AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park, Silkeborg

Freshwater worlds, playful otters and splash-filled playgrounds come together in Silkeborg’s lake-district aquarium and Danish wildlife park.

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AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park in Silkeborg is a family-focused nature and discovery centre built around northern Europe’s largest freshwater aquarium. Indoors, you move through multi-level exhibits with panoramic lake windows, touch pools and close-up encounters with pike and giant catfish. Outside, a compact wildlife park showcases Danish species such as otters, beavers and raccoons alongside a sprawling water playground, picnic lawns and shelter areas, blending education, play and Danish lake-district scenery in one easy half‑day stop.

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 and possibly sandals for children – the outdoor water playground is designed for serious splashing and they are very likely to get soaked.
Aim to be on site for at least one scheduled feeding or keeper talk; it is the best time to see otters, beavers or raccoons at their most active and learn more about them.
Pack a picnic if you prefer budget-friendly meals – there are dedicated picnic and barbecue areas, plus a café if you decide to supplement with snacks or hot drinks.
If visiting in cooler or wet weather, focus first on the indoor aquarium, then pick any dry spells to explore the wildlife park and playground so you can adapt to changing conditions.
Check for seasonal programmes during Danish school holidays; extra activities, themed days or extended hours can add value but also increase crowd levels around midday.

Getting There

Local bus from Silkeborg centrum

From central Silkeborg, use the local city bus routes that serve Vejlsøvej and the lakeside area, with journey times typically around 10–15 minutes from the bus station depending on the line. Services usually run at least twice per hour on weekdays and less frequently on evenings and weekends. A single adult ticket within the city zone is generally in the range of 20–30 DKK, purchasable via ticket machines or mobile apps. Buses stop a short walk from the entrance and vehicles are low-floor, making this a convenient option with pushchairs or limited mobility.
Car or rental car within Jutland

Arriving by car from elsewhere in Jutland, plan on approximately 20–30 minutes’ driving time from nearby towns such as Silkeborg’s suburbs, and 45–60 minutes from larger cities like Aarhus depending on traffic. AQUA lies in a developed lakeside district with signed parking areas close to the entrance; some spaces may have time limits or fees during busy periods, while others remain free. Expect typical Danish city parking charges of around 10–20 DKK per hour where applied, payable by card or parking app. Larger vehicles and campervans should arrive early in school holidays to secure suitable spaces.
Cycling from Silkeborg area

For a scenic and sustainable option, cycle from central Silkeborg to AQUA using the town’s network of cycle paths and quiet roads, which normally takes 10–20 minutes from most central accommodations. The route is generally flat with gentle inclines and is suitable for older children and casual cyclists. Bring lights and reflective gear outside summer, as forested sections can feel dim in the evening. Bicycle stands are available near the entrance, but you should bring your own lock, especially in high season when more visitors arrive by bike.
Regional bus from nearby towns

If you are staying in a nearby town in Mid Jutland, regional buses connect many communities with Silkeborg, from where you can transfer to a local bus or walk to AQUA. Travel time from towns such as Skanderborg or Viborg is typically 40–70 minutes including transfers, depending on the timetable. A one-way adult ticket for regional buses usually falls around 40–80 DKK based on distance, with discounts for children and travel cards. Check schedules in advance, as evening and weekend services can be significantly less frequent than weekday daytime departures.

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 are effectively walking under the surface of Denmark’s lakes. Panoramic windows look straight into vast freshwater tanks where pike hang motionless, perch shimmer in shoals and record-sized catfish prowl the depths with an almost prehistoric bulk. Multi-level galleries let you view the same habitat from different angles, so you can watch fish gliding above your head on one floor and nose-to-glass on another. Interpretive displays focus on Danish aquatic ecosystems rather than tropical showpieces. You learn how clear spring streams, reed-fringed shallows and deep lakes all support different communities of animals and plants. Touch pools invite gentle hands to feel the texture of fish and freshwater invertebrates, making the science tangible for children without losing interest for adults.

