The Bergen Aquarium (Akvariet i Bergen) sits at the tip of the Nordnes peninsula, about a 20-minute walk from Bryggen along the harbour front. Founded in 1960, it's one of the oldest and largest aquariums in Norway, with tanks covering everything from fjord species native to the waters around Bergen to tropical fish, crocodiles, and a colony of African and Macaroni penguins. The outdoor seal pool and the penguin enclosure are the obvious highlights, but the deep-water fjord exhibits — showing species that live in the cold darkness below Bergen's fjords — are the ones most visitors remember.
What to see
The main building holds around 70 tanks across multiple levels. The fjord section displays species found in the waters directly outside Bergen — wrasse, wolf fish, catshark, and deep-water crustaceans. The tropical section has reef fish, rays, and a small crocodile pool. Upstairs, the penguin exhibit houses a colony of African and Macaroni penguins with a glass-sided pool for underwater viewing. The outdoor seal pool hosts grey seals and harbour seals with feeding demonstrations at scheduled times through the day.
Feeding times and demonstrations
Feeding times for the penguins and seals are the busiest moments at the aquarium and worth timing your visit around. Check the daily schedule at the entrance — typically three rounds of feeding through the day. The penguin feeding lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on the open-air terrace, which also has the best view of the Nordnes peninsula and the harbour. The seal feeding is at the outdoor pool. Arrive 10 minutes early for either to get a good viewing position.
Getting there and the Nordnes walk
The aquarium is a pleasant 20-minute walk from Bryggen along the Nordnes harbourfront. The route passes the Bergenhus fortress, the old shipyard area, and the ferry terminals — it's one of the nicest short walks in central Bergen. Alternatively, bus 11 or 23 runs from the centre to Nordnes. The aquarium building itself has a good café and outdoor terrace with harbour views, making it a reasonable lunch stop even if you visit briefly.
Prices at a glance
Family ticket available. Online booking may offer small discount.