Atlanterhavsparken: Exploring marine life on the Norwegian coastline

By Molly McPharlin | Photos: Atlanterhavsparken

With the motto “We are the voice of the sea,” Atlanterhavsparken is one of northern Europe’s largest and most dynamic saltwater aquariums. Set on Norway’s spectacular west coast, just three kilometres from the city of Ålesund, the marine centre offers visitors of all ages an interactive and engaging gateway to undersea life along the Norwegian coastline and across the North Atlantic.

Open since 1998, Atlanterhavsparken decided in 2015 to focus entirely on the marine world around Norway. This led to the creation of the first marine science centre in 2021. “Our location makes it possible to use unfiltered seawater directly from the ocean. We take in 21,000 litres a minute. This provides the conditions for natural living ecosystems in the aquariums,” says Cathrin Åkre, chief administrator at Atlanterhavsparken.

Exhibitions such as Port Nation, Deep Fjords and Amongst Islets and Reefs explore coastal life in Norway’s waters and the deep-sea. Outside, Atlanterhavsparken has Seal Bay, Europe’s largest seal enclosure, Oterøya with its community of rescued otters, and a colony of Humboldt penguins who came to Norway from Chile and Peru as part of EEP, a European breeding programme for endangered species.

Otters and seals have a comfortable home at Atlanterhavsparken.

Some of the highlights during a visit at Atlanterhavsparken include the diving show in the Atlantic tank, where a diver hand-feeds fish. The feeding shows with seals, otters and penguins are also popular. Moreover, many of the centre’s youngest guests enjoy gently touching and exploring sea animals in the petting pool and fishing for crabs. “We are developing several new exhibitions for the future,” says Åkre. “An important focus will be to deepen the understanding of the delicate connection between climate, sustainability and marine ecosystems.”

Atlanterhavsparken: Exploring marine life on the Norwegian coastline

Atlanterhavsparken is family-friendly and accessible, with easy access for both strollers and wheelchairs. For companies, the park can accommodate special business conferences with space for up to seventy people.

Atlanterhavsparken: Exploring marine life on the Norwegian coastline

Though most of the centre’s visitors are Norwegian, the number of international visitors is growing each year. The goal is to increase these numbers to disseminate knowledge about life in Norwegian waters as widely as possible. “The creation of Norway’s first marine science centre is an expression of the country’s commitment to oceanography,” says Åkre and concludes; “We hope to share our love of coastal and deep-sea life with more people from around the world.”

Atlanterhavsparken: Exploring marine life on the Norwegian coastline