Zoo Berlin
With over 3.5 million annual visitors (including the aquarium), Zoo Berlin is of the most popular attractions in Berlin. It’s the oldest Zoo in Germany and is home to more species than any other zoo in the world. Today the 80 acre zoo has more than 20,000 animals representing over 1300 species.
Zoo Berlin is located in Tiergarten at one of the city’s major transport hubs - Berlin Zoologischer Garten often referred to as the Zoo. Directly served by the U-Bahn, S-Bahn and multiple bus lines, it is easy to get to.
Zoo Berlin’s mandate goes well beyond displaying animals that people normally don’t get to see. It is highly specialized in its focus on global conservation efforts and preserving endangered species.
To this end, they work closely with universities, research facilities and other zoos from around the globe to support breeding programs and help reintroduce endangered species.
They also work closely with Berlin's other large zoo, Tierpark Berlin which came into being
Highlights of the zoo include the Hippopotamus House, Panda Garden, Eagle Canyon, Penguin World, Great Apes, and the World of Birds with free-flight halls.
Aquarium Berlin is also part of Zoo Berlin, but it can be visited separately or with a combination pass for only slightly more. We have more information about Aquarium Berlin on a separate page.
Zoo Berlin invests considerable effort to house its animals in enclosures that mimic their natural environments.
For an additional fee, you can take part in one of several guided tours around different themes providing additional insights into the animals and taking you behind the scenes.
History
The idea to open a zoological garden originated with the director of the zoological museum and a professor at Berlin University Martin Hinrich Lichtenstein. He was an advisor to the King and in charge of his collection of animals. Working with naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, and landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné the project was given the go-ahead.
The zoo took 3 years to build and first opened in 1844 with animals donated from the menagerie and pheasantry of King Friedrich Wilhelm IV.
The zoo underwent multiple expansions and was home to over 4000 animals by the start of the Second World War. Tragically, only 91 survived the war which was heavily damaged, especially near the end when it was one of the last areas of Nazi German resistance.
Since the war, the zoo has been and continues to be progressively restored and updated becoming the world-class facility it is today.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesZoo Berlin Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: Hardenbergpl. 8, 10787 Berlin, Germany
Official Website: Zoo Berlin
Zoo Berlin Reviews
Rated out of 5
The most beautiful Zoo that my husband and I have visited. 🥰
It's really huge. 😁
You need to reserve a whole day for the excursion. Unfortunately, we didn't have that time. 😓
Because this Zoo has really beautiful enclosures for the animals. The animals are in the best condition. They are really happy. 😌😍
The workers takes very good care of the entire Zoo. We liked everything here. 😍
Unfortunately, we're sorry that we didn't see everything.
However, the price for admission is good and acceptable.👍😊
Marie Mulyukina - 2 months ago
What a fun zoo! The grounds are beautifully designed and maintained. The route are easy to navigate and animals are easy to see, mostly. Don't slip the Gelato! It was a yummy snack.
Amy Sawyer - a week ago
We had a lovely time at the botanical gardens. The glasshouses were much larger than expected and showcased plants from all over the world, organized into continent-themed sections. The outdoor garden is also spacious and makes for a peaceful walk. However, we had expected more flowers and decorative arrangements. Most of the grounds are grass, trees, a pond, and some vegetable gardens.
Sophie Böhnert - 3 weeks ago
It's a beautiful place right in the middle of the city centre. Really easy to reach via public transport. It's the biggest zoo and oldest zoo in Germany. Nice restaurants to get some food and enough choice. Huge playground for kids. So really worth the visit. We totally enjoyed ourselves 😉
Mary Jane Kirstätter - 3 months ago
Awesome zoo, pretty big and amazing for central Berlin. Loved how each animal area has its own unique style/theming. The panda cubs were adorable! Buying tickets online saved us from long weekend queues. Highly recommend visiting, especially early morning on weekends!
SH A - a month ago
Directions
How to get to Zoo Berlin by U-Bahn or S-Bahn
Nearest U-Bahn or S-Bahn Line(s): U2, U3, U9, S3, S5, S7, S9, S75
Nearest U-Bahn or S-Bahn Station(s): Berlin Zoologischer Garten
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Zoo Berlin:
Photo Gallery
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Photo Credit: marsupium photography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupium photography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupium photography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupium photography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupium photography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupium photography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupium photography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupium photography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupium photography - cc license via Flickr
