An award-winning Baltic and North Sea aquarium and natural history museum on Stralsund's harbor island, with a life-size blue whale model overhead.
The Ozeaneum forms part of the German Oceanographic Museum network and occupies a striking modern building on Stralsund's Dänholm harbor island, a short walk from the UNESCO-listed Altstadt. Its galleries move from the shallow Baltic Sea, presented in tanks stocked with native herring, cod, and harbor seals, out into the open Atlantic and Arctic, culminating in a vast open-ocean basin. The museum's signature feature is a life-size model of a blue whale suspended from the ceiling of the entrance hall, alongside skeletons of other marine mammals. Daily seal and penguin feeding sessions draw the biggest crowds, so arriving in the first hour after opening avoids the busiest viewing times. A full visit through all four exhibition levels takes 2.5-3.5 hours; families with young children often plan for a full morning or afternoon given the hands-on touch pools and the scale of the building. The museum is an easy pairing with the nearby Alter Markt and St. Nikolai Church for a full day in Stralsund.
| Admission | €18 (~$19) adult; €14 (~$15) concession; €8 (~$8.65) child up to 16 |
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Highlights
- Life-size suspended blue whale model in the entrance hall
- Baltic Sea, North Sea, and open-ocean exhibition levels
- Daily seal and penguin feeding sessions
- Hands-on touch pools for children
- Located on the Dänholm harbor island near the UNESCO Altstadt
Tips for visiting
- Arrive in the first hour after opening to see feedings without heavy crowds
- Book online in July-August to skip the entrance line
- Budget 2.5-3.5 hours for a full visit across all levels
- Combine with a walk to the Alter Markt, a 15-minute walk away
- Check the daily feeding schedule posted at the entrance
When to visit
First hour after opening for feedings with smaller crowds; weekdays outside July-August are quietest overall.
Accessibility
The building is fully wheelchair accessible with elevators connecting all exhibition levels.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Ozeaneum take?
A thorough visit across all four exhibition levels takes 2.5-3.5 hours.
Is it suitable for young children?
Yes, touch pools and the feeding sessions are popular with families, though the crowds at feeding times can be dense for small children.
Should tickets be booked in advance?
Advance online booking is recommended for July and August to avoid queuing at the entrance.