Naturama
Denmark's most immersive natural history museum, where dramatic design and living collections reveal nature's interconnected wonders.
A Modern Temple to Natural Wonder
Naturama stands as one of Denmark's most innovative natural history museums, located in the charming harbor town of Svendborg on the island of Funen. Rather than presenting nature as static displays behind glass, Naturama uses dramatic scenography, carefully orchestrated lighting, and immersive soundscapes to bring the natural world to life. The museum's architecture itself becomes part of the experience, with a distinctive spiraling ramp that guides visitors through multiple levels of discovery, making navigation intuitive and accessible for families with young children.Living Collections and Immersive Environments
The museum houses one of Denmark's largest and most comprehensive egg collections, alongside live amphibians including turtles and spiders that captivate visitors. A centerpiece of the experience is the expansive rainforest hall, where video projections and ambient soundscapes transport visitors into tropical ecosystems. The bird collection is particularly extensive, showcasing the remarkable diversity of avian species found in and around Denmark. These living and preserved specimens are presented not as isolated curiosities but as interconnected parts of complex ecological systems.Rotating Exhibitions and Collaborative Artistry
Beyond permanent displays, Naturama regularly features rotating exhibitions that explore unexpected intersections between nature and culture. A notable past exhibition brought together the work of 35 jewelers whose creations were directly inspired by animals in the museum's collection, creating a dialogue between artistic interpretation and natural form. The dinosaur exhibition combines natural science with theatrical presentation, engaging visitors of all ages in understanding prehistoric life. These exhibitions demonstrate the museum's commitment to showing how human creativity and natural inspiration intertwine.Educational Philosophy and Family Experience
Naturama's approach to interpretation emphasizes making complex natural science accessible and engaging for both children and adults. The museum offers guided tours and educational programs that help visitors understand ecological relationships and biodiversity. The layout and design specifically accommodate young children, with the long spiraling ramp and varied floor levels allowing toddlers and older children to explore at their own pace. Staff members are attentive to visitor questions, creating an environment where curiosity is encouraged and learning feels organic rather than didactic.Café and Visitor Amenities
The on-site café serves organic, homemade food sourced from local suppliers, offering refreshment options that reflect a commitment to sustainability and quality. The café provides a comfortable space to rest between gallery sections, and the food quality ensures that a full-day visit remains pleasant and nourishing. The museum's facilities are designed to accommodate extended visits, with seating areas throughout and clear information boards guiding visitors through exhibitions.Seasonal Rhythms and Community Connection
Naturama operates seasonally, closing during January and reopening in early February, reflecting the natural rhythms of the Danish year. The museum hosts special events including Saturday brunches featuring local ingredients and regular lectures that deepen community engagement with natural science and conservation. These programs position Naturama not merely as a tourist attraction but as an active participant in local cultural and educational life, supporting ongoing research and nature conservation initiatives.Local tips
- Visit on weekday mornings for a quieter experience, allowing you to explore at a relaxed pace without crowds. The museum is particularly family-friendly during these times.
- Plan for a full day to experience all galleries and exhibitions thoroughly. The rainforest hall and bird collection alone warrant extended viewing time.
- Check the museum's website for rotating exhibitions and special events, including Saturday brunches and themed lectures that add depth to your visit.
- The café serves excellent organic, locally-sourced food at reasonable prices—ideal for refueling between gallery sections during a full-day visit.
- Note that the museum closes during January; plan visits from February onwards. The spiraling ramp design makes it accessible for strollers and visitors with mobility considerations.
A brief summary to Naturama
- Dronningemaen 30, Svendborg, 5700, DK
- +4562210650
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
- Thursday 9 am-7 pm
- Friday 9 am-4 pm
- Saturday 9 am-4 pm
- Sunday 9 am-4 pm
Getting There
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Bus from Svendborg Town Centre
Local buses serve Svendborg's central station and town area. Journey time to Naturama is approximately 10–15 minutes depending on the route. Buses run regularly throughout the day with reduced frequency on Sundays. Single tickets cost around 25–35 Danish kroner. The museum is located on Dronningemaen, accessible by foot from the bus stop with clear signage.
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Car with Parking
Naturama is accessible by car from central Svendborg, approximately 2 kilometers away, with a travel time of 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. The museum provides on-site parking facilities. No parking fee is charged for museum visitors. GPS coordinates are available for navigation, and the address is Dronningemaen 30, 5700 Svendborg.
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Bicycle
Svendborg is a bicycle-friendly town with dedicated cycling routes. The journey from the town center to Naturama takes approximately 10–15 minutes by bicycle. The museum provides bicycle parking facilities. This option is ideal during mild weather months (May–September) and offers a scenic route through the town.
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Walking from Svendborg Harbour
From Svendborg's picturesque harbor area and town center, Naturama is accessible by foot in approximately 20–25 minutes. The walk follows local streets with sidewalks and passes through residential neighborhoods. The route is relatively flat and suitable for families with children, though the distance may be challenging for visitors with mobility limitations.