Museum · Düsternbrook
GEOMAR Aquarium
The GEOMAR Aquarium belongs to the Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and lies directly on the Kiellinie. The indoor tanks are home to fish, jellyfish and invertebrates from the Baltic, the North Sea and tropical waters. The highlight for visitors is the open-air seal pool, where the animals are fed daily and can be observed. The exhibition vividly conveys knowledge about marine ecosystems and current research. Thanks to its central location on the fjord shore, the aquarium is a popular destination for families.
Research meets exhibition
The aquarium belongs to the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, one of the leading marine research institutions in Europe. It is therefore far more than a mere display: it combines a public exhibition with current scientific work on the oceans and their inhabitants. The tanks show communities from the Baltic, the North Sea and tropical waters and vividly illustrate how differently marine ecosystems are built. Panels and explanations convey what Kiel's ocean research is exploring. The visit thus combines a nature experience and knowledge sharing in a compact space right on the fjord shore.
The seals in the open-air enclosure
The undisputed favourite of many visitors is the open-air seal pool, which lies right on the Kiellinie and can be seen well even without entering the aquarium. At the daily feedings in the morning and afternoon the animals are especially lively and always draw a crowd. The pool is one of the most-photographed sights of Kiel's waterfront promenade. If you know the feeding times, it is best to plan your visit around them. The playful seals delight children and adults alike and are a fixed part of a stroll along the fjord.
Right in the middle on the Kiellinie
The aquarium lies centrally on the Kiellinie, the city's most popular promenade, and fits ideally into a walk by the water. All around, cafés, lawns and jetties invite you to linger, and the view of passing ships is part of the maritime flair. In bad weather the indoor section offers a worthwhile destination, while the open-air seal pool beckons in the sun. The aquarium is easily reached from the city centre by bus or bike. A visit combines excellently with the nearby Kunsthalle or a stroll towards Düsternbrook.
In the district
Düsternbrook
The Kiellinie promenade, the castle, the state parliament and grand fjord-side villas along the west bank.
View district hub →Touren & Tickets · GetYourGuide
Touren & Erlebnisse rund ums GEOMAR-Aquarium
Das Aquarium GEOMAR an der Kiellinie zeigt die Meereswelt der Ostsee – kombiniere deinen Besuch mit Förde-Touren am Wasser.
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More attractions in the district
Düsternbrook
Kiellinie Promenade
A roughly 3.5-kilometre waterfront promenade right on the Kiel Fjord — Kiel's favourite place to stroll, with views of ships, sailboats and the opposite shore.
Free entry
Düsternbrook
Kunsthalle zu Kiel
One of the oldest and most important art museums in Schleswig-Holstein, with works from the 19th century to the present.
from 8 EUR
Düsternbrook
Zoological Museum Kiel
A natural history museum of Kiel University with whale skeletons, animal specimens from around the world and one of northern Germany's largest collections.
Free entry