Can you see lions in Africa, walk through a tropical rainforest, or discover penguins in the Arctic all in one day? At Germany’s zoos, you can experience animals and habitats from around the world. TUI staff member Thomas shares his list of the 10 best zoos in Germany and their main attractions.
We have selected 10 popular zoos in Germany where you can spend a day exploring different animal habitats. Their themed areas let you discover animals and landscapes from many parts of the world in one visit.
All 10 Best Zoos in Germany at a Glance
| Zoo | State or city | Main attraction | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leipzig Zoo | Saxony | Gondwanaland tropical rainforest | Families and animal lovers |
| Berlin Zoological Garden | Berlin | Large variety of animal species | Animal lovers and city visitors |
| Hannover Adventure Zoo | Lower Saxony | Themed animal areas and activities | Families with children |
| Cologne Zoo | North Rhine-Westphalia | Elephant Park | Families and animal lovers |
| Hellabrunn Zoo Munich | Bavaria | Geographic zoo design | Families and nature lovers |
| Hagenbeck Zoo Hamburg | Hamburg | Historic animal habitats and Tropical Aquarium | Families and Hamburg visitors |
| ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen | North Rhine-Westphalia | Africa, Alaska, and Asia themed areas | Families and adventure seekers |
| Wilhelma Stuttgart | Baden-Württemberg | Zoo and botanical garden | Families and plant lovers |
| Rostock Zoo | Mecklenburg-Vorpommern | Darwineum and Polarium | Families and wildlife lovers |
| Allwetterzoo Münster | North Rhine-Westphalia | Covered walkways | Families and rainy-day visitors |
Which Is the Best Zoo in Germany?
There is no single answer to which zoo in Germany is the best. Leipzig Zoo, Berlin Zoological Garden, and Wilhelma Stuttgart are among the country’s well-known zoos.
Leipzig Zoo is known for its themed habitats, including Gondwanaland. Berlin Zoo is known for its wide range of animal species. Wilhelma combines a zoo with a botanical garden.
The best choice depends on what you want to see. You may prefer a zoo with many animal species, a place designed for families, or a destination with a focus on nature and conservation.
1. Leipzig Zoo
Leipzig Zoo is one of Germany’s best-known zoos. It is located in central Leipzig, about a 13-minute walk from the main railway station.
Its main attraction is Gondwanaland, a large tropical rainforest hall. Visitors can explore tropical plants, birds, and rare animals. You can also take a boat ride through the indoor rainforest.
Another major attraction is Pongoland, one of the world’s largest great ape facilities. Visitors can also learn about the behaviour of great apes and the research carried out by scientists.
Leipzig Zoo is known for its animal habitats, modern design, and focus on sustainability.
Main attraction: Gondwanaland tropical rainforest and Pongoland.
Best for: Families, animal lovers, and visitors interested in tropical wildlife.
Hotel suggestion: BEST WESTERN Leipzig City Center, near Leipzig Central Station, offers convenient access to the city and the zoo.
2. Berlin Zoological Garden
Berlin Zoological Garden is one of Germany’s oldest zoos. It is located in Berlin, near Kurfürstendamm and the Tiergarten area.
The zoo is home to more than 18,000 animals from around 1,200 species, according to the source article. Its wide range of animals makes it a popular attraction for visitors from Germany and other countries.
Pandas are among its best-known animals. The Berlin Aquarium is another attraction worth visiting. It covers three floors and includes fish, reptiles, amphibians, and other aquatic animals.
The zoo’s central location also makes it easy to combine a visit with sightseeing in Berlin.
Main attraction: A wide range of animal species and the Berlin Aquarium.
Best for: Animal lovers, families, and people visiting Berlin.
Hotel suggestion: Crowne Plaza Berlin City Centre is within walking distance of the zoo.
Read More: Top 10 Attractions in Munich, Germany
3. Hannover Adventure Zoo
Hannover Adventure Zoo is located near Eilenriede, one of Hannover’s large urban forest areas. You can combine a visit to the zoo with a walk through the surrounding green spaces.
The zoo is known for its themed habitats, which allow visitors to explore different environments. One of its main attractions is the Sambesi area, where visitors can take a boat ride and observe animals in an African-themed setting.
Other themed areas represent places such as Canada, India, and the Australian Outback.
Families can also enjoy interactive activities and play areas for children.
