Resembling a whirlpool from above, the National Aquarium Denmark beckons you closer. Known locally as Den Blå Planet or The Blue Planet, it’s more than just an aquarium. It’s an architectural marvel and a portal to the underwater world.
The National Aquarium Denmark opened its doors in March 2013. It quickly became Northern Europe’s largest aquarium. But the story actually began earlier in Charlottenlund. The original aquarium started there in 1939. That facility closed and the animal collection moved to this modern location in Kastrup.
Designed by Danish architects 3XN, the building itself is a work of art. Its vortex shape mirrors a whirlpool when viewed from above. This is especially striking because it is near Copenhagen Airport. The design cleverly reduces energy consumption. It uses seawater from Øresund for cooling and features double glazing.
Inside the National Aquarium Denmark, prepare to be amazed. Over 20,000 animals representing 450 species call this place home. The aquarium holds 7,000,000 liters of water across 53 exhibits. These exhibits are divided into five main sections.
First, explore the rainforest. Here, you’ll encounter arapaimas and piranhas. See arowanas and freshwater stingrays. Marvel at boa constrictors and colorful turacos. Venture into the grotto section. It features electric eels and other fish thriving in dark freshwater habitats.
Next, journey to the African Great Lakes. Exhibits showcase cichlids from Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Victoria. Keep an eye out for tigerfish and bichirs too.
The “Evolution and Adaption” section highlights unique species. Observe four-eyed fish and archerfish in a mangrove aquarium. Spot alligator snapping turtles and primitive fish such as gar and lungfish.
Brave the cold water section to discover native Danish species. A touch pool allows close encounters. The large North Atlantic aquarium features a 15-meter-tall seabird cliff. Here, you can see cod, wolffish, conger, and puffins. Giant Pacific octopus and sea anemones also reside nearby. Sea otters moved into a former sea lion exhibit in October 2014.
Finally, plunge into the warm ocean section. This is where you’ll find the largest aquarium in National Aquarium Denmark. The 4,000,000-liter Ocean Tank teems with sharks, stingrays, and moray eels. Look for zebra sharks and hammerheads. A 16-meter-long shark tunnel offers an immersive experience. Opposite the Ocean Tank lies a vibrant coral reef. Smaller aquaria display shrimpfish, seahorses, and venomous stonefish.
The main purpose of the National Aquarium Denmark is education. It aims to disseminate marine information. The aquarium also supports scientific projects. It strives to improve educational institutions.
The National Aquarium Denmark received approximately 1.3 million visitors in its first year. This popularity led to renovations and improvements. These changes enhanced public education.
As you leave the National Aquarium Denmark, consider its impact. It’s not just a place to see fish. It’s a center for learning and conservation. It connects us to the world beneath the waves. The whirlpool beckons us to return and explore again.