Atlanterhavsparken - foto Arild Solberg
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Atlanterhavsparken Café Ålesund

4.6
·6k reviews·, Norway

A modern cold-water aquarium showcasing Norway's fascinating marine life with interactive exhibits and engaging animal talks.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daily, during feeding talks

Engaging talks in English

CrowdMedium
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Atlanterhavsparken - foto Arild Solberg

Atlanterhavsparken Café Ålesund

Best Time

Daily, during feeding talks

Engaging talks in English

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A modern cold-water aquarium showcasing Norway's fascinating marine life with interactive exhibits and engaging animal talks.

4.6
(6k reviews)

"An incredible experience with beautifully designed aquariums and stunning outdoor areas!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive for Feeding Talks

Don't miss the otter talks! Get there early for good seats in the auditorium.

♿ Excellent Accessibility

Ramps, wide doors, and solid floors make it perfect for wheelchairs and strollers.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Otter Feeding Talks

Otter Feeding Talks

Outdoor Otter Enclosure

Engaging keeper talks about the playful otters, often in English. A crowd favorite for all ages!

Penguin & Seal Exhibits

Penguin & Seal Exhibits

Outdoor Enclosures

Watch seals and penguins in spacious, naturalistic settings. A delight for animal lovers.

Interactive Exhibits

Interactive Exhibits

Indoor & Outdoor Areas

Hands-on displays for kids and adults, making learning about marine life fun and engaging.

Viewing Tunnel

Viewing Tunnel

Indoor Aquarium

Walk through a tunnel surrounded by fish and marine life for an immersive underwater experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Atlanterhavsparken

This cold-water aquarium is a hit with families and cruise ship visitors alike. Expect interactive exhibits and talks, especially about the otters. Wheelchair and stroller accessibility is excellent, with ramps and wide doors throughout. Reddit

Best Time for Otter Talks & Views

Catch the engaging otter feeding talks, often held in English, for a highlight of your visit. The outdoor exhibits, featuring seals and penguins, are particularly enjoyable on sunny days. Reddit

Best Times

When
Daily, during feeding talks
Why
Engaging talks in English
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunny days
Why
Enjoy outdoor exhibits
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

One day trip suggestions in Ålesund?

🎯 Arrive for Feeding Talks

Don't miss the otter talks! Get there early for good seats in the auditorium. Reddit

♿ Excellent Accessibility

Ramps, wide doors, and solid floors make it perfect for wheelchairs and strollers. Reddit

☕ Delicious Cafe Treats

Enjoy tasty cakes and sandwiches at the reasonably priced cafe. Reddit

bilingual Info

Information is provided in both Norwegian and English. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive for Feeding Talks

Don't miss the otter talks! Get there early for good seats in the auditorium. Reddit

♿ Excellent Accessibility

Ramps, wide doors, and solid floors make it perfect for wheelchairs and strollers. Reddit

☕ Delicious Cafe Treats

Enjoy tasty cakes and sandwiches at the reasonably priced cafe. Reddit

bilingual Info

Information is provided in both Norwegian and English. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Atlanterhavsparken, calling it a 'great aquarium' and an 'incredible experience.' The well-designed tanks, engaging interactive exhibits, and delightful outdoor animal enclosures (especially otters, penguins, and seals) are consistently praised. The aquarium's excellent accessibility and friendly, knowledgeable staff further enhance the visit, making it a highly recommended stop for families and cruise ship passengers alike. Reddit

"A Great Aquarium

We were taken to the Aquarium as part of a tour from the cruise ship. It was a lovely sunny day and there is plenty to see outside as well as inside. They have otters, seals and penguins (lovely!) and the keeper did a great talk about the otters in English.

In fact all the staff spoke very good English. There are some great views outside as well. Plenty for children to do both inside and outside so a good place to visit as a family. Inside there are various sized glass tanks and a viewing tunnel where you can see the fish etc. There is also a large open top tank where you can look over and watch the various sea life. Lots of interactive activities for both children and adults.

There is a great cafe too which had lovely cakes and food! Again the staff here spoke very good English. There is a shop with various souvenirs etc. Good clean toilets. The Aquarium is well worth a visit and we would like to go again one day."

Keith Dredge

"Visited this place whilst on our cruise. Easy access via concrete paths with wheelchair wide doors. Everything here is easy for wheelchair users and buggies. Payment by cash or card. Welcome with a smile and helpful advice. Also good disabled parking at the front door. All floors are solid and easy gradients to navigate. There is so much information at this place to take in. The fish tanks were all clear and clean and very easy to see the fish etc. Outside there were the penguins and the otter tanks which were a delight to see. There was also a massive tank with seals in. Inside was a lovely cafe with a choice of very tasty cakes and sandwiches. It was spotless to and nice and airy. The toilets were very clean and access to the Disabled toilet was on the flat and very good access with big doors."

Kevin Gent

"Atlantic Sea-Park is an incredible experience! The aquariums are beautifully designed and give you a close-up view of Norway’s fascinating marine life. The outdoor areas are stunning, with seals, penguins, and otters in spacious natural settings. Everything feels well-organized, family-friendly, and educational — perfect for kids and adults alike. The staff are knowledgeable and clearly passionate about what they do. A must-visit if you’re anywhere near Ålesund!"

