Den Blå Planet – National Aquarium Denmark
Northern Europe’s largest aquarium, where bold whirlpool architecture, sharks, sea otters and rainforest habitats create an immersive underwater universe by the Øresund.
Den Blå Planet, National Aquarium Denmark, ripples out beside the Øresund in Kastrup as Northern Europe’s largest and most modern aquarium. Its striking whirlpool-shaped building draws you into an immersive underwater universe of sharks, rays, sea otters, and rainforest creatures spread across themed zones. Interactive touch pools, dramatic tunnels and daily feeding sessions make it a standout, family-friendly highlight just outside central Copenhagen.
A brief summary to Den Blå Planet
- Jacob Fortlingsvej 1, Kastrup, 2770, DK
- +4544222244
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 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
- Buy tickets online in advance, especially for weekends and Danish school holidays, as entry is managed in timed slots and popular days often sell out.
- Plan around the feeding schedule for sharks, rays, piranhas and sea otters; arriving 10–15 minutes early secures a good view at the most dramatic tanks.
- Allow at least 2–3 hours to explore all wings at a relaxed pace, adding extra time if you want a café break or to linger in the Ocean Tank and rainforest zones.
- Bring a light layer: some areas are cool and dim while the rainforest zone is warm and humid, and stepping between them can feel surprisingly abrupt.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Lockers
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M2 metro line towards the airport and get off at Kastrup Station; from most inner-city stations the ride takes about 12–15 minutes. Trains run every few minutes throughout the day. A standard 3-zone ticket costs roughly 24–30 DKK one way. From Kastrup Station it is an easy, mostly level walk of around 8–10 minutes to the aquarium, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs in most weather.
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Regional train and metro from wider Zealand
If you are arriving on a regional train to Copenhagen Central or Ørestad, transfer to the M2 metro line towards the airport and ride to Kastrup Station, allowing a total of 25–40 minutes travel depending on your starting point. A combined train and metro ticket usually falls in the 36–60 DKK range, depending on distance and zones. All stations are step-free with lifts, though trains and platforms can be busy at rush hours and during holidays.
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Car or taxi from Copenhagen city
Driving from the city centre to Den Blå Planet typically takes 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day. There is paid parking near the aquarium; expect to pay in the region of 12–18 DKK per hour, with time limits during peak periods. Taxis from central areas usually cost around 150–250 DKK one way. The drop-off areas are close to the entrance, but during busy weekends you may need a short walk from more distant parking spaces.
Den Blå Planet location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Den Blå Planet
An underwater world on the edge of Copenhagen
Den Blå Planet rises on the Kastrup shoreline like a swirling seashell, its flowing metal cladding hinting at the currents and tides inside. Designed to resemble a vortex in the sea, the building pulls you naturally towards a central hub from which all the exhibition wings radiate. Just beyond the glass, the Øresund stretches towards Sweden, reinforcing the sense that sea and aquarium are directly connected. Inside, soft blue light, gently curving walls and the quiet hum of filtration systems replace the bustle of the city. From the first steps down into the exhibition halls, you are surrounded by water on multiple levels, with tanks wrapping around corners and stretching above your head. It feels more like entering a self-contained marine world than a conventional museum.Ocean tank drama and northern seas
The heart of the aquarium is the vast Ocean Tank, holding millions of litres of seawater and home to hammerhead sharks, rays and schooling fish that glide past a panoramic window several metres high. A transparent tunnel runs through part of this realm, giving the classic thrill of watching large animals sweep silently overhead while smaller species weave around in dense, glittering shoals. Nearby, exhibits inspired by the cold northern seas showcase life from the Danish coasts and the broader North Atlantic. Here you encounter cod, flatfish and jellyfish, but also rocky habitats and kelp forests recreated in careful detail. Touch pools allow you to feel the rough carapace of a crab or the smooth skin of local species, tying the dramatic displays back to the everyday waters that surround Denmark.Rainforest heat and global habitats
One wing of Den Blå Planet swaps Nordic chill for tropical humidity. This rainforest zone wraps you in warm, moist air, the sound of dripping water and birdsong, with lush planting around tanks of brilliantly coloured freshwater fish. Here you might see archerfish spitting jets of water at insects, cichlids defending territories, or reptiles basking under dappled light. Interpretive panels and models link each habitat to a wider geography, turning the aquarium into a journey between continents. From Alaskan seas to Indian mangroves and African lakes, the galleries highlight how different ecosystems are connected by currents, climate and human impact, positioning the aquarium as both an attraction and an informal classroom.Sea otters, rays and close-up encounters
