AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

Freshwater fish, playful otters and hands-on water fun meet in a compact wildlife park where Danish lakes and streams are brought vividly to life for all ages.

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AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park in Silkeborg is a family-friendly freshwater universe where Danish lakes, streams and wetlands come to life. Inside, Northern Europe’s largest freshwater aquariums reveal pike, catfish and other native species through huge panoramic windows and interactive exhibits. Outside, a compact wildlife park, playful water playground and wilderness trails bring you face to face with otters, beavers, raccoons and storks in a relaxed, nature-focused setting.

A brief summary to AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

Vejlsøvej 55, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
+4589212189
Visit website
Duration: 2 to 5 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

Bring spare clothes, towels and possibly rain gear for children – the outdoor water playground is designed for getting thoroughly wet, even on cooler days.
Plan your visit around scheduled animal feedings; otter, beaver or raccoon sessions add extra insight and are some of the most engaging moments in the park.
Pack a picnic or ingredients for the barbecue areas if you prefer your own food; combine this with a café visit for coffee, snacks or ice cream breaks.
Allocate more time in summer and school holidays when outdoor areas and water play are at their best and children are likely to want to stay significantly longer.
If travelling with a stroller or wheelchair, focus on the main circuits; most paths and indoor spaces are accessible, but some outdoor trails are more uneven.

Getting There

Train and bus from Aarhus

From Aarhus, take a regional train to Silkeborg Station; departures are typically every 30–60 minutes and the journey takes around 45–60 minutes. A standard adult ticket usually costs about 80–120 DKK one way, depending on time and discounts. From Silkeborg Station, local buses run towards the lake area near AQUA in roughly 10–15 minutes, with services operating more frequently on weekdays than late evenings and weekends. Allow a total of about 1–1.5 hours including transfers, and be aware that buses may have reduced frequency on public holidays.
Car from Silkeborg and surroundings

From central Silkeborg, driving to AQUA typically takes about 5–10 minutes, and around 20–30 minutes from nearby campsites and villages in the lake district. Standard passenger cars are sufficient; roads are paved and well maintained year-round. Parking is available near the attraction, though it can fill up during summer holidays and sunny weekends, when arriving earlier in the day is advisable. Fuel costs will vary, but for such a short distance within Silkeborg they remain modest compared with entry tickets.
Regional bus from nearby Jutland towns

Several regional bus routes connect Silkeborg with towns such as Skanderborg, Herning and Viborg, with typical journey times of 30–60 minutes and adult single fares usually in the range of 50–100 DKK depending on distance and ticket type. From the main bus stops near Silkeborg Station, you can transfer to a local bus heading towards the lakeside area close to AQUA, adding around 10–15 minutes. This option is convenient for travellers without a car, but check timetables in advance, especially on Sundays and in the evening when services are less frequent.
Walking and cycling from central Silkeborg

From Silkeborg’s central area, many visitors choose to walk or cycle to AQUA through the lakeside district. Walking typically takes around 20–30 minutes at a moderate pace along generally level terrain suitable for most fitness levels. Cycling reduces the time to about 10–15 minutes and is a pleasant way to link the attraction with other lakefront paths. Surfaces are mostly paved, but weather can affect comfort, so bring waterproofs or warm layers in rainy or colder seasons.

AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park location weather suitability

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

Discover more about AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

Freshwater Worlds Beneath the Surface

Step inside AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park and you enter a carefully staged journey into the hidden life of Danish lakes and streams. Vast freshwater tanks curve around you, their panoramic windows placing you eye-to-eye with pike, perch and schools of shimmering shoal fish gliding past waterlogged tree trunks and rocky ledges. The lighting is subdued, so colours and movement in the water stand out, and information panels explain how these ecosystems work, from microscopic plankton to apex predators. Spread over several levels, the interior exhibitions explore different freshwater habitats, including deep lakes, slow-flowing rivers and reed-choked shallows. One highlight is the enormous catfish tank, home to record-sized specimens powerful enough to swallow a duck, demonstrated through models and engaging displays. Touch pools invite gentle hands-on encounters with freshwater species, making the science of Danish aquatic life surprisingly tactile and memorable.

