Bergen Aquarium

Akvariet i Bergen opened in 1960 on the tip of the Nordnes peninsula and is one of the oldest in Scandinavia, focused on North Atlantic species: cod, halibut, wolf-fish, rays and the cold-water reef life of the Norwegian coast, along with outdoor pools of harbour seals and penguins that are fed at set times each day. A tropical section was added later with reptiles, monkeys and fish. The setting is part of it, on a headland with the fjord on three sides and a park around it, and a small ferry crosses the harbour from the fish market in summer, which is the pleasant way to arrive. Feeding times structure most visits and are posted at the entrance.

History

Designed by the architects Hans Chr. Gaaserud and Helge Simers in 1952, the aquarium opened on 27 August 1960 and was then considered the largest and most modern in Northern Europe; a cinema was added in 1995 (Wikipedia, Bergen Aquarium).

What you'll find

• The North Atlantic tanks - cod, halibut, wolf-fish and cold-water reef species.
• The seal and penguin pools - outdoor enclosures with scheduled feedings.
• The tropical section - reptiles, monkeys and warm-water fish.
• The Nordnes setting - a headland park with the fjord on three sides.

When to go

Year-round; the aquarium is largely indoors with outdoor pools, so it works in Bergen's frequent rain. Feeding times are the busiest and best moments. School holidays bring crowds.

Good to know

The aquarium is dated in parts and smaller than modern equivalents. Keeping penguins and monkeys draws criticism from some visitors. Tickets are relatively expensive for the size.

Nearby

Nordnes park and the harbour ferry are alongside; Bryggen and the fish market are a short walk.

Key facts