AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park is a unique freshwater aquarium and zoological center located in the picturesque city of Silkeborg. It is not just a museum behind glass, but Northern Europe's largest freshwater aquarium, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the amazing underwater world of Danish lakes and rivers.

The main feature of this place lies in its focus on the local nature of the country of Denmark. Here you will not find colorful coral reefs, but you will be able to see the mysterious life of pike, giant catfish, and playful otters in conditions as close to natural as possible. This is a true educational center where nature reveals its secrets to both adults and children.

A visit to AQUA is an opportunity to see what is usually hidden beneath the dark surface of the water. Thanks to thoughtful architecture and huge tanks, guests can observe the inhabitants of the reservoirs from unusual angles, gaining unforgettable impressions from meeting wildlife.

To plan your visit and check details, you can use the park's official contacts. They are always happy to answer visitors' questions and help organize tours.

At AQUA Aquarium, plenty of interactive activities await visitors. One of the main highlights is observing underwater life through huge panoramic windows. You will come face to face with impressive pike, carp, and catfish swimming in massive tanks that simulate real lakes. Be sure to visit the touch pool, where you can literally touch the fish and learn more about their anatomy and habits under the guidance of park staff.

Stepping outside into the wildlife park, you can walk along wooden boardwalks amidst swamps and forests. Beavers, raccoons, storks, and, of course, the crowd favorites — otters — live here. Don't miss the daily animal feeding demonstrations: this is a captivating spectacle during which park employees share interesting facts about their charges.

For children, a real paradise has been created here — the huge "Water Playground". Here, young explorers can operate sluices, build dams, and experiment with water flows. It is the ideal place to combine learning with fun, allowing kids to get wet, get dirty, and have a lot of fun interacting with the elements.

Getting to the AQUA Aquarium, located at Vejlsøvej 55, is quite simple, as it is situated just a few kilometers from the city center. If you prefer public transport, you can use local bus routes that run from the train station or bus terminal. The bus ride takes very little time, and the stop is within walking distance of the park entrance.

For those who value comfort and saving time, a taxi is an excellent option. A trip from the central square or station will take about 5–10 minutes. Also, many tourists and locals prefer to get here by bicycle, enjoying the picturesque views along the way, or by private car — parking is provided next to the complex.

An interesting feature of the AQUA Aquarium is its unique concept: unlike most oceanariums that strive to show exotic tropical fish, this center is fully dedicated to freshwater life. It is part of the large research complex Ferskvandscentret (Freshwater Center), created to study and protect the aquatic environment. This makes it not just an entertainment attraction, but an important educational institution.

The architecture of the building is designed to erase the boundary between the visitor and nature. Huge panoramic windows and tanks allow you to look into the depths of Danish lakes as if you were underwater yourself. The history of the place is closely tied to environmental education: since its opening, they have strived to show how rich and diverse, yet fragile, the world hidden beneath the surface of familiar bodies of water is.

The wildlife park surrounding the aquarium was created on the site of natural wetlands. This allowed for the preservation of the authentic landscape and the creation of ideal living conditions for local species, such as otters, beavers, and storks, in an environment as close as possible to their natural habitat.

For a full introduction to the exhibits and the park, it is recommended to allocate from 2 to 4 hours. This time is enough to leisurely explore the indoor aquariums, walk along the paths of the outdoor park, and watch the animal feedings, which take place according to a schedule.

If you are traveling with children, the visit may extend to half a day, especially during the warm season. There is a large water playground on the territory where young visitors can spend a lot of time experimenting with water and sluices, making the visit not only educational but also very active.

When planning your visit, pay attention to the complex's schedule. Currently, AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park is open to visitors daily, however, opening hours on weekends are slightly extended for the convenience of guests.

From Monday to Friday, the park is open from 10:00 to 16:00. On Saturday and Sunday, you will have an extra hour for walks, as the doors are open from 10:00 to 17:00. We recommend arriving in advance to be in time for all planned activities and animal feedings.

The surroundings of Silkeborg are famous for their stunning nature and cozy atmosphere, so after a visit to the aquarium, it is worth taking time to explore nearby sites. A walk through this area will allow you to see historic buildings, enjoy local cuisine, or continue your active holiday in high ropes courses.