On the 3rd of June 2006, the Nordseewelten in Bochum's animal park were opened after a construction period of 18 months.

The main piece of the theme world, the 565 m3 large seal pool, is situated at the northern end of the park. The pool is also home to Humboldt Penguins. The facility has been built in different heights and offers through four windows fascinating views onto the 'inhabitants'.

Attached to the pool is the accessible wading bird aviary, stands for visitors as well as two North Sea aquariums. The North Sea landscape is being completed by a seaweed meadow, shell bank and Helgoland area and the accessible 250 sqm large stork facility.

A highlight during a visit to the Nordseewelten is a picnic in the dune landscape, followed by a snooze in one of the beach chairs, while the children can play in the North Sea sand and look for seashells.