Lofoten Aquarium - a group of people standing in front of a large aquarium
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Lofoten Aquarium

4.3
·1k reviews·, Norway

Discover the marine wonders of Northern Norway at Lofoten Aquarium, featuring playful otters, engaging seals, and local sea life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daily, 12 PM

Seal & otter feeding time!

CrowdMedium
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Lofoten Aquarium - a group of people standing in front of a large aquarium

Lofoten Aquarium

Best Time

Daily, 12 PM

Seal & otter feeding time!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the marine wonders of Northern Norway at Lofoten Aquarium, featuring playful otters, engaging seals, and local sea life.

4.3
(1k reviews)

"A delightful visit for all ages! This aquarium is a true gem — beautifully designed, educational, and full of life."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive for Feeding Times

Plan your visit around the 11 AM and 12 PM feeding sessions for the most engaging animal interactions.

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be walking around to see different exhibits, so wear comfy shoes for exploring.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Playful Otters

Playful Otters

Otter Exhibit

Watch Eddie and Målfrid, the resident otters, as they swim and play in their habitat. Their antics are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Seal Feeding Spectacle

Seal Feeding Spectacle

Seal Exhibit

Witness the harbor seals eagerly awaiting their meal during the daily feeding sessions. It's an energetic and entertaining display.

Local Marine Wonders

Local Marine Wonders

Various Tanks

Discover the diverse marine life native to the Norwegian seas, from colorful fish to impressive cod.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Feeding Frenzies

Don't miss the daily feeding times for the seals and otters! These are often the most engaging moments, offering a lively glimpse into the animals' behavior and a chance to learn from the staff. Arrive a bit before 11 AM to catch the salmon feeding and then the otter and seal feeding at 12 PM.

Embrace the Local Marine Life

Lofoten Aquarium focuses on the fascinating fauna of the local Norwegian seas. While it might not have the vastness of larger aquariums, its charm lies in showcasing the unique creatures of the North Atlantic, including cod and various fish species.

Best Times

When
Daily, 12 PM
Why
Seal & otter feeding time!
Crowd
Medium
When
Daily, 11 AM
Why
Salmon feeding
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer mornings
Why
Less crowded, active animals
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Who would you do this with?! 🐠😍 🤿 Did you know that you can take an “underwater walking tour” in this world-class aquarium that houses over 68,000 marine animals including sharks, manta rays, turtles, and tons of vibrant schooling fish? 🪸 This experience at @SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi was hands down one of the most incredible of our lives and it NEEDS to be on your bucket list. The Manta Rays...
@georgeandcris
1.6M likes • 17.1M views

🎯 Arrive for Feeding Times

Plan your visit around the 11 AM and 12 PM feeding sessions for the most engaging animal interactions. InstagramReddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be walking around to see different exhibits, so wear comfy shoes for exploring. Reddit

Willkommen im Lofotakvariet – dem Aquarium der Lofoten! Tauche ein in die faszinierende Unterwasserwelt Nordnorwegens! Was dich erwartet: 🐟 Heimische Fischarten aus dem Nordatlantik ❄️ Seehunde zum Verlieben ⏱️ Geöffnet: täglich von Mai–September 📍 Kabelvåg, Lofoten Wusstest du schon? ➡️ Hier kannst du *echte Lofoten-Kabeljau * aus nächster Nähe sehen ➡️ Die Seehunde bekommen täglich Showfütteru...
happyvantales
53 likes • 3.8K views
Eddie and Målfrid! The two resident otters at the Lofoten Aquarium (@lofotakvariet) respectively since January and July 2023. Of course I found otters what did you expect haha Packing way too much reach so you only get close up shots! #otter #riverotter #lofotenislands #lofoten #discoverlofoten #norway #wildlifephotography #nature #conservation #canonR7 #canon400mmf4
sebastiengouaux
42 likes • 0 views

📸 Capture the Otter's Dance

Don't miss the chance to film the playful otters; they're quite the performers! Instagram

⏳ Allow 2-3 Hours

A good amount of time to explore exhibits, enjoy feedings, and watch films. Reddit

Husk å få med deg matingen av sel og oter her på Lofotakvariet!🦭🦦 ⏰ Klokken 12:00 og 16:00 hver dag hele sommeren Vi ses! #lofotakvariet #lofoten #sel #steinkobbe #harbourseal #phocavitulina #oter #otter #lutralutra #museumnord #21museer1000historier
lofotakvariet
36 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive for Feeding Times

Plan your visit around the 11 AM and 12 PM feeding sessions for the most engaging animal interactions. InstagramReddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be walking around to see different exhibits, so wear comfy shoes for exploring. Reddit

📸 Capture the Otter's Dance

Don't miss the chance to film the playful otters; they're quite the performers! Instagram

⏳ Allow 2-3 Hours

A good amount of time to explore exhibits, enjoy feedings, and watch films. Reddit

📚 Educational Experience

The aquarium offers great insights into local marine life and conservation efforts. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Lofoten Aquarium for its delightful and educational experience, highlighting the charming otters and engaging seal feeding sessions. The staff's passion for the animals and the clean, naturalistic enclosures are frequently mentioned positives. While it's a smaller aquarium, its focus on local marine life is appreciated, making it a worthwhile visit for all ages.

"A delightful visit for all ages!
This aquarium is a true gem — beautifully designed, educational, and full of life. The seal and otter exhibits were absolutely the highlight of our visit. Watching them swim, play, and interact was both fascinating and heartwarming.

The staff clearly care deeply about the animals and are happy to share information about their behavior, habitat, and conservation. The enclosures are clean, spacious, and thoughtfully arranged to resemble natural environments.