Main attraction: Themed habitats and the Sambesi boat ride.
Best for: Families with children and visitors who enjoy interactive attractions.
Hotel suggestion: Courtyard by Marriott Hannover Maschsee is located near Lake Maschsee, a popular area for walking and outdoor activities.
4. Cologne Zoo
Cologne Zoo is one of Germany’s older and well-known zoos. It covers around 20 hectares and is home to more than 800 animal species, according to the source article.
The Elephant Park is one of its main attractions. It provides a large area for Asian elephants.
You can also see animals such as hippos, Amur tigers, red pandas, and great apes. Animal feeding sessions and talks with zookeepers offer more information about the animals and their care.
A walk along the Rhine River can also be combined with a visit to the zoo, making it a useful stop during a trip to Cologne.
Main attraction: Elephant Park and its range of animal species.
Best for: Families, animal lovers, and visitors exploring Cologne.
Hotel suggestion: Steigenberger Hotel Köln is a centrally located hotel in Cologne.
5. Hellabrunn Zoo Munich
Hellabrunn Zoo is located beside the Isar River in Munich, near the Isar floodplain nature area. It offers a chance to see animals while enjoying a large green space close to the city centre.
Hellabrunn is known as the world’s first geographic zoo. In this design, animals are grouped according to their continents of origin, helping visitors learn about different parts of the world.
The zoo has spacious habitats based on the animals’ natural regions. Visitors can also enjoy animal presentations and explore the surrounding parkland.
Many people combine a zoo visit with a walk along the Isar River or through the nearby Isar floodplains.
Main attraction: Geographic zoo design and natural-style habitats.
Best for: Families, nature lovers, and visitors to Munich.
Hotel suggestion: Unsöld’s Factory Hotel is a design-focused hotel in Munich’s Lehel district.
6. Hagenbeck Zoo Hamburg
Hagenbeck Zoo has been a popular attraction in Hamburg since the 19th century. It is located in a large park area outside the city centre and can be reached by underground train.
The zoo is home to nearly 2,000 animals from different continents, according to the source article. Its attractions include the Africa Panorama, Eismeer, and Tropical Aquarium.
The Tropical Aquarium features a range of aquatic animals, including sharks. The zoo is also known for its large habitats and park-like setting.
Its history includes the use of open animal enclosures instead of traditional barred cages, an approach that helped influence modern zoo design.
Main attraction: Large animal habitats and the Tropical Aquarium.
Best for: Families, animal lovers, and visitors to Hamburg.
Hotel suggestion: Lindner Park-Hotel Hagenbeck is located next to the zoo and has an expedition theme.
Read More: Best Islands in Germany
7. ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen
ZOOM Erlebniswelt in Gelsenkirchen offers themed areas based on Africa, Alaska, and Asia. Visitors can explore animals and habitats from different parts of the world in one day.
The Africa area includes Lemur Island, where lemurs can move freely within their habitat. Visitors can observe them at close range.
The Alaska area represents colder environments, while the Asia area focuses on animals and landscapes associated with that region.
The zoo’s themed design and many viewing areas make it a popular destination for families.
Main attraction: The Africa, Alaska, and Asia themed areas.
Best for: Families, children, and visitors who enjoy themed wildlife experiences.
Hotel suggestion: Heiner’s Parkhotel is a four-star superior hotel near Nordsternpark, with modern rooms and a restaurant.
8. Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Garden Stuttgart
Wilhelma is located in Stuttgart’s Bad Cannstatt district. It is a zoological and botanical garden in a historic park originally created under King Wilhelm I of Württemberg.
Its historic buildings feature Moorish-style architecture, which has earned the garden the nickname “Alhambra on the Neckar.”
Wilhelma is home to around 11,000 animals from 1,200 species and has about 8,500 plant species, according to the source article.
Visitors can explore animal habitats, tropical plant houses, and gardens from different climate zones. The children’s farm is another attraction, with rare domestic animal breeds.
The combination of animals, plants, and historic architecture makes Wilhelma different from a traditional zoo.
Main attraction: A zoo and botanical garden in one location.
Best for: Families, animal lovers, and people interested in plants and gardens.
Hotel suggestion: ARCOTEL Camino offers convenient access to Stuttgart’s main railway station and public transport.
9. Rostock Zoo
Rostock Zoo is a popular destination in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and is a good option for a day trip during a holiday on the Baltic Sea coast.
