaris and seasonal activities on the Sound

The aquarium extends its reach out onto the water with guided boat trips on Øresund. On these small‑group excursions, marine guides help you look for harbor porpoises, Denmark’s smallest whales, as well as seasonal visitors such as Atlantic bluefin tuna and flocks of seabirds. These safaris highlight the dynamic, larger‑scale life of the strait that cannot be brought into tanks. On land, school holidays bring extra activities ranging from special touch‑an‑animal sessions to dissections and themed events. Indoors remains compact enough to explore in an hour or two, making it easy to combine with Kronborg Castle or a harbor stroll. Together, the aquarium, Water Laboratory and boat tours create a layered introduction to Øresund: intimate, educational and firmly rooted in the local sea right outside its doors.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

'Time of the shipyard' mural

0.3 km

A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.

Helsingør harbour

0.4 km

Where maritime heritage meets Shakespeare's legacy at Denmark's gateway to Sweden.

Elsinore Cemetery

0.6 km

Historic burial ground where 16th-century roots meet artistic legacy in Denmark's literary heartland.

'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural

0.7 km

A vivid gable mural that turns Helsingør’s medieval tolls and ship traffic into a richly detailed open-air history lesson in the heart of the old town.

'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural

Kronborg Castle Church

0.7 km

Renaissance sanctuary that miraculously survived fire, preserving royal religious heritage within Hamlet's legendary castle.

Odd Fellow Logerne Helsingør

0.7 km

A dynamic hub for contemporary and experimental art in the heart of Roskilde, showcasing thought-provoking exhibitions and interactive creative experiences.

Heracles and the Hydra

0.8 km

Mythological bronze warrior frozen in eternal combat on Helsingør's historic waterfront.

Helsingor

0.9 km

Dynamic exhibitions, daring performances, and boundary-pushing installations in Roskilde’s historic royal palace—discover Denmark’s vibrant contemporary art scene.

Helsingborg City Hall

5.1 km

A monumental red-brick city hall and coastal gateway, where neo-Gothic towers, National Romantic detail and civic stories overlook the Øresund in central Helsingborg.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

9.0 km

Experience world-class modern art where architecture and nature meet in perfect harmony, offering breathtaking views and a serene escape just north of Copenhagen.

Hornbæk Batteri

9.9 km

WWII coastal fortress commanding the Øresund strait from Denmark's dramatic northern cliffs.

Hornbaek beach

11.5 km

Discover Hornbæk Beach, the gem of the Danish Riviera, offering pristine sands, clear waters, and a charming seaside atmosphere perfect for relaxation and unforgettable summer memories.

Observationsvärn nr 741

11.7 km

Explore the historical significance and scenic beauty of Observationsvärn nr 741 in Viken, a captivating landmark steeped in military history and stunning views.

Falkonergården

13.2 km

Explore the enchanting Falkonergården Zoo in Fredensborg, a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families seeking adventure in nature.

Esrum Kloster & Møllegård

14.6 km

Discover the captivating history and serene beauty of Esrum Kloster & Møllegård, a former Cistercian monastery nestled in the heart of North Zealand's stunning landscapes.

Compact yet grand, this memorial fountain on Axeltorv turns a busy Helsingør square into a vivid snapshot of royal power, maritime trade and urban ambition.

Cosy wine bar and bistro in Helsingør’s old streets, known for baked cheeses, tarte flambée and well-chosen European wines in an intimate, candlelit setting.

Denmark's premier wine and spirits specialist in historic Helsingør, where expertise meets passion.

Vandkanten Ilse Jacobsen Outlet

0.8 km

Compact Scandinavian outlet where Ilse Jacobsen’s coastal rainwear, rubber boots and relaxed Nordic fashion meet reduced prices in central Helsingør.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Axelhus Udeservering

0.5 km

Open-air corner bar on Bjergegade, where simple food, cold beer and Axeltorv’s street life come together in the historic heart of Helsingør.

Hold-An

0.5 km

Unfussy beer hall and local bar in central Helsingør, pouring cold brews, simple bites and everyday Danish hygge from late morning to late night.

Axelhus

0.6 km

Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.

Pitten Sport Bar

0.6 km

Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.

Holger

0.7 km

Cozy cellar bodega on Helsingør’s Stengade, pouring inexpensive beers and spirits, with live music nights and a laid-back local crowd deep into the night.

Joker Bar

0.7 km

Relaxed Danish bar offering casual drinks and friendly conversation in historic Helsingør.

Banana joe

0.7 km

Compact late-night bar above Helsingør’s nightlife strip, serving straightforward drinks, warm lighting and a relaxed local vibe long after the streets quieten.

Strandborg

0.8 km

Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.

Helsingør Musikteater

0.8 km

Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.

Head/Foam

1.0 km

Modern neighbourhood bar near Helsingør’s historic centre, pouring craft beer and cocktails from midday to the early hours in a lively, social setting.

12`er Pubben

1.5 km

Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Helsingør with billiards, sports on TV and cold beers, offering an authentic slice of Danish local bar life.

Gefion Bodega

1.5 km

Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.

Kardusen

3.4 km

Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.

Brewski

5.8 km

Craft beer excellence in the heart of Helsingborg, where global brewing traditions meet Nordic innovation.

Oddies Beach Bar

18.1 km

Relaxed beach bar on the sand at Rungsted Havn, blending Nordic coastal charm with a hint of tropical island mood and sweeping Øresund sea views.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover Øresund Aquarium with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Øresund Aquarium, Helsingør

A brief summary to Øresund Aquarium

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Train and walk from central Helsingør

Local bus within Helsingør

Car access and nearby parking

Ferry from Helsingborg and onward by foot

Øresund Aquarium location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Øresund Aquarium

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Øresund Aquarium

A small aquarium with a big local focus

Hands-on encounters with Nordic sea life

The outdoor Water Laboratory by the harbor

Research roots and conservation mission

Sea safaris and seasonal activities on the Sound

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

'Time of the shipyard' mural

Helsingør harbour

Elsinore Cemetery

'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural

Kronborg Castle Church

Odd Fellow Logerne Helsingør

Heracles and the Hydra

Helsingor

Helsingborg City Hall

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Hornbæk Batteri

Hornbaek beach

Observationsvärn nr 741

Falkonergården

Esrum Kloster & Møllegård

Unmissable attractions to see

Helsingør Havne

Dancer's fountain

Arte callejero

'The maritime history' mural

Udsigtsplateau

Gummistranden

M/S Maritime Museum

Reberbaneparken

The Culture Yard

Elsinore Public Museums

St. Vincent's Church

St. Mary's Church

Fyrskibet nr. XVII

SOUL OF THE WALLS

Erik af Pommerns Mindebrønd

Essential places to dine

Restaurant Kaj

Café Kronborg

Arabi Food

Værftets Madmarked

The black olive

HEY DARLING - Street Kitchen

The Fish Project

Suki Ramen

The Eatery of Jan & Christian

M/S Café

Spisehuset i Kulturværftet

Restaurant Dansk

Axelbar

Gæstgivergården

Chums Vinbar & Bistro, Helsingør

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Danmission Op Shop

Souvenir shop

Butik Chaplin

Krystallen

Levende Lys

Ide Nyt

HL Mode A/S

Butik hos Anna & Sofie

Jørgensen & Co.

Jutebar Denmark ApS

Happy Gifts & Souvenirs