Perfect for families, couples, or solo visitors — whether you’re an animal lover or just looking for a fun and relaxing day. I left with a smile on my face and a greater appreciation for marine wildlife. Highly recommended!"

Matteo Maddes

"Arrive just before 10:50, to allow enough time to see the salmon feeding at 11, explore the aquarium, then otter and seal feeding at 12, plus the film and VR facilitate at leisure.
Very clean, informative facility for all ages. A good 2.5 hours spent before heading to the airport."

Lisa J

"Pretty nice place where you can see most of the local sea life.
2 times a day they feed otter and harbour seal and it's the best momento of the day, where you can see them excited for the food while the staff explain where they come from and their habits.
Nice place 👍🏻"

Francesco Serra

What People Like

Charming otters and seals
Engaging feeding sessions
Educational local marine life

What People Dislike

Can be small for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lofoten Aquarium (Lofotakvariet) is located in Kabelvåg, near Svolvær, on Austvågøya island in the Lofoten archipelago. It's accessible by car, and public transport options might be available depending on the season. Many visitors combine a trip here with exploring the surrounding Lofoten Islands. Instagram+1

Yes, there is typically parking available for visitors at the Lofoten Aquarium. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current parking information.

Absolutely! Lofoten Aquarium is a relatively compact attraction, making it perfect for a half-day visit or as part of a larger Lofoten Islands day trip. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Lofoten Aquarium is generally open daily from May to September. It's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours, especially outside of peak season. Instagram

Admission prices can vary, but it's a reasonably priced attraction. Check the official Lofoten Aquarium website for current ticket prices for adults, children, and any family packages. Reddit

While advance booking might not always be necessary, especially during the summer months, it can be a good idea to check if online booking is available to save time. Reddit

Information on discounts for students, seniors, or families is usually available on the aquarium's official website. It's worth checking for any special offers. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Lofoten Aquarium primarily showcases the marine life found in the local Norwegian seas. You can expect to see various fish species, including cod, as well as seals and otters. Instagram+2

Yes, feeding demonstrations are a highlight! The seals and otters are fed daily, typically around 12:00 PM, and salmon are fed around 11:00 AM. These are great opportunities to see the animals up close and learn from the staff. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! Lofoten Aquarium is very family-friendly. Children often love watching the playful otters and seals, and the educational aspects make it engaging for all ages. Reddit

Most visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours at the Lofoten Aquarium, allowing time to see all the exhibits, enjoy the feeding sessions, and perhaps watch an informational film. Reddit

While the focus is on observation, the feeding sessions and the close proximity to the animals offer an engaging experience. Some reviews mention film and VR facilities. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The feeding times for the otters and seals are fantastic for photos, capturing their playful interactions. Close-ups of the marine life in the tanks are also popular. Instagram+1

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Lofoten Aquarium. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash if it might disturb the animals. Instagram

A camera with good low-light capabilities is helpful for indoor exhibits. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details of the animals during feeding times, but a standard zoom is often sufficient. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lofoten Aquarium is a fantastic outing for families. The playful otters and energetic seals are guaranteed to captivate children, especially during their feeding times. InstagramReddit+1 The aquarium's manageable size means little legs won't get too tired, and the educational aspects about local marine life are presented in an engaging way. Reddit Plan to arrive for the 11 AM salmon feeding and the 12 PM otter and seal feeding for maximum excitement. InstagramReddit

🐠 Marine Life Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by the ocean's inhabitants, Lofoten Aquarium offers a focused look at the unique biodiversity of the Norwegian seas. Instagram+1 You'll get to see species like the Lofoten cod up close, and learn about their natural habitats. The informative staff are happy to share details about the animals, making it a rich learning experience. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Lofoten Aquarium provides excellent opportunities for photographers, particularly during the feeding sessions. Instagram+1 Capturing the dynamic movements of the otters and seals requires a camera with good low-light performance and potentially a telephoto lens for close-ups. Instagram The naturalistic enclosures also offer opportunities for atmospheric shots of the marine life. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Stars of the Show: Otters and Seals

The resident otters, Eddie and Målfrid, are undoubtedly a major draw for visitors to Lofoten Aquarium. Since arriving in 2023, they've charmed guests with their playful antics and engaging personalities. Instagram The aquarium staff clearly dote on them, and their habitat is designed to allow for plenty of swimming and exploration. Watching them interact is a highlight for many, as seen in numerous social media posts. Instagram

Equally popular are the harbor seals. During the daily feeding sessions, these sleek marine mammals put on quite a show, eagerly anticipating their meal. InstagramReddit The staff's explanations during feeding times add an educational layer, detailing the seals' origins and habits. This combination of entertaining animal behavior and informative commentary makes the seal exhibit a must-see. Reddit

These feeding times are consistently mentioned as the best moments of a visit, offering a lively and memorable experience for all ages. InstagramReddit

Exploring Local Marine Biodiversity

Lofoten Aquarium distinguishes itself by focusing on the marine life native to the surrounding Norwegian waters. This means you won't find exotic tropical fish, but rather a fascinating array of species that inhabit the cold, clear waters of the North Atlantic. Instagram+1

Visitors can expect to see a variety of local fish, including the iconic Lofoten cod, which is a significant part of the region's heritage. The exhibits are thoughtfully arranged to mimic natural underwater environments, providing an educational glimpse into the local ecosystem. Instagram The aquarium's size is manageable, allowing for a comprehensive yet relaxed exploration of these regional aquatic wonders. Instagram

This focus on local fauna makes Lofoten Aquarium a unique destination for those interested in understanding the specific biodiversity of this part of Norway. It offers a more intimate and regionally relevant experience compared to larger, more general aquariums. Instagram

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