Bergen Aquarium: What to Expect and Is It Worth the Price?

With fascinating insights into both Norwegian and tropical marine life, Bergen Aquarium promises an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. But with its hefty entrance fee, is it worth the price of admission?

Bergen Aquarium (Akvariet i Bergen) is home to an intriguing collection of marine life, showcasing creatures from Norway’s cold northern waters alongside exotic species from around the world.

Penguins, sea lions, crocodiles, and countless fish make up a diverse array of exhibits.

For those with an interest in sea life and conservation, it certainly offers a compelling visit in Norway’s second-largest city. But does it deserve a spot on your Bergen itinerary, or is it one to skip?

First Impressions of Bergen Aquarium

Situated at the tip of Bergen's Nordnes peninsula, the journey to the aquarium is a pleasant one in itself. From the city centre, it’s an easy and scenic walk along cobbled streets and past charming wooden houses, offering a glimpse of Bergen’s maritime character.

On a fine day, the stroll sets the stage for a relaxing and engaging experience with marine life.

As soon as you arrive and pass through the entrance, you’re greeted by the outdoor enclosures, which immediately set the tone for the visit.

Penguins

The first residents to catch your eye are the ever-popular penguins. Dressed in their sleek black-and-white feathers, they waddle around their enclosure with an endearing clumsiness—until they hit the water.

Once submerged, they transform into sleek, agile swimmers, darting through their pool with impressive speed.

Read more: You can also meet penguins at Ålesund Aquarium

Watching them interact, preen, and dive offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of these remarkable seabirds, showcasing their playful personalities and natural instincts up close.

The aquarium is home to gentoo penguins, a species recognisable by the distinctive white patch above their eyes. These penguins are among the fastest swimmers of their kind, capable of reaching speeds of up to 36 km/h in the water.

The exhibit provides insights into their nesting behaviour, showing how they build nests with stones and raise their chicks in pairs.

The penguins’ natural enemies include leopard seals and sea lions, making their enclosure at the aquarium a safe haven where they can be observed up close.

I also got to see feeding time, which was a real highlight of the visit! The penguins eagerly gathered around as the keepers arrived, clearly anticipating their meal but patiently waiting for their turn.

The feeding session was accompanied by live commentary in both Norwegian and English, providing interesting insights into the penguins' diet, behaviours, and natural habitat.

Sea Lions

lively sea lions, basking on the rocks or gliding effortlessly through the water. They are among the most energetic creatures at the aquarium, often engaging in playful antics that delight visitors of all ages.

Their feeding and training sessions are a highlight, showcasing their intelligence and agility.

Bergen Aquarium is home to three sea lions: Keela, Amy, and Kim. Each has a distinct personality, and the aquarium provides information about their individual histories and behaviours.

These charismatic marine mammals are a favourite among visitors, particularly during feeding times when their skills and agility are on full display.

Otters

Nearby, a group of otters scurry about, playfully darting through their enclosure. These small, charismatic animals are always a hit, whether they’re chasing each other, diving into the water, or nibbling on their snacks.

Their boundless energy makes them a firm favourite among children and adults alike. The aquarium is also involved in otter conservation research, studying their interactions with the environment and their impact on local fish populations.

Bella and Gizmo, two resident otters, play an important role in this research by helping scientists understand predator-prey relationships. Their playful nature makes them one of the most engaging species at the aquarium.

At this stage, some visitors might wonder if the aquarium is on the smaller side.

The main building appears quite compact from the outside, leading to the impression that there may not be much more to explore beyond these outdoor exhibits. However, stepping inside quickly dispels this notion.

A Hidden World Inside

Once indoors, it becomes clear that the Bergen Aquarium is much larger than it seems.

The interior is a labyrinth of exhibits spread across multiple levels, creating a sense of discovery around every corner.

Crocodiles

One of the highlights of the Bergen Aquarium is the crocodile exhibit, where these prehistoric-looking creatures lounge in their dimly lit habitat, barely moving yet commanding attention.

Among them, the Philippine Crocodile stands out—not just for its striking appearance but also for its rarity. This species is one of the most endangered crocodiles in the world, with habitat destruction being its biggest threat.

The Philippine Crocodile's natural home is in the Northern Sierra Madre Nature Park in the Philippines, the largest protected area in the country and one of the last strongholds for this species.

Unlike their larger and more aggressive relatives, Philippine Crocodiles are relatively small and elusive. Female crocodiles build nests from leaves, twigs, and mud, carefully guarding them until their eggs hatch after 65–85 days.

Seeing this rare species up close at Bergen Aquarium is a unique opportunity to learn about conservation efforts aimed at protecting it from extinction.

Marine Life From Near and Far

Nearby, the tropical section offers a stark contrast, with lush greenery, exotic fish, and a humid atmosphere reminiscent of a jungle environment.

Of course, no visit to an aquarium would be complete without the aquariums themselves. Bergen Aquarium boasts a fascinating collection of marine life, from colourful reef fish to eerie deep-sea creatures.

Large tanks showcase native Norwegian sea life, including cod, halibut, and other species that have played a vital role in the country’s fishing heritage.

Is It Worth It?

While the experience at Bergen Aquarium is engaging and educational, there is one significant downside: the cost of admission. Ticket prices are steep, especially for families, making it one of the more expensive attractions in Bergen.

The aquarium justifies the high ticket price by highlighting the significant costs of maintaining the facility and caring for the animals.

According to their own figures, they filter 24 million litres of water daily, spend NOK 6.5 million annually on maintenance and infrastructure, and allocate NOK 1.1 million per year on food for the animals.

Energy costs are another major factor, with 2.5 million kWh of electricity consumed each year to keep the exhibits running. Additionally, ticket sales help fund veterinary care, conservation projects, and educational outreach, including visits for 20,000 schoolchildren annually.

For some visitors, this breakdown may help explain why the entry fee is so high, but it doesn’t necessarily make it easier to afford. If you have a keen interest in marine life or are visiting with children, the experience may well be worth the expense.

The range of exhibits, interactive feeding sessions, and the overall charm of the aquarium make it a memorable stop in Bergen. For those on a tighter budget, however, it may be worth choosing alternative things to do in Bergen.

Have you been to Bergen Aquarium? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences, and whether you would recommend it to other visitors. Let me know down in the comments.