From giant whale skeletons, to oceanography maps, to fishing boats, the German Oceanographic Museum is a treasure trove of information on life under the Baltic Sea and in ocean waters around the world. Come here to understand the underwater habitats and beautiful creatures that live beneath the waves.
The museum’s oceanography exhibits are fascinating, but the building that houses them is also an attraction in its own right. Step inside the former St. Catherine’s Church and explore the original architectural features that reflect the museum’s rich history. This building is one of four branches of the German Oceanographic Museum and is known as Meeresmuseum.
Before entering you’ll notice a fishing boat sitting outside. Take a walk around it to see every angle of the Adolf Reichwein, a wooden fishing boat built in East Germany after World War II. For more fishing history, explore the fishing exhibits within the museum. Items on display include bone fishing hooks, a giant cod and a “herring telephone” used to help attract fish.
To see living creatures, wander over to the museum’s tropical fish aquarium, where you’ll see clownfish and coral fish dart around within the tank. The biggest pool is filled with turtles. See them swim through the water from an underwater viewing area. And if you want to encounter even more exotic creatures, peer through the glass of the shark tank. Here, you’ll see bamboo sharks, hound sharks, moray eels and more.
Right near the turtle pool at the end of the museum is the gift shop. Stop by to browse its books, toys, clothing and souvenirs.
Buy your tickets to the German Oceanographic Museum online before visiting to save time. Children are entitled to significantly discounted tickets. Families can purchase combined tickets to save money. Metered parking is available in a nearby garage. If you’re coming by public transportation, the museum is a short walk away from the central train station and city buses also stop at the museum.
