Atlantic Sea Park

The Atlantic Sea Park sits right on the exposed coast outside Alesund, one of the largest saltwater aquariums in Northern Europe, its great tanks fed straight from the sea and built into the coastal rocks. Its centrepiece is a huge North Atlantic tank with a diver feeding among the cod, halibut and wolffish.

History

The aquarium was founded as a company in 1951 and moved in 1967 to the basement of the Fishermen's House near Brosundet; it became a foundation in 1976, and the present facility opened on 15 June 1998, during Ålesund's 150th anniversary (Wikipedia, Atlantic Sea-Park).

Highlights

• The North Atlantic tank - the huge tank with diver feeding shows among big fish.
• Coastal sea life - the fish, crustaceans and life of the Norwegian coast.
• Penguins and seals - the outdoor pools on the rocky shore.
• The coastal setting - the aquarium built into the wave-washed rocks.

When to go

Year-round; a fully indoor and outdoor attraction good in any weather, with feeding shows on a schedule. It is a natural pairing with an Alesund visit.

Practical notes

It is a modern aquarium with the usual questions about keeping marine life, though it focuses on local coastal species. Feeding shows run at set times, so check to catch them. It is just outside town, needing a bus or car.

Nearby

Alesund's art nouveau town and the Aksla viewpoint are close; the Atlantic islands lie offshore.

Key facts