The Øresund Aquarium secures historic financial support and sets visitor records for the second year in a row
After a year marked by uncertainty, the Øresund Aquarium can now look ahead with optimism. The aquarium has just received the largest financial grant in its history: 3.4 million DKK annually over the next four years via the national budget, an increase from the previous grant of 3 million DKK. In addition, an extra million has been allocated from the latest fisheries agreement, to be used for promoting the new marine nature park in Øresund.
We've had financial stability for four years, which has given us the opportunity to develop new activities and strengthen our communication about our fantastic waters – the Øresund.
‘It's a bit paradoxical, but things couldn't actually be better than they are now,’ says Jens Peder Jeppesen, head of the Øresund Aquarium. ‘We've had financial stability for four years, which has given us the opportunity to develop new activities and strengthen our communication about our fantastic waters – the Øresund.’
At the same time, the Øresund Aquarium has experienced record visitor numbers for the second year in a row. In 2025, 56,182 guests visited the aquarium – an increase from the previous year. A significant reason for this success is the popular sea safaris, which attracted 2,458 participants in 2025. ‘The tuna safaris in particular have been a game changer for us – in terms of marine communication, marketing and finances,’ emphasises Jeppesen.
With four years of financial stability behind it, the aquarium can now focus on new initiatives and long-term plans. Among its ambitions is a new and larger Øresund Aquarium, where research and communication will be brought together under one roof. The project is estimated to cost approximately 170 million Danish kroner and is expected to be completed by 2030. ‘We want to preserve the intimate atmosphere, but with more space for research, communication and activities,’ says Jeppesen.
The Øresund Aquarium has also paid off the debt incurred during the coronavirus crisis and is experiencing growing interest from companies for team building and events. The water laboratory at the harbour, established in 2018, continues to be an important part of the aquarium's activities.
