Vienna Schönbrunn Zoo

The Vienna Zoo is located in the Schönbrunn Palace Park, about 20 minutes by metro from the city center. Visiting Schönbrunn usually takes a full day, as you can see both the palace and the zoo in one trip.

History

• The oldest existing zoo in the world – founded in 1752 as an imperial menagerie on the initiative of Emperor Franz I Stephan.
• Opened to the public in 1779, initially free of charge.

Tickets

• Adults: € 29
• Children: € 17
• Under 6 years old: free

Animals and Attractions

• The zoo covers 17 hectares and houses over 8,500 animals.
• It has repeatedly been named the best zoo in Europe.
• Rare species include giant pandas, koalas, polar bears, Siberian tigers, and orangutans.
• In 2007, Schönbrunn became the first zoo in Europe where a giant panda cub was born after natural mating. African elephant calves have also been born here.

Highlights to visit:

• Tropical pavilion
• Orangutan house
• Franz Josef Land pavilion (polar bears)
• Aquarium
• Giraffe house
• Giant and red panda pavilions
• Koala enclosure

Animal feeding times (approximate):

• 10:30 – Sea lions
• 11:00 – Crested & emperor penguins
• 11:45 – Humboldt penguins
• 13:30 – Coatis
• 14:30 – Large anteaters
• 15:30 – Sea lions
• 16:00 – Koalas

Opening Hours

• Daily, including weekends and holidays
• April to September: 9:00 – 18:30
• November to January: 9:00 – 16:30
• Other months: 9:00 – 17:00–17:30
• Note: Some pavilions may close earlier than the official closing time.

How to Get There

• Address: Schönbrunner Schlosspark, 1130 Wien
• By metro: Take the green line U4 to Hietzing station, a few minutes’ walk from the zoo’s Hietzing entrance, or get off one stop earlier at Schönbrunn (6th stop from Karlsplatz) and walk about 15 minutes through the palace park.

The zoo is well-planned and compact, making it easy to explore even with children, and is an excellent destination for animal lovers and families.