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Aquarium · Ålesund, Møre e Romsdal
Atlanterhavsparken
Ålesund's saltwater aquarium, in a cove 3 km from the center, with fish and marine life of the Norwegian coast, a large Atlantic tank, penguins and seaside trails.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Atlanterhavsparken
The Atlanterhavsparken is Ålesund's aquarium, built in a cove on the island of Hessa, west of the center, facing the open sea. It displays marine life from the Norwegian coast and the North Atlantic, with water pumped directly from the sea, and is one of Scandinavia's large saltwater aquariums.
The main tank, the Atlantic tank, holds about 4 million liters and reproduces the coastal seabed, with cod, flounder, rays, wolffish and schools of herring. Divers often feed the fish at scheduled times. Other tanks show fjord waters, cold-water coral reefs and the tidal zone, where children can touch starfish and crabs.
Outside there are Humboldt penguins and seals, in tanks with the cove as a backdrop. Around the aquarium, trails and bathing areas on the shore, with flat rocks, are used by locals in summer.
The aquarium is close to dive sites and to Tueneset beach; the city bus stops in front.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours.
Best time
It operates year-round. Schedule the visit for the feeding times of the fish in the Atlantic tank and of the penguins; check the day's schedule.
How to get there
It is about 3 km west of central Ålesund. City buses stop in front; on foot, along the seafront, it's about 40 minutes.
Tip
Walk back along the seafront to the centre, passing the coves of the island of Aspøya. If you're with children, start at the tidal area where the animals can be touched.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Atlanterhavsparken
Is the aquarium good for children?
Yes. There's a touch zone with starfish and crabs, penguins, and divers feeding the fish.
What animals can you see at the aquarium?
Fish from the Norwegian coast such as cod, wolffish and rays, plus Humboldt penguins and seals.
How to get there without a car?
By local bus from the centre, or on foot along the seafront in about 40 minutes.
How much time to allow?
Two to three hours, including the feeding at the main tank.