The aquarium holds one of the few sunfish (Mola mola) in captivity in Europe.
The main tank uses 4.5 million liters of seawater pumped directly from the North Sea.
The facility serves as a primary center for the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned or injured harbor seals.
The interior layout is designed to simulate a journey from the shallow coast to the deep sea floor.
The aquarium houses a life-sized model of a fin whale, providing scale for the size of North Sea giants.
Nordsøen Oceanarium in Hirtshals is Northern Europe’s largest aquarium dedicated exclusively to North Sea marine life. Its centerpiece is a 4.5-million-liter tank housing schools of mackerel and herring alongside larger species like sunfish and sharks. The facility functions as both a public attraction and a research center focusing on the biodiversity of the North Sea ecosystem. Visitors traverse various habitats, including coastal zones, shipwrecks, and deep-sea environments. Educational daily shows feature diver-led feedings where staff interact with marine animals behind glass. The aquarium also maintains a dedicated sealarium for rescuing and rehabilitating injured seals found along the Danish coast. An outdoor area offers interactive play elements and exhibits relevant to maritime culture. The structure is built to mimic the natural conditions of the North Sea, including salinity and temperature levels.
The large acrylic glass panel of the main tank during a diver feeding session.
Check the daily program immediately upon arrival to synchronize your walk with the diver feeding sessions.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the exhibits cover a large surface area including outdoor trails.
Visit the sealarium during the designated feeding times to see the rescued seals at their most active.
Don't skip the outdoor sealarium area, as it is easy to miss if you only focus on the indoor tanks.
Closed for a short period annually in mid-November for maintenance; check the website for specific winter seasonal adjustments.
