Schönbrunn Zoo
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Among its imperial splendor, Vienna is also home to the oldest zoo in the world. As early as 1752, the Tiergarten Schönbrunn was established in the park of the namesake Schönbrunn Palace. Today, the zoo houses over 700 species - including the rare giant panda - and is one of the highlights of the Austrian capital for tourists and locals alike.
The queues can get very long, especially in summer, so book in advance to save time and money.
By Klaus Kainz
The queues can get very long, especially in summer, so book in advance to save time and money.
By Klaus KainzSelect a date to find available tickets, tours & activities:
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Visit Tiergarten Schönbrunn and a host of other attractions when you buy a Vienna Pass!Vienna PASS: 1, 2, 3, or 6 Days of Sightseeing
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9 tips for visiting the Schönbrunn Zoo
Arctic Wolf | spacebirdy - CC BY-SA 3.0
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Vienna PassAnyone staying in Vienna for a longer period of time should consider purchasing the Vienna Pass. Around 70 Viennese attractions, including the Tiergarten Schönbrunn, are included. Admission to the zoo and a ride on the panorama train are included in the Vienna Pass, and it also allows admission to the Desert House.
Monkey Enclosure | Photo: Unsplash, Juan Álvarez Ajamil
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Avoid crowds and plan your dayThe Tiergarten Schönbrunn is also popular with locals, especially on weekends and in summer. Long queues are therefore quite likely. Weekdays, however, are less crowded. And if you book tickets in advance, you can avoid the wait altogether. If you want to see a lecture or a feeding, plan your route through the zoo in advance so that you are at the right place at the right time.
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View feedingsVarious feedings and trainings for the animals take place daily from 10 am to 4 pm, during which visitors of the zoo are invited to attend. The day starts with the training of the African elephants, followed by feedings of the maned seals and Humboldt penguins. The latter are only skipped on Tuesdays. Arctic wolves and Siberian tigers are fed as well, but not on weekends. Those who miss the maned seal show in the morning get another chance in the late afternoon. At the end of each day, the feeding of Queensland koalas can be watched.
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Look out for young animalsIt is quite possible that you may marvel at rare young animals during a visit. Time and again, the Tiergarten Schönbrunn made headlines when it comes to breeding rare animals. The birth of panda twins in 2016 was particularly spectacular, while a new female polar bear was born in 2019 and new rockhopper penguins breed at the zoo every year. Furthermore, for the second time in the history of Schönbrunn Zoo, there were koala offspring in April 2022. Cubs are barely bigger than gummy bears at birth and - still blind and deaf - have to find their way into the pouch on their own.
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Visit the petting zoo with the childrenIn the petting zoo you can pet and feed tame animals, such as goats and rabbits. Especially for children it is a highlight to play up close with the animals. In 2022 the petting zoo was enlarged and rebuilt. Now it also offers especially small breeds of sheep to pet.
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Guided tours by day or nightThe massive Tiergarten Schönbrunn invites visitors to explore on their own. But if you want to learn even more from the zoo's experts, you can book one and a half hour long tours for up to 20 people. A special highlight are the tours in the evening and at night (30€ and 33€ per person, respectively). Backstage tours are available for up to 10 people at 105€. Another special offer: every Wednesday a tour can be booked during 13.00 o'clock within the giraffe habitats for up to 6 persons (185€ per person), after which the spotted giants may be fed. All bookings are made via reservierung@zoovienna.at.
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Leave the zoo for breaksYou can leave and re-enter the zoo if you want to have a picnic in the garden, you only need a re-entry stamp from the ticket office.
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Choose the right clothesWear comfortable shoes and clothes and pay attention to the weather forecast. In summer you will need sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and refillable water bottles (water stations are available in the park); in winter you will need warm clothing and possibly an umbrella.
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GMore sights in SchönbrunnThose who come with the Vienna Pass can visit many more sights in Vienna. Literally close at hand is the Schönbrunn Palace, to which the zoo belongs. Those who have acquired a taste for imperial architecture at the zoo should definitely visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace right next door.
