Germany has some of the most renowned zoos in the world, the historic Berlin zoo, the Hannover zoo, the Hagenbeck Tierpark in Hamburg, the Frankfurt zoo, and many others worthy of note. Germans have a great love of animals and many of the modern innovations in zoos are historically rooted in German zoos. While you may be coming to Germany to visit castles, historical cities, or countryside, a day at the zoo is always a delight no matter where you are and a welcome break from architectural and historical wonders. A zoo trip can be a special treat in any city, especially in Germany, where the zoos are special indeed.
1. Berlin Zoo and Wild Animal Park - Tierpark Berlin and Zoo Berlin
The Berlin zoo is a must for animal lovers visiting Berlin. Located in the heart of the city at the Zoo train station, it is easy to get to and doesn't necessarily mandate a whole day outing (although you can easily make it into one). The Berlin zoo boasts the largest number of animal species in the world and the Berlin Tierpark, is the wild animal park in Europe. The Berlin Aquarium, also at the zoo, has one of the highest levels of bio-diversity for aquariums in the world.
Totally destroyed in WWII, the zoo has been totally renovated using the most up to date design and technologies.
Open daily year-round, the zoo makes a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Berlin. Make sure to visit Knut when you are there.
2. Hagenbeck Tierpark - Hamburg
The Hagenbeck Tierpark in Hamburg is home to 1,850 animals, many on the threatened species list. The petting zoo is great fun for the kids as is the adventure playground, the Fairyland Mini-Rail, and the 15 meter rope bridge that spans from the Dinosaur Pool to the Orangutan House (no, sorry, the dinosaurs are not living.
The history of Hagenbeck is a bit strange. Hagenbeck, a fishmonger, started collecting exotic animals in 1863, among which were tribal members from remote lands, constituting a "human zoo" with exhibits of tribal life alongside the animal exhibits.
Rebuilt after WWII, it is an idyllic place to pass the time and the exhibits are among some of the best in Germany. The zoo is open daily year round.
3. The Frankfurt Zoo
The Frankfurt Zoo, established in 1858, has 500 different species and more that 4,500 animals. Grzimek, the director of the zoo after WWII, also hosted a program on animals in the 60s and 70s which contributed to the fame of the zoo. Make sure you visit the biggest nocturnal house in Europe, the Grzimek House and the Cats' Jungle. The Exoratarium takes you from the Polar Sea to the Amazon and the Ape breeding program is one of the best in the world.
Kids will enjoy the petting zoo and play areas and markets and exhibitions are held throughout the year.
Located in the heart of the city, the Frankfurt Zoo is easy to get to and has several restaurants and beer gardens where you can take a break while on your urban zoo safari.
4. The Hannover Zoo
The Hannover Zoo opened in 1865 with an aquarium, aviary, grottoes, and a restaurant on the banks of the Leine River. Closed in 1922, it headquartered an animal trading company up until WWII when it was almost completely destroyed. After WWII, Hannover became the European Center for elephant breeding (see the video of the latest elephant birth at the zoo). Kids and adults alike can enjoy Meyers Farm's 17th century buildings, petting zoo, restaurant and beer garden. Take a boat tour through Africa in Zambesi or visit
Mullewapp where Helme Heine fans can delight in his fairytale world complete with characters from his books and a petting zoo.
The Hannover Zoo will bring back childhood memories and your kids will love it.
5. The Munich Zoo - Teirpark Hellabrun
The Munich Zoo opened in 1911, closed until 1930 when it became the first geo-zoo in the world. WWII struck though and the animals were lost, the zoo destroyed. Today, you can visit the large aviary, the jungle tent and jungle house, Europe's largest indoor enclosure on natural substrate which is particularly interesting for evolutionists.
There are playgrounds for the kids, a petting zoo, childrens' zoo and pony and camel rides. There are animal shows throughout the day and several restaurants as well as a beer garden.
On the banks of the Isar River, the zoo is easily reachable via public transport and is a great family destination. If you are in Munich for Oktoberfest, it will be a nice break from the crowds and partying in town.
6. Stuttgart Zoo and Botanical Gardens - The Wilhelma
The only combination zoological and botanical garden in Germany, the Wilhelma opens at 8:15 and closes at 6 pm or 4 pm depending on time of year. Because of the extensive network of covered walkways, a visit to the Wilhelma zoo is viable even in inclimate of weather.
Wilhelma's park is almost 70 acres and sits on the Neckar river. Make sure to visit the historical section which includes the original buildings built by King Wilhelm, the aquarium, insectarium, ape houses, and the Amazon house.
Modeled after the Alhambra when it was originally built in 1842, the park is a stunning combination of new and historic architecture as well as impressive gardens and zoo exhibits.
7. The Cologne Zoo
The Cologne Zoo (Zoo Koeln) offers an interesting glimpse into life in a rain forest with the Regenwald exhibit, a replication of Southeast Asian rainforests and the 20,000 qm Elefantenpark provides insights into the lifes of elephants. Visit the meerkats (like Sid from Ice Age or the baboon and great ape houses. If you get a bit peckish, you can eat at one of the four restaurants at the zoo.
Part of the fun of visiting the Cologne Zoo is taking the cable car or a boat to the zoo. For a minimal fee, you can soar above the Rhein in one of Cologne's cable cars to get to the zoo or take a boat which lets you off directly in front of the zoo.