Otters, Beavers and Other Nordic Neighbours

Outside, the aquarium blends into a compact wildlife park that focuses on animals naturally associated with northern European wetlands and forests. Landscaped enclosures for otters, beavers and raccoons weave around ponds, streams and boardwalks, giving you multiple viewing angles as animals forage, swim and explore. At feeding times, staff share background stories and behavioural facts, bringing you closer to the daily rhythm of these semi-wild residents. Look out for storks patrolling the grass, ducks dabbling along the water’s edge and wild boar rooting in their enclosure. The park is arranged so you can wander at your own pace, circling back easily to favourite animals. Interpretation is generally visual and family-friendly, emphasising adaptation, habitat protection and the remarkable return of beavers to Danish waterways after historical decline.

Playful Water, Big Smiles

A key draw at AQUA is the expansive outdoor water playground, a kinetic maze of sluices, wheels, pumps and paddling zones designed to get children thinking with their hands. Here, water is something to divert, dam and release; kids can redirect channels, power small mills and test how quickly they can flood or drain a basin. Expect wet clothes and delighted shrieks, which is why many families come prepared with towels and spare outfits. Adjacent climbing structures, swings, a cable ride and sand areas turn the park into a half-day destination, especially in warmer months. The surrounding lake highlands landscape adds a scenic backdrop, with glimpses of forested slopes and open water just beyond the fences. Barbecue spots and picnic tables encourage leisurely breaks, while the onsite café offers light meals, coffee and ice cream when energy dips.

Learning from Danish Nature

Educational content runs quietly through the entire site. Exhibits highlight water quality, invasive species, and how everyday choices affect streams and lakes. Seasonal programmes may focus on topics such as migration, hibernation or life cycles, often linked to animal feedings or guided talks. School groups use the facility as a living classroom, but individual visitors can absorb the same insights at their own pace. Conservation themes are present without feeling heavy-handed. Signage points out how beaver dams shape landscapes, how wetlands store carbon and reduce flooding, and why protecting modest-looking reeds and pondweed is crucial for biodiversity. For many visitors, the park provides a first close encounter with animals they might otherwise only glimpse briefly in the wild.

A Relaxed Day Out in Silkeborg’s Lake Country

Located on the edge of central Silkeborg, AQUA fits naturally into a broader day exploring the lake district. The setting is relaxed rather than grand; paths are easy to navigate with strollers, and most areas are compact enough for younger children to manage without long walks. Indoors and outdoors blend together, allowing you to adapt to changing weather by alternating between aquarium halls and the wildlife park. Whether you stay for a focused couple of hours or linger through feedings, playground sessions and café stops, the experience centres on slowing down and noticing the details of water, light and movement. It is as much about enjoying time together outside as it is about ticking off species, making AQUA a quietly engaging highlight in Jutland’s inland landscape.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Silkeborg Water Tower

1.4 km

A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.

Lovisehøj

1.8 km

A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.

silkeborg

2.0 km

Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.

Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten

3.0 km

A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.

Himmelbjerget rutebåd

9.2 km

Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.

Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839

9.6 km

Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.

Store Troldhøj

10.9 km

A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.

Randershøj

11.1 km

A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.

Bølling Lake

11.6 km

A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.

Jutland's Automobile Museum

14.0 km

Discover Denmark's automotive history at Jutland's Automobile Museum in Gjern, showcasing vintage cars and motorcycles from the early 1900s to iconic post-war models, offering a unique glimpse into the nation's motoring heritage.

Abbey Mill

15.2 km

Explore Abbey Mill in Skanderborg: A picturesque blend of history and nature, perfect for leisurely strolls and unforgettable experiences.

Øm Klostermuseum

16.3 km

Discover Denmark's medieval monastic life at Øm Klostermuseum near Ry: Explore ruins, gardens, and artifacts revealing centuries of history and brewing traditions.