The zoo has received awards and recognition for its animal habitats and facilities.
Two of its main attractions are the Darwineum and the Polarium. The Darwineum explains the development of life on Earth and includes great apes such as gorillas and orangutans.
The Polarium focuses on animals from polar regions, including polar bears and penguins. Visitors can learn about these animals and the environments in which they live.
Rostock Zoo is a useful destination for families and visitors interested in wildlife and nature.
Main attraction: Darwineum and Polarium.
Best for: Families, animal lovers, and visitors to the Baltic Sea region.
Hotel suggestion: Vienna House by Wyndham Sonne is located in Rostock’s historic city centre.
Read More: Nature Holidays in Germany: Best Places for Outdoor Adventures
10. Allwetterzoo Münster
Münster is known for its historic buildings, university, and city centre. Near Lake Aasee, you will find Allwetterzoo Münster, a zoo designed to make visits easier in different weather conditions.
The zoo’s name refers to its covered walkways, which allow visitors to move between areas with some protection from rain.
You can see animals such as giraffes, elephants, and lions. Feeding sessions and animal encounters are also among its attractions.
The covered paths make it a practical choice when the weather is poor, especially for families planning a day out.
Main attraction: Covered walkways and animal experiences in different weather conditions.
Best for: Families, children, and visitors looking for a rainy-day activity.
Hotel suggestion: ATLANTIC Hotel Münster offers modern rooms and a central location for exploring the city.
Which Zoo in Germany Is Right for You?
The best zoo depends on your interests and the people travelling with you.
| Your preference | Recommended zoo |
|---|---|
| Visiting with children | Hannover Adventure Zoo or ZOOM Erlebniswelt |
| Seeing many animal species | Berlin Zoological Garden |
| Visiting on a rainy day | Allwetterzoo Münster or Leipzig Zoo |
| Exploring natural-style habitats | Hellabrunn Zoo Munich |
| Combining animals and plants | Wilhelma Stuttgart |
| Combining a zoo with city sightseeing | Berlin Zoo, Hagenbeck Zoo Hamburg, or Cologne Zoo |
Best Zoos in Germany for Families
Many German zoos offer activities designed for families with children.
Hannover Adventure Zoo has themed habitats and interactive activities. ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen offers different themed areas, while Leipzig Zoo features Gondwanaland, where families can explore an indoor tropical rainforest.
Play areas, animal feeding sessions, and opportunities to observe animals help make these zoos suitable for family visits.
Before travelling, check each zoo’s official website for family tickets, children’s activities, feeding times, and opening hours.
Best Zoos in Germany for Rainy Days
Rain does not have to stop you from visiting a zoo.
Allwetterzoo Münster has covered walkways that help visitors move around in wet weather. Leipzig Zoo’s Gondwanaland offers an indoor tropical rainforest experience.
Other options include the aquarium at Berlin Zoological Garden and the Tropical Aquarium at Hagenbeck Zoo in Hamburg.
These indoor attractions let you see animals and explore different habitats even when the weather is poor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zoos in Germany
What is the largest zoo in Germany?
The source article identifies Tierpark Berlin as Europe’s largest animal park by area. It also describes Berlin Zoological Garden as one of the world’s most species-rich zoos. These are two different attractions in Berlin.
Which is the most beautiful zoo in Germany?
There is no single answer because it depends on personal preference. Leipzig Zoo, Wilhelma Stuttgart, Berlin Zoological Garden, and Hannover Adventure Zoo are among the popular choices. They offer different animal habitats, a wide range of species, and themed attractions.
Which German zoo has the most animals?
According to the source article, Berlin Zoological Garden has more than 18,000 animals from around 1,200 species, making it one of the world’s most species-rich zoos.
Which zoos in Germany are best for families?
Hannover Adventure Zoo, ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen, and Leipzig Zoo are good options for families. Their themed habitats and interactive attractions can make visits interesting for children.
Which zoos in Germany are good for rainy days?
Allwetterzoo Münster is known for its covered walkways. Leipzig Zoo has the indoor Gondwanaland rainforest, while Berlin Zoo and Hagenbeck Zoo in Hamburg offer aquarium attractions.
Check opening hours, ticket prices, animal feeding schedules, and current visitor information on each zoo’s official website before planning your trip.