Danish Wildlife on the Water’s Edge

Stepping back outdoors, the aquarium flows into a wildlife park designed around native species. Enclosures are set in naturalistic woodland and wetland settings, so you see beavers among logs and ponds, raccoons picking their way over rocks, and white storks striding through marshy ground. Otters are among the stars here, especially around feeding times when they twist and dive after fish with acrobatic ease. The layout encourages slow wandering rather than rigid routes. Boardwalks and paths weave past ponds, hides and small viewing shelters where you can pause to listen to birds or watch a beaver dam from a quiet corner. Signage explains behaviour, adaptations and reintroduction stories, placing each animal in the wider narrative of Danish conservation and rewilding.

Playgrounds, Water Cannons and Barefoot Fun

Beyond the animal enclosures, the park opens into a large adventure and water playground built for unhurried family time. Here you find sluices and channels to divert water, cannons that send arcs of spray through the air, shallow basins for splashing and sand areas for dam-building. Traditional play equipment, cable lines and climbing structures keep older children engaged while younger ones revel in the simple joy of getting soaked. Grassy banks and picnic tables ring the play areas, allowing adults to relax within sight of their children. A dedicated grill zone and café serving light meals mean you can make a full afternoon of it without leaving the grounds. On warm days, spare clothes quickly prove essential, as many activities are designed with the expectation that visitors will embrace the water rather than avoid it.

Learning Through Curiosity and Hands-On Encounters

Education is woven through AQUA in subtle ways. Indoors, exhibition panels unpack topics such as water quality, invasive species and the seasonal rhythms of lake life. Simple experiments, models and interactive screens encourage children to lift flaps, press buttons and compare animal tracks or skull shapes. The goal is not only to display creatures, but to explain how they fit together in functioning ecosystems. Outside, daily feeding sessions and short talks introduce the personalities of individual animals while highlighting broader themes like predator–prey relationships or nocturnal behaviour. The combination of watching a hungry otter hunt for hidden fish and then reading about river restoration projects makes environmental messages feel immediate rather than abstract.

A Compact Nature Escape in the Lake Highlands

Although only a short distance from central Silkeborg, AQUA feels closely tied to the surrounding Lake Highlands. Views from the outdoor areas often frame real lakes and forest beyond the fences, blurring the line between the park’s exhibits and the wider landscape. This setting underlines the idea that the animals on display are not exotic additions, but neighbours sharing the same catchment. The site is compact enough to manage comfortably with small children, yet varied enough to fill a few hours with ease. Paths and indoor spaces are generally level and step-free, suiting pushchairs and most wheelchairs. Sheltered corners, indoor seating and all-weather exhibits mean the experience is not entirely dependent on sunshine, though the outdoor sections come into their own on bright, dry days.

Seasonal Atmosphere and Year-Round Appeal

AQUA shifts character with the seasons. In spring and summer, the water playground, storks and leafy trails create a lively, outdoor feel. Autumn brings quieter paths and rich colours in the surrounding trees, while winter sharpens the contrast between the cosy aquarium galleries and the crisp air outside. Special programmes and themed days occasionally add extra layers of activity, especially during school holidays. For travellers exploring Jutland, the park works well as a half-day stop combined with nearby lake walks or viewpoints. For local families, it serves as a familiar place to return to at different ages, discovering new details in the tanks and animal areas each time. At heart, it is a place where freshwater, forests and wildlife are presented as part of everyday Danish nature rather than distant wilderness, inviting visitors to look differently at the nearest stream or lake when they leave.

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.

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AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park, Silkeborg

A brief summary to AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

Local tips

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

Getting There

Local bus from Silkeborg centrum

Car or rental car within Jutland

Cycling from Silkeborg area

Regional bus from nearby towns

AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

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Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

Freshwater Worlds Beneath Silkeborg’s Lakes

Danish Wildlife on the Water’s Edge

Playgrounds, Water Cannons and Barefoot Fun

Learning Through Curiosity and Hands-On Encounters

A Compact Nature Escape in the Lake Highlands

Seasonal Atmosphere and Year-Round Appeal

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