Tropicarium, the Shark Zoo in Budapest

Tropicarium is home to sharks, alligators, exotic reptiles and amphibians, small monkeys, birds, and thousands of colorful fish species. In the 12-meter-long underwater tunnel running beneath the shark tank, visitors can admire sand tiger and brown reef sharks up close. In the stingray petting tank, every visitor can pet the stingrays. In the rainforest section, tropical rain falls every 15 minutes over the alligators. 

The History of the Tropicarium

The idea for the Tropicarium originated with Károly Farkasdi, a Hungarian businessman living in Sweden. He and his family developed and brought to life the unique concept that defines the Tropicarium in Kolmården in 1990 and in Budapest in 2000.

The zoo showcases the fish life of freshwater habitats, including native species, the wildlife of the tropics, and the incredible biodiversity of the oceans. Hundreds of animal species can be admired across 8 halls, with unique experiences such as petting rays and a tropical rain shower.

This is How the Construction went

Intensive construction work took place for 8 months starting in September 1999 so that, on the “outskirts” of Budapest, in the imposing building of the Campona Shopping Center, the Tropicarium-Oceanarium—spanning nearly 3,000 m² and showcasing one of Central Europe’s largest marine aquariums—could open its doors on May 26, 2000.

Hundreds of tons of concrete and steel were used in the construction, and state-of-the-art filtration and purification systems, as well as IT systems, were installed to ensure smooth operation. Most of the decorations were handcrafted by the Tropicarium’s experts.

How to get to the Tropicarium in Budapest? 

By car, you can access it directly from the M0, M1, and M7 highways, via Main Road 6, or from Nagytétényi Road (take the exit for Budafok at the junction of the M0 ring road and Main Road 6). Free parking for 1,800 vehicles is available for both cars and buses.

By bus to the Lépcsős utca stop:

Budapest, District XI, Móricz Zsigmond körtér: Bus 33 (schedule)
Budapest, District XI, Móricz Zsigmond Square: Bus 114 (schedule)
Budapest, District XV, Újpalota, Nyírpalota út: Bus 133E (schedule)
Budapest, District XXI, Szent Imre Square: Bus 138 (schedule)
Budapest, District XI, Újbuda Központ M: Bus 150 (schedule)
Budapest, District XI, Móricz Zsigmond Square M: Bus 213 (schedule)
Budapest, District XI, Móricz Zsigmond Square M: Bus 214 (schedule)

By bus to the Campona terminal:
Budapest, District XI, Kelenföld Railway Station M: Bus 101E (schedule)
Budapest, District XXII, Nagytétény, Angeli Street: Bus 113A (schedule)

Budaörs, Budaörs Housing Estate: Bus 287
Diósd, Búzavirág Street: Bus 13 (schedule)
Diósd, Sashegyi Road: Bus 13A (schedule), Bus 113 (schedule)

By train:
At the Budatétény train station next to Campona.