Outside, the focus turns to some of Den Blå Planet’s most charismatic residents: sea otters. These energetic marine mammals twist and tumble through the water, playing with enrichment toys and pausing to groom their dense fur on the rocks. Feeding demonstrations reveal how much food such small animals consume each day and explain how rescued otters have found a permanent home here. Back indoors, cownose rays glide in a shallow display where supervised feeding sessions allow children and adults to watch them using finely tuned senses to locate food. Piranhas, giant arapaimas, and other crowd-pleasing species are introduced through scheduled talks and feedings, punctuating a visit with moments of drama and expert commentary.Architecture, learning and day-out comfort
Beyond the tanks, the building itself remains a highlight. Seen from above, its spiral plan radiates like a whirlpool; at ground level, long curving corridors frame sudden, carefully staged views into enormous aquaria. Natural light is controlled so that the fish remain in focus, while subtle seating niches offer places to pause and take in the spectacle. Practical touches make it easy to spend several hours here. Level access and lifts serve all areas, wide walkways accommodate strollers and wheelchairs, and there is a café overlooking the sea along with an outdoor water play area in warmer months. Educational signage, children’s activity points and temporary exhibitions on themes such as underwater photography or climate issues deepen the experience for curious visitors of all ages.A full-day highlight on the Øresund shore
Located close to Copenhagen Airport yet feeling a world away, Den Blå Planet works as both a quick escape and a lingering outing. Many visitors move slowly between zones, returning to favourite windows to watch animal behaviour evolve over time. Others focus on specific themes, from conservation stories to the engineering that keeps such large systems running. Whether you are travelling with children, exploring solo or combining the aquarium with a walk along the water, the combination of bold architecture, diverse species and hands-on learning makes this one of Greater Copenhagen’s most distinctive indoor attractions, especially welcome on blustery or rainy days by the Øresund.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Krudhuset
4.1 km
Marvel at St. Alexander Nevsky Church, Copenhagen’s ornate Russian Orthodox landmark crowned by golden onion domes, blending history, artistry, and spiritual serenity.
The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950
5.4 km
A hidden concrete foundation marks where post-war Denmark executed Nazi collaborators in secrecy.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
5.8 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
Circle Bridge
5.9 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Lille Langebro
6.0 km
Explore Kronborg Castle, the iconic setting of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' and delve into Denmark's Renaissance history.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
6.0 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Copenhagen Opera House
6.0 km
An architectural landmark on Copenhagen’s harbor, the Opera House blends Scandinavian design with world-class performances and spectacular waterfront views.
Black Diamond
6.1 km
A gleaming granite monument where cutting-edge architecture meets cultural heritage on Copenhagen's waterfront.
Ofelia Plads
6.1 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
Børsen
6.1 km
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Danish Architecture Centre
6.2 km
Explore Danish and international architecture, urban development, and design at Copenhagen's premier cultural center, the Danish Architecture Centre, located in the iconic BLOX building.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
6.2 km
Copenhagen’s only Russian Orthodox church, famed for its golden onion domes, rich history, and unique architectural style rooted in Danish-Russian royal ties.
The Kissing Stairs
6.2 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
Nyhavn
6.2 km
Copenhagen's most iconic waterfront: pastel townhouses, maritime history, and lively canal-side dining.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
6.2 km
Discover Nordic art, culture, and cuisine from Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands at North Atlantic House, a historic waterfront warehouse in Copenhagen.
Unmissable attractions to see
Amager Beachpark
1.9 km
Copenhagen's 4.6 km urban beach with lagoons, artificial island, and Øresund Bridge views.
Amager Beach Park
2.8 km
Copenhagen’s long, sandy front porch on the Øresund, where dunes, lagoons and a city promenade turn everyday life into a seaside escape.
St. Anne's Church
3.5 km
Elegant red-brick Catholic church on Amager, blending early 20th-century Art Nouveau architecture with a calm, light-filled interior and living parish life.
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
A towering recycled-wood troll at Christiania’s entrance, Green George blends street art, sustainability and playful storytelling in the heart of Copenhagen.
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
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
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
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
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
6.5 km
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
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
The Wilde Shop
6.6 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Royal Souvenir Shop
6.6 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
ILLUM
6.6 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Læderstræde
6.6 km
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
Colourful neighbourhood bar on Amager serving generous cocktails, draft beers and American‑style comfort food to a friendly crowd of locals and visitors.
Lassie Bar
4.7 km
A classic Amager brown bar where bottled beer, schnapps and neighborhood chatter create a quietly authentic slice of everyday Copenhagen nightlife.
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
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
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
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
