The warm, humid air of the tropical rainforest hits you as soon as you step through the doors. The Giant Aquarium in Hradec Kralove is not just a place to watch fish; it is an immersion into the ecosystems of South and Central America. The underwater tunnel brings you face to face with massive freshwater fish, while the simulated rainforest section surrounds you with exotic plants, occasional tropical rain, and artificial fog. It is the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe, and it offers a journey into a world few travellers ever get to experience firsthand.
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Exploring the Exhibits
The Giant aquarium in the city of Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, is located right in the heart of the city and offers to its visitors a direct contact with the tropical nature, relaxation and sport. Giant aquarium was opened already in 1998 as the first public aquarium in Central and Eastern Europe and now it is the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe. Since its opening, it has educated and entertained millions of visitors, becoming one of the most popular attractions in eastern Bohemia.
You can see about 40 species of fish with a total number of more than 500. Enjoy a walk through an underwater tunnel and rainforest. If you are tired you can rest at Piranha Cafe where you can freshen up while observing predatory piranhas. There is also available a family sport area with a ricochet court, sauna and gym, which offers active relaxation in privacy with your family. The combination of education and entertainment makes the Giant Aquarium an ideal destination for families with children of all ages.
Tropical Rainforest Experience
In the second part of the tour you get to the tropical rainforest, where you can learn what it means to stay in the tropics a combination of heat and 85-90% humidity. Here you can admire the beauty of plants such as orchids, Bromelia or Tillandsia in amazing shapes and color diversity and in more than 150 species and varieties. The impression is enhanced by occasional tropical rain and artificial fog. The carefully controlled environment ensures that both the plants and the fish thrive in conditions that closely mimic their natural habitats. The sound of recorded rainforest ambience, complete with bird calls and insect chirps, adds to the immersive experience.
After passing through the forest you get to the bottom of freshwater tropical ponds with the fish community of South and Central America. Besides the fish that you can know from your home aquarium, you will find real rarities here. The most species belong to the family Cichlidae. You can see here a big, up to 90 cm long fish of the Colossoma Serrasalmidae weighing up to 23 Kg. The total volume of the exhibition tank is 130 000 liters of water, which means the mass of 130 tons and for your idea it is a weight of about 40 elephant females. The aquarium is 5 meters long and 8 meters wide. The great view from the bottom of the pool is allowed by the tunnel of acrylic glass with a thickness of 6.5 cm, specially imported far from Japan.
Unique Collections and Visitor Information
In Giant Aquarium you have a unique opportunity to see tropical nature of South and Central America. In the first part of the tour, called AVE NATURA, you can see the exhibition which currently consists of a unique collection of skulls of exotic fish. This fascinating display offers insight into the anatomy and evolution of freshwater species from around the world. Every Thursday afternoon you can see the unique fish feeding with divers in the tank, a popular spectacle that draws regular visitors who watch the graceful underwater ballet of divers surrounded by hundreds of fish. The feeding sessions are accompanied by commentary from marine biologists who explain the behaviour and dietary habits of the various species.
The Giant Aquarium is open all year round (except of Mondays) from 9:00 to 18:00 and the basic admission is 120CZK (EUR5), making it one of the most affordable aquarium experiences in Europe. The facility is wheelchair accessible and offers guided tours in Czech, English, and German upon advance request.
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