Polaria Aquarium, Tromso (must see)
Polaria is the world's northernmost aquarium and an educational beacon in the realm of Arctic exploration and marine life. Unlike traditional scientific aquariums, Polaria, inaugurated in May 1998, is designed to offer an immersive and engaging experience, particularly geared towards children.
The exhibits at Polaria primarily focus on the remote islands of Svalbard, offering insights into the unique ecosystems and wildlife found in these northern regions. Visitors embark on a journey through various displays, including the "Arctic Walkway," which features polar exploration equipment, stuffed animals, and simulated permafrost. Throughout the facility, visitors encounter conventional aquaria showcasing local marine life, as well as interactive tanks containing rock-shore animals and baby fish, providing child-friendly educational opportunities.
At the heart of Polaria lies its centerpiece: an open pool inhabited by a group of bearded seals, Erignathus barbatus. These charismatic creatures are trained, and regular displays are held to ensure their physical and mental well-being, offering both entertainment and educational value to visitors. The seal enclosure features observation blisters, allowing visitors to view the seals from underneath, as well as a submerged walkway in a transparent tunnel, providing up-close encounters with the animals in their natural habitat.
Beyond its captivating exhibits, Polaria's architectural design is a sight to behold. The building's striking design resembles ice floes pushed onto land by the Arctic's turbulent seas, mirroring the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape. This modern architectural marvel draws inspiration from the iconic Arctic Cathedral in Tromsdalen, across the harbor on the mainland, creating a harmonious blend of nature and human ingenuity.
The exhibits at Polaria primarily focus on the remote islands of Svalbard, offering insights into the unique ecosystems and wildlife found in these northern regions. Visitors embark on a journey through various displays, including the "Arctic Walkway," which features polar exploration equipment, stuffed animals, and simulated permafrost. Throughout the facility, visitors encounter conventional aquaria showcasing local marine life, as well as interactive tanks containing rock-shore animals and baby fish, providing child-friendly educational opportunities.
At the heart of Polaria lies its centerpiece: an open pool inhabited by a group of bearded seals, Erignathus barbatus. These charismatic creatures are trained, and regular displays are held to ensure their physical and mental well-being, offering both entertainment and educational value to visitors. The seal enclosure features observation blisters, allowing visitors to view the seals from underneath, as well as a submerged walkway in a transparent tunnel, providing up-close encounters with the animals in their natural habitat.
Beyond its captivating exhibits, Polaria's architectural design is a sight to behold. The building's striking design resembles ice floes pushed onto land by the Arctic's turbulent seas, mirroring the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape. This modern architectural marvel draws inspiration from the iconic Arctic Cathedral in Tromsdalen, across the harbor on the mainland, creating a harmonious blend of nature and human ingenuity.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tromso. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Polaria Aquarium on Map
Sight Name: Polaria Aquarium
Sight Location: Tromso, Norway (See walking tours in Tromso)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Tromso, Norway (See walking tours in Tromso)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Tromso, Norway
Create Your Own Walk in Tromso
Creating your own self-guided walk in Tromso is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Tromso Introduction Walking Tour
The history of human habitation in this part of Scandinavia dates back to the end of the last ice age, some 9,000 to 10,000 years ago. The city of Tromso derives its name from the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands, whose own name, in turn, is likely associated with the word straumr, meaning "strong current."
A Viking chieftain named Ohthere, often referred to as the first North... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
A Viking chieftain named Ohthere, often referred to as the first North... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles