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Øresund Aquarium

Denmark's coziest aquarium where you can touch starfish and explore the living waters of the Øresund strait.

4.3

A compact, interactive saltwater aquarium in Helsingør specializing in the marine life of the Øresund strait. Run by the University of Copenhagen, it features touch pools where visitors can handle starfish, crabs, and rays, plus an outdoor Water Laboratory showcasing natural habitats. Perfect for families and anyone curious about local Nordic marine ecosystems.

A brief summary to Øresund Aquarium

  • Strandpromenaden 5, Helsingør, 3000, DK
  • +4535321970
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
  • Budget
  • Environment icon 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

  • Arrive early in the morning, particularly on weekdays, to experience the touch pools when crowds are minimal and staff can provide more personalized attention.
  • Time your visit to coincide with one of the daily feeding sessions to observe natural animal behaviors and learn from knowledgeable staff commentary.
  • Don't miss the outdoor Water Laboratory at the harbor—it's only a one-minute walk away and offers a unique perspective on living Øresund ecosystems.
  • If visiting with children, plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully enjoy both the indoor touch pools and the outdoor exhibits without rushing.
  • Consider combining your visit with nearby Kronborg Castle and the harbor area for a full morning or afternoon of cultural and natural exploration.
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Getting There

  • Train from Copenhagen

    Direct regional trains depart from Copenhagen Central Station (København H) to Helsingør station approximately every 20 minutes throughout the day. Journey time is 45 minutes. From Helsingør station, the aquarium is a 10-minute walk downhill toward the harbor and waterfront. Trains run daily from early morning until late evening. Single ticket costs approximately 95–110 DKK.

  • Car from Copenhagen

    Drive north from Copenhagen via the E47 motorway toward Helsingør, a distance of approximately 30 kilometers taking 35–50 minutes depending on traffic. Follow signs for Helsingør harbor (Helsingør Havn). Parking is available at Q-Park Nordlysvænget, located just 2 minutes' walk from the aquarium entrance. Parking costs approximately 50–80 DKK for 2–3 hours, or 120–150 DKK for a full day.

  • Bus from Copenhagen

    Regional bus services operate from Copenhagen to Helsingør, with journey times of 60–90 minutes depending on route and stops. Buses arrive at Helsingør bus station, from which the aquarium is a 15-minute walk toward the harbor. Service frequency varies by route but is generally available several times daily. Single ticket costs approximately 80–100 DKK.

  • Walking from Kronborg Castle

    If visiting Kronborg Castle first, the aquarium is approximately 800 meters away via a pleasant waterfront walk along Strandpromenaden. The walk takes 10–12 minutes and follows the harbor edge with views of the Øresund strait. The route is flat and suitable for all fitness levels.

Øresund Aquarium location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather

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Discover more about Øresund Aquarium

A Window into the Sound's Hidden World

The Øresund Aquarium is a small, intimate saltwater facility located at Nordhavnen marina in Helsingør, just north of the iconic Kronborg Castle. Operated by the University of Copenhagen's Department of Biology, this aquarium serves as both a public attraction and an active research and education center dedicated to understanding the unique marine environment of the Øresund strait—the body of water separating Denmark from Sweden. Rather than attempting to replicate the scale of larger aquariums, Øresundsakvariet focuses its expertise on the specific ecosystems and creatures that inhabit these northern European waters, making it an essential destination for anyone interested in authentic Nordic marine biology.

Four Types of Exhibits and Interactive Experiences

The aquarium is organized into four distinct exhibit categories designed to engage visitors of all ages. Biotope aquariums recreate the natural conditions of different marine habitats, allowing you to observe fish and creatures in settings that closely mirror their wild environments. Theme aquariums highlight specific aspects of Sound ecology, such as seasonal migrations or predator-prey relationships. The adult touch pool invites visitors to gently handle rays, small sharks, and other creatures under staff supervision—an experience that transforms passive observation into tactile learning. The children's touch pool is equally popular, featuring crabs, sea stars, and flatfish that young visitors can safely touch and examine. Throughout the day, feeding sessions occur at regular intervals, providing opportunities to watch natural behaviors and learn about the dietary needs of different species.

The Water Laboratory: Nature at the Harbor's Edge

Just a one-minute walk from the main aquarium building, at Elsinore harbor itself, stands the Water Laboratory—an outdoor installation that brings a slice of the living Øresund directly to visitors. This naturalistic basin is populated with stone reefs, sand beds, and seaweed banks, creating a miniature ecosystem where fish, crabs, and other creatures thrive in conditions nearly identical to the open strait. The aquarium regularly introduces new specimens into the Water Lab, ensuring that each visit offers fresh discoveries. This outdoor space is particularly valuable during warmer months and provides a sensory-rich complement to the indoor exhibits.

Conservation and Research at the Heart of the Mission

Beyond its role as a public attraction, Øresundsakvariet functions as a conservation organization actively working to protect the Sound's marine biodiversity. The institution engages in habitat restoration projects, participates in scientific research, and educates thousands of schoolchildren annually through dedicated educational programs. Staff members are knowledgeable and multilingual, readily sharing insights about the animals on display and the broader ecological challenges facing the Øresund. This commitment to stewardship means that your visit directly supports ongoing efforts to preserve one of Northern Europe's most important marine environments.

Location and Accessibility

Situated at Strandpromenaden 5, the aquarium occupies a prime waterfront location within easy walking distance of Helsingør's historic town center and Kronborg Castle. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and parking is available nearby at Q-Park Nordlysvænget, just a two-minute walk away. The harbor setting provides a pleasant approach, with views of the Øresund and opportunities to observe real maritime activity alongside your visit to the exhibits.

Seasonal Activities and Special Experiences

Beyond the permanent exhibits, Øresundsakvariet offers guided tours, lectures, snorkel diving expeditions, and porpoise-safari boat tours on the Sound itself. These seasonal activities provide deeper engagement with the marine environment and are particularly popular during school holidays. The aquarium also hosts birthday celebrations and private events, making it a versatile venue for group experiences centered on marine education.

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