The Blue Planet

"Den Blå Planet" (The Blue Planet) is the National Aquarium Denmark, located in Copenhagen. It is rightfully considered the largest and most modern aquarium in Northern Europe and the second largest on the entire continent. Every year, this amazing place attracts over 700,000 visitors eager to immerse themselves in the mysteries of the underwater world.

One of the main features of Den Blå Planet is its unique architecture. The building, designed by the Danish studio 3XN, resembles a giant silvery whirlpool situated on the shores of the Øresund Strait. The facade is entirely covered with thousands of small, diamond-shaped aluminum plates that create the illusion of moving water and give the structure a futuristic look. This complex spiral design has no equivalent in the world.

Inside, Den Blå Planet is divided into several zones representing different corners of the aquatic world. The complex features 53 aquariums, home to approximately 20,000 fish and other aquatic animals. Visitors can see fearsome hammerhead sharks, graceful rays, sea lions, moray eels, barracudas, and even dwarf crocodiles. It is a true kaleidoscope of marine life that provides unforgettable impressions for both adults and children.

For the latest information on opening hours, ticket prices, and special events, it is recommended to visit the aquarium's official website. You can get in touch with representatives of Den Blå Planet using the contact details listed below.

A visit to Den Blå Planet is a thrilling immersion into the underwater world, where every guest finds something of interest. The main highlight is, of course, observing the lives of 20,000 marine inhabitants. You can spend hours admiring the graceful hammerhead sharks and rays swimming directly overhead in the massive ocean tank or watching the playful sea lions. The 53 aquariums showcase a wide variety of ecosystems, from cold waters to tropical reefs, inhabited by moray eels, barracudas, and even dwarf crocodiles.

Beyond observation, Den Blå Planet offers interactive entertainment. For the most curious visitors, especially children, there are special zones where you can touch certain marine animals, such as starfish. Regular feeding demonstrations of piranhas, rays, and other inhabitants are held, allowing you to see their natural instincts in action. These events make the visit not only spectacular but also educational, revealing the secrets of the behavior of underwater predators and other creatures.

For younger guests, the Copenhagen aquarium provides special educational tours that introduce the diversity of marine fauna in an engaging way. In the summer, an outdoor water playground is open where children can splash around and have fun. Thus, a visit to the National Aquarium Denmark becomes a true adventure for the whole family, combining relaxation, entertainment, and the discovery of new knowledge about the incredible world of the ocean.

The Den Blå Planet aquarium is located in a scenic spot in the Kastrup district, on the shores of the Øresund Strait, making it easily accessible for visitors to Copenhagen. One of its main advantages is its close proximity to the airport, which is just one metro stop away. This makes the aquarium an ideal place to visit even if you only have a few hours to spare between flights in the capital of Denmark.

Getting to Den Blå Planet is very convenient by public transport. The easiest way is to take the metro. You will need line M2 (the yellow line) heading toward the airport (Lufthavnen). Get off at Kastrup station, from where it is about a 600-meter walk to the aquarium. Another convenient option is bus route 5C, which also heads toward the airport. Its stop is named "Den Blå Planet," and from there, it is only 200 meters to the aquarium entrance.

If you are traveling by car, reaching your destination is also straightforward — the aquarium is located near the E20 motorway. A taxi ride from the city center takes very little time, depending on traffic conditions. For those who enjoy active recreation and beautiful views, there is the option to arrive by bicycle: the route from central Copenhagen takes about 45 minutes and follows the picturesque coastline.

The history of the National Aquarium Denmark dates back to 1939, when its predecessor was opened in Copenhagen. Initially, the aquarium was located in Charlottenlund Park, but over time, the building ceased to meet modern requirements and standards for housing marine life. This served as the catalyst for the creation of a grand new project.

The grand opening of the modern complex, known as "Den Blå Planet" (The Blue Planet), took place in March 2013. The significance of the event was underscored by the presence of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Prince Consort Henrik at the ceremony. The aquarium's new building instantly won the hearts of locals and was included in the list of the capital's top attractions.

A curious fact illustrates the incredible popularity of Den Blå Planet from its very first days. During the first month of operation, about 77,000 people visited the complex, which significantly exceeded the calculated capacity of the ventilation system. Due to the stuffiness, some visitors even fainted. This surge of interest was clear proof of how long-awaited and impressive the new aquarium turned out to be.

When planning a visit to the Den Blå Planet aquarium, you should expect the tour to take about 2–3 hours on average. This is enough time to explore all the main exhibits at a leisurely pace, observe the lives of the inhabitants in the 53 tanks, and enjoy the building's unique architecture. During this time, you will be able to see everything from the fearsome hammerhead sharks in the ocean tunnel to colorful tropical fish and playful sea otters.

However, if you are traveling with children or want to dive deeper into the mysteries of the underwater world, you should set aside more time — up to half a day. Interactive zones where you can touch starfish, educational programs, and animal feeding demonstrations can significantly extend your visit. Additionally, for the most curious visitors, special "behind-the-scenes" tours are available, lasting about an hour and revealing how this complex ecosystem functions from the inside.

The National Aquarium Denmark (Den Blå Planet) is open to visitors year-round, 365 days a year, including public holidays. Standard opening hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. On Mondays, the aquarium operates with extended hours — from 10:00 to 21:00, providing a wonderful opportunity for an evening visit. Please note that on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, December 24 and 31, shortened working hours are in effect.

To avoid queues and guarantee entry, especially on weekends and holidays when tickets may sell out, it is highly recommended to purchase them in advance online. Buying tickets on the official website not only saves time but often allows you to save money as well. Online tickets are usually sold for a specific entry time slot, which helps to evenly distribute the flow of visitors and makes your stay at the aquarium more comfortable.

A visit to Den Blå Planet is just part of a larger adventure awaiting you in Copenhagen. To fully experience the atmosphere of the capital of Denmark, it is worth exploring other attractions located nearby. This will not only diversify your itinerary but also allow for a deeper connection with the culture and history of this amazing city.

The area surrounding the aquarium offers many interesting places that are easy to reach. From modern sports arenas and unique architectural landmarks to historic churches and cultural centers — everyone will find something for themselves. Below is a list of nearby attractions, along with their distance from Den Blå Planet.