Oleg Gnatyk

What People Like

Engaging animal exhibits
Interactive displays
Excellent accessibility

What People Dislike

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Atlanterhavsparken is easily accessible from downtown Ålesund. Many visitors arrive via cruise ship tours, which often include transport. If you're traveling independently, local buses are a convenient option, or it's a pleasant walk if you enjoy a stroll along the coast. Reddit

Yes, there is good disabled parking available at the front door, and general parking is also available for visitors. Reddit

Yes, it's a scenic walk from the city center, offering lovely coastal views. The paths are well-maintained and accessible. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary seasonally, so it's always best to check their official website before your visit. They are generally open daily, with extended hours during peak tourist seasons. Reddit

Admission prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality of exhibits and interactive elements. Family tickets are often available, offering good value. Check their website for current pricing. Reddit

While not always necessary, purchasing tickets online in advance can sometimes save time, especially during busy periods. It's worth checking their website for this option. Reddit

Absolutely! Many cruise ship tours include a visit to Atlanterhavsparken, and it's easily manageable as a standalone day trip from Ålesund. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The otters, penguins, and seals are major highlights, especially during their feeding times. The diverse fish in the large tanks and the viewing tunnel are also captivating. Reddit

Yes, they host regular feeding talks, particularly for the otters, which are often held in English and are very informative and entertaining. Reddit

It's fantastic for kids! There are numerous interactive exhibits, both indoors and outdoors, designed to engage young minds. The animals are a huge draw, and the accessible layout is perfect for families with strollers. Reddit

Yes, Atlanterhavsparken is exceptionally accessible. It features ramps, wide doors, solid floors, and good gradients throughout, making it easy to navigate with wheelchairs and prams. Reddit

Expect a variety of hands-on activities, from building dams to learning about marine life through touch pools and educational displays. These are designed for both children and adults. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there's a lovely cafe on-site that offers a good selection of cakes, sandwiches, and other food items. Visitors often praise the quality and taste. Reddit

The cafe is generally considered reasonably priced, offering good value for the quality of food and the pleasant dining environment. Reddit

While specific options aren't detailed, cafes in Norway are usually accommodating. It's best to inquire directly at the cafe about any specific dietary needs. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The outdoor enclosures with seals and penguins offer great natural light. The viewing tunnel provides unique underwater shots, and the interactive exhibits can lead to fun, candid moments. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium. However, be mindful of flash photography, as it can disturb the animals. Check for any specific signage. Reddit

The tanks are kept very clean, offering clear views of the marine life. The lighting inside can be a bit dim, so a camera with good low-light performance or a steady hand is beneficial. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Atlanterhavsparken is a top-tier destination for families. The interactive exhibits are a huge hit, keeping children entertained and educated. The otter feeding talks are a must-see, offering a fun and informative experience. Thanks to the excellent accessibility with ramps and wide paths, navigating with strollers is a breeze. Reddit

Don't miss the outdoor areas where kids can see penguins and seals in spacious enclosures. The on-site cafe offers kid-friendly options, and the overall atmosphere is welcoming and engaging for younger visitors. It's a place where both kids and adults can learn and have fun together. Reddit

♿ Visitors with Mobility Challenges

Atlanterhavsparken excels in providing a seamless experience for visitors with mobility challenges. The entire facility is remarkably accessible, featuring gentle ramps, wide doorways, and level flooring throughout. This ensures easy navigation for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Reddit

Disabled parking is conveniently located at the front, and the disabled toilets are spacious and well-equipped. You can comfortably explore all the indoor tanks and outdoor exhibits without encountering significant barriers, making it a stress-free visit for everyone. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Norway's Cold-Water Marine Life

Atlanterhavsparken is a specialist cold-water aquarium, focusing on the diverse species found in Norwegian waters. This means you'll see creatures adapted to the chilly Atlantic, offering a unique perspective on marine ecosystems. The aquarium's design emphasizes naturalistic habitats, allowing visitors to observe animals like seals, penguins, and various fish in environments that closely mimic their native surroundings. Reddit

Beyond the main tanks, the aquarium features interactive exhibits that make learning about these species engaging for all ages. From understanding the adaptations of cold-water fish to learning about conservation efforts, the displays are both educational and entertaining. The staff's passion for marine life is evident, and their talks, especially the otter feeding sessions, are a highlight for many visitors. Reddit

Family-Friendly Fun and Accessibility

Atlanterhavsparken is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and excellent accessibility. The entire facility is designed with ramps, wide doorways, and smooth, solid flooring, making it incredibly easy to navigate with wheelchairs and strollers. This thoughtful design ensures that everyone, regardless of mobility, can enjoy the exhibits without hassle. Reddit

Children will particularly love the interactive play areas, such as the 'build your own dam' zone, and the opportunity to see animals up close during feeding talks. The aquarium's layout encourages exploration, with both indoor tanks and outdoor enclosures for seals, penguins, and otters. The on-site cafe also provides a convenient spot for families to refuel with tasty treats. Reddit

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