Schönbrunn Zoo | Foto: Manfred Werner - Tsui - CC BY-SA 3.0
What makes the Schönbrunn Zoo special
The oldest zoo in the world is not only a tourist highlight, but also one of the most popular leisure activities for the people of Vienna. We explain the reasons here.Many animal species
Every animal lover will get their money's worth at the Vienna Zoo. With over 8,000 animals from around 700 species, the zoo is enormously broadly positioned. In addition to particularly popular zoo animals such as pandas, elephants or lions and penguins, there are also dedicated rooms for different habitats (e.g. rainforest house, aquarium), bird species, marine animals and even insects. The zoo also discovered new species, such as special snails and shrimp.
A zoo with history
It would be wrong to dismiss Tiergarten Schönbrunn as just a big zoo. After all, as Europe's oldest zoo, it is located on historic grounds; and even today, the imperial heritage of the facility is palpable. In 1745, Franz I, husband of Empress Maria Theresia, commissioned the construction of a menagerie - the predecessor of modern zoos. The baroque pavilion located in the center was once intended for breakfasts of the nobility. By the end of the 18th century, the grounds at Schönbrunn were filled with animals; during the transition to the 20th century, they were slowly transformed into an animal-friendly zoo fit for visitors. On site, the Historical Path offers insight into its entire history.
Species protection
But the Schönbrunn Zoo doesn't just want to be a spectacle. Behind all its glitz are many serious efforts at long-term species protection. For example, the Vienna Zoo not only participates in the protection of the popular giant panda, but also promotes the survival of many endangered species, such as polar bears or Barbary macaques. Even animals that were thought to be extinct, such as the bearded vulture, have been successfully saved by Tiergarten Schönbrunn.
Awarded zoo
Quality makes itself felt. Many times, Schönbrunn Zoo has been awarded the Best European Zoo Award, which has been presented since 2008. British zoo expert Anthony Sheridan has since chosen zoos based on criteria such as animal husbandry, species conservation and visitor numbers. The zoo has also been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Schönbrunn since 1996.
Zoo in transition
Although the Tiergarten Schönbrunn is historic, there is no standstill. The facilities and enclosures are constantly being expanded and modernized. In 2022, for example, the new lion enclosure opened, allowing the majestic big cats even more play space in rocky landscapes modeled after their African habitat. To mark the 270th anniversary, the petting zoo was also enlarged in the same year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pet or feed animals?
Animals may only be touched or fed in the petting zoo. Read more.
Are dogs allowed in the zoo?
No, dogs are not allowed in the zoo. Assistance dogs are the exception. Read more.
Are children allowed to visit the zoo free of charge?
Children under the age of 6 are allowed to visit Schönbrunn Zoo free of charge. Read more.
Is the Schönbrunn Zoo accessible for disabled people?
The zoo is largely barrier-free. Tours for people with disabilities can be booked via reservierung@zoovienna.at. Some disabled toilets require a euro-key, which can be borrowed at the entrance. Assistance dogs are allowed, but must be vaccinated against rabies, distemper, parvovirosis, leptospirosis and HCC. Read more.
Is there anything to eat in the zoo?
Yes, within the zoo there are cafes, snack bars and restaurants with gardens. Read more.
How long does a visit to the zoo take?
To cover the length of the facility once and to see most of the animals, you should expect at least 2 to 4 hours for the visit. Read more.
Are there lockers to store my luggage?
Free lockers can be found in the basement of the visitor center. A €1 coin deposit is required to use them. The large lockers hold large backpacks or smaller suitcases. There is no possibility to accommodate baby strollers or scooters. Read more.
General information
Opening Hours:
Address:
Maxingstraße 13b
1130 Vienna
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Written byKlaus KainzAs a studied historian, Klaus is not only interested in historical sights, but also in their fascinating backgrounds. For TicketLens, he gets to the heart of the most interesting information about attractions and travel destinations.
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