Mossø

18.9 km

Discover the serene beauty of Mossø, Denmark's third-largest lake, offering hiking, watersports, and historical sites in the heart of the Danish Lake District.

Jutland

19.6 km

Discover Jutland, Denmark: Explore Viking history, stunning nature, and family fun on the mainland peninsula, offering an authentic Danish experience.

The Uncovered Bridge

21.7 km

A hidden railway bridge buried for 85 years, spectacularly restored and now one of Denmark's most beloved landmarks.

Unmissable attractions to see

Odderpassager

0.5 km

A low wooden boardwalk skimming Almindsø’s surface, Odderpassager lets you drift between forest and lake at Østre Søbad, half pier, half tranquil nature trail.

Indelukkets Friluftsscene

0.6 km

Historic open-air theatre hosting rock festivals, concerts, and cultural events in scenic Silkeborg parkland.

Aboretet Silkeborg

0.6 km

A quiet world of global trees in a 200‑year‑old Silkeborg forest, where wetlands, wildlife and easy woodland paths create a free, low‑key escape close to town.

Befrielsesmonument i Silkeborg

0.6 km

A powerful World War II memorial in Silkeborg’s Indelukket park, where Knud Nellemose’s bronze freedom fighter rises from granite reliefs of occupation, resistance and liberation.

Museum Jorn, Silkeborg

0.9 km

Riverfront modern art sanctuary in Silkeborg, uniting Asger Jorn’s bold legacy, CoBrA masterpieces and hands-on creativity in an intimate, light-filled museum.

Dronningestolen

1.2 km

A modest forest hill with a royal name, Dronningestolen offers a framed Silkeborg panorama, woodland quiet and a sense of history above the lakeside town.

Kroghs Bænk

1.2 km

Central Jutland’s award-winning safari and wildlife park, where visitors can encounter exotic animals, participate in immersive experiences, and explore vast open landscapes.

Birkehøj Silkeborg

1.2 km

A modest Silkeborg hilltop with wide woodland views, Birkehøj offers a simple, quiet pause above town for walkers, cyclists and anyone craving a breath of open sky.

Ulvehoved

1.5 km

A gentle hilltop in Silkeborg’s Nordskov, Ulvehoved offers forest trails, soft climbs and tranquil views across Denmark’s hilly lake highlands.

Badeanstalten

1.6 km

Denmark's most authentic bathhouse—a historic Nordic wellness sanctuary preserving centuries of bathing tradition.

Silkeborg Archive

1.6 km

Silkeborg’s collective memory, preserving documents, images and stories that trace the lakeside city’s journey from industrial outpost to modern municipality.

Galerie Moderne Silkeborg

1.7 km

One of Scandinavia’s largest modern art galleries, blending CoBrA masterpieces, contemporary works and a welcoming, free-to-enter space in central Silkeborg.

Vægmaleri

1.7 km

Experience the tradition of Denmark’s lake steamers aboard Turbådene Himmelbjerget, a nostalgic boat journey bridging Ry, Silkeborg, and the legendary hill.

Tollundmanden

1.7 km

Meet the Tollund Man, a 2,400‑year‑old bog body whose hauntingly preserved face and story of ritual, death and discovery define Museum Silkeborg’s Iron Age heart.

Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården

1.8 km

Step into Silkeborg’s oldest manor house to meet Tollund Man, explore bog mysteries and trace the town’s journey from Iron Age wetlands to modern Jutland hub.

No-nonsense, juicy burgers with organic beef, soft buns and signature Beast dressing in a relaxed, central Silkeborg burger bar geared for eat-in and takeaway.

A cozy Silkeborg lifestyle store where Scandinavian interiors, curated fashion and gallery art come together in one calm, design-focused space.

A classic Silkeborg bodega on Borgergade, where smoke, cold beer and easy conversation create an unpretentious local living room from late morning to late night.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association

1.6 km

Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.

B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association

Team Paderborner

26.3 km

Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.

Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.

