AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

Family-friendly freshwater aquariums, Danish wildlife and outdoor play meet on the shores of Silkeborg’s lakes at AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park.

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AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park in Silkeborg is a family-focused discovery centre that combines Northern Europe’s largest freshwater aquarium with an outdoor wildlife park showcasing Danish animals. Inside, panoramic tanks reveal life beneath lakes and streams, from pike and catfish to eels and perch, alongside touch pools and engaging exhibitions. Outside, naturalistic enclosures house otters, beavers, raccoons and storks, while a large water playground, wilderness trail and picnic areas make this an ideal half-day outing with children.

A brief summary to AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

Vejlsøvej 55, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
+4589212189
Visit website
Duration: 2 to 4 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 a full change of clothes for children; the large water playground almost guarantees they will get soaked, especially in warm weather.
Plan your visit around published feeding times for otters or other animals to add extra excitement and insight to the wildlife park section.
Allow time for both indoor aquariums and the outdoor trails; start indoors if the weather is uncertain, then move outside when it improves.
Consider bringing simple food to grill at the designated barbecue area by the playground if you prefer a flexible, budget-conscious lunch.

Getting There

From central Silkeborg by city bus

From Silkeborg’s central area, use a local city bus heading towards Vejlsøvej; typical journey times are around 10–15 minutes including short walks to and from the stops. Services usually run at least every 30–60 minutes during the day, but may be less frequent on weekends and public holidays. Expect a one-way ticket to cost roughly 20–30 DKK within the city zone, with discounts for children using local travel cards.
From Silkeborg city centre by bicycle

Cycling from Silkeborg’s main shopping streets to AQUA generally takes 10–20 minutes, depending on your starting point and pace. The route uses regular city streets and local paths, with a few gentle inclines but no demanding hills, and is suitable for older children used to cycling in light traffic. Bicycle rental is widely available in the region, with typical day rates from about 80–150 DKK per standard bike.
From Aarhus by regional train and local connection

From Aarhus, regional trains to Silkeborg usually take about 45–60 minutes, with departures throughout the day. A standard adult single ticket typically ranges from 80–130 DKK, depending on fare type. From Silkeborg station, you can continue by local bus or taxi; buses typically take 10–20 minutes, while taxis do the trip in about 10 minutes at a higher cost. This option is generally accessible year-round, though evening services are less frequent.
On foot from Silkeborg Lakes area

If you are staying near the central Silkeborg lakes or harbour area, you can walk to AQUA in roughly 25–40 minutes. The walk follows regular pavements and local paths with mild gradients, making it feasible for families with school-age children and sturdy strollers. Surfaces are mostly paved or compacted, but in winter months sections can be wet or icy, so allow extra time and wear appropriate footwear.

AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park location weather suitability

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

Discover more about AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

Freshwater worlds beneath Silkeborg’s lakes

Step inside AQUA and you enter the underwater world of Denmark’s lakes and streams. The aquarium focuses on freshwater rather than tropical seas, so the species you see here are those that actually swim in the surrounding Lake District. Through huge panoramic windows you look straight into deep tanks where pike lurk in the shadows, shoals of smaller fish flash past, and record-sized catfish glide by with surprising grace. Clear viewing panes at different heights mean even small children can watch the fish at eye level. The exhibitions are arranged over several floors, using models, films and interactive elements to explain how water moves through the landscape, how wetlands support wildlife, and how people have shaped these habitats. It feels part science centre, part aquarium, with a consistent focus on Danish nature. Information is designed to be accessible for families, but there is enough detail for anyone interested in ecology or conservation.

Otters, beavers and other Nordic neighbours

Beyond the aquarium halls, doors open onto an outdoor wildlife park built around lakeside woodland. Here, Danish animals live in spacious, naturalistic enclosures that mirror the habitats you have just learned about indoors. Otters are a major highlight; you can often watch them dive and twist underwater through glass panels, then scamper onto the banks to groom or play. Elsewhere in the park you may spot beavers reshaping their pond with branches, raccoons investigating every corner of their enclosure, and a variety of birds, including storks, moving around reed beds and grassy clearings. Enclosures are designed to encourage natural behaviour, so you are observing animals in surroundings that resemble the wild rather than theatrical show stages. Daily feeding sessions and talks, when scheduled, add extra insight into how the animals live and how they are cared for.

Playful water, big playgrounds and outdoor energy

AQUA is deliberately built for burning off energy in the fresh air. One of the park’s centrepieces is a large water playground where children can control sluices, pump water, redirect channels and set off fountains. It is hands-on, wet and very engaging, so spare clothes are a smart idea. Nearby, climbing structures, swings, a cable car and sand play areas create a classic Scandinavian outdoor playground feel. Surrounding paths and a short wilderness trail lead you through pockets of woodland and around smaller ponds, with viewpoints where you can pause and take in the setting. The broader Silkeborg Lake District landscape is never far away, and on clear days the light over the water adds to the sense of being immersed in nature rather than in a typical city zoo.

Cafés, picnics and practical comforts

Next to the main playground you find a café area serving light dishes, often with a focus on simple, family-friendly food. There are also spots where you can grill your own food on fixed barbecues, turning a visit into an extended lunch stop. Picnic tables and covered areas allow you to linger outdoors even if the weather changes. Facilities are designed with families in mind: restrooms near key play zones, pram-friendly routes and indoor seating when you need a break from the elements. Most pathways are relatively flat and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, making it easy to move between the aquarium, wildlife park and play areas without steep climbs or long distances.

A learning hub for Danish nature

Beyond entertainment, AQUA positions itself as a gateway to understanding Denmark’s freshwater ecosystems. Exhibits highlight the importance of clean water, wetland restoration and the role of key species such as beavers and predatory fish in maintaining ecological balance. Seasonal themes and temporary displays often pick up current environmental topics, from invasive species to climate impacts on local wildlife. Because it focuses on native species rather than exotic megafauna, the park encourages visitors to see familiar landscapes with new eyes. After exploring the tanks, trails and enclosures, many people leave better equipped to recognise tracks, sounds and silhouettes when they encounter wildlife in the surrounding forests and lakes of central Jutland.

Planning your time at AQUA

Most visitors spend a few hours here, balancing indoor aquarium exploration with outdoor play and animal watching. On cooler or wetter days, the indoor areas and covered spaces keep the experience comfortable, while on warm, sunny days the water playground and picnic lawns become the heart of the visit. The site is compact enough to navigate with children, yet varied enough to fill a relaxed half-day without rushing. Whether you are travelling with young children, interested in Scandinavian wildlife, or simply looking for a nature-focused break in Silkeborg, AQUA offers a distinctive mix of education and play. Its tight focus on Danish freshwater life sets it apart from tropical aquariums and large zoos, making it a memorable stop in the Lake District of Jutland.

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

From central Silkeborg by city bus

From Silkeborg city centre by bicycle

From Aarhus by regional train and local connection

On foot from Silkeborg Lakes area

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 Silkeborg’s lakes

Otters, beavers and other Nordic neighbours

Playful water, big playgrounds and outdoor energy

Cafés, picnics and practical comforts

A learning hub for Danish nature

Planning your time at AQUA

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