34.4 km

Lively, affordable bar at Viborg’s historic center—Terminalen offers all-day drinks, local vibes, and Danish hygge for city explorers and socializers.

Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.

Vesterbro Pub

34.4 km

Vesterbro Pub offers an authentic slice of Danish bodega culture in central Viborg, where locals gather for affordable drinks, lively chats, and classic pub games.

Scandic Opus Horsens

35.4 km

A contemporary Scandinavian hotel in Horsens with spa, dining, and panoramic city-to-nature views—an elegant gateway to both urban and outdoor experiences.

Piano Herning

36.0 km

Experience Herning’s vibrant nightlife in a cozy piano bar with live music, great cocktails, and classic Danish hospitality in the center of town.

ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S

36.0 km

Compact, casual late-night bar and dance spot in Viborg, offering simple drinks, music, and a local Danish nightlife vibe just beyond the historic center.

Murphy's Pub

36.1 km

Traditional Irish pub in the center of Herning, Denmark, featuring welcoming atmosphere, live music, a variety of beers and whiskies, and lively sports viewing.

Bart

36.1 km

Stylish cocktail bar in central Herning, renowned for inventive drinks, cheerful ambiance, and generous opening hours—an essential stop for experiencing the city’s modern nightlife.

Mindegade5

36.3 km

Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.

Fermaten

36.5 km

Experience Herning’s vibrant music scene at Fermaten, the city’s top venue for live concerts, cultural events, and dynamic nights out in central Jutland.

Sölibat Natklub

36.8 km

Late-night, no-frills clubbing in central Horsens, where loud music, simple drinks and a compact dance floor create an unapologetically local party vibe.

Hemingway's Horsens

36.8 km

Late-night disco bar in central Horsens with a mature crowd, classic hits from past decades and a cozy-but-lively atmosphere every Friday and Saturday.

Morzybitten

36.9 km

Experience the essence of Danish 'hygge' at Morzybitten, Horsens' premier barista and beer bar with live music.

Jagtbar Horsens

37.0 km

Horsens' premier nightclub where relaxed cocktails transform into energetic dance nights.

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AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

A brief summary to AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

Local tips

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

Getting There

Train and bus from Aarhus

Car from Silkeborg and surroundings

Regional bus from nearby Jutland towns

Walking and cycling from central Silkeborg

AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

Freshwater Worlds Beneath the Surface

Otters, Beavers and Other Nordic Neighbours

Playful Water, Big Smiles

Learning from Danish Nature

A Relaxed Day Out in Silkeborg’s Lake Country

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Silkeborg Water Tower

Lovisehøj

silkeborg

Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten

Himmelbjerget rutebåd

Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839

Store Troldhøj

Randershøj

Bølling Lake

Jutland's Automobile Museum

Abbey Mill

Øm Klostermuseum

Mossø

Jutland

The Uncovered Bridge

Unmissable attractions to see

Odderpassager

Indelukkets Friluftsscene

Aboretet Silkeborg

Befrielsesmonument i Silkeborg

Museum Jorn, Silkeborg

Dronningestolen

Kroghs Bænk

Birkehøj Silkeborg

Ulvehoved

Badeanstalten

Silkeborg Archive

Galerie Moderne Silkeborg

Vægmaleri

Tollundmanden

Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården

Essential places to dine

Orangeriet

Gl. Skovridergaard

Resturant indelukket

Ristorante Pizzeria Roma

Restaurant Karoline Amalie v/Rikke Brockstedt

Restaurant Spyd

Skovbakken Silkeborg

La Casita

Tin's

Madkassen V/allan Petersen

Regatta Sandwich

Asian Restaurant & Café

Daruma Ramen

BABBA

Burger Beast Silkeborg

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Pindhus.dk

t.i.n.g.

Fair Retro

Huset Lene Bak Silkeborg

Femilet

Buksecompagniet

Bivs.dk

Companys Silkeborg

TOFT SHOP

b.young Silkeborg

Tenna Og Jens Kristian I/S