Tierpark Hellabrunn
A vast, nature reserve-style zoo where animals roam in spacious, geographically themed enclosures, offering an immersive wildlife experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are active, pleasant weather
Tierpark Hellabrunn
Best Time
Animals are active, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, nature reserve-style zoo where animals roam in spacious, geographically themed enclosures, offering an immersive wildlife experience.
"One of the most beautiful zoos I’ve ever visited, with spacious, naturalistic enclosures and happy animals."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfy footwear is a must.
🗺️ Grab a Map
Navigate the geographically themed zones easily. Plan your route to see your must-see animals.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Polar Bear Encounter
Arctic Zone
Witness the impressive polar bear in its spacious, naturalistic enclosure. A truly captivating sight!
Majestic Giraffes
Savanna Zone
Admire the elegant giraffes as they roam freely in their expansive habitat. A graceful spectacle.
Playful Lynx
European Zone
Spot the elusive lynx, a rare and beautiful feline, in its carefully designed environment.
Baby Elch 'Xantorin'
European Zone
Catch a glimpse of the adorable baby moose, a heartwarming sight for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Embrace the Space
Tickets & Amenities: Smart Choices
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfy footwear is a must.
🗺️ Grab a Map
Navigate the geographically themed zones easily. Plan your route to see your must-see animals.
⏰ Check Feeding Times
See animals at their most active! Check the schedule upon arrival for optimal viewing.
👨👩👧 Family Fun Zones
Enjoy playgrounds and kid-friendly areas for a fun-filled family day out.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfy footwear is a must.
🗺️ Grab a Map
Navigate the geographically themed zones easily. Plan your route to see your must-see animals.
⏰ Check Feeding Times
See animals at their most active! Check the schedule upon arrival for optimal viewing.
👨👩👧 Family Fun Zones
Enjoy playgrounds and kid-friendly areas for a fun-filled family day out.
🍽️ Biergarten Break
Relax and refuel at the Biergarten, offering delicious food and a pleasant atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Tierpark Hellabrunn for its spacious, naturalistic enclosures and excellent animal husbandry, making it one of the best zoos in Germany. The park's design, organized by geographic regions, offers an immersive experience, and its family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and good dining options are a big plus. While some note the vastness requires comfortable shoes, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting a peaceful atmosphere and well-cared-for animals.
"Absolutely must go if you have more than 3 days in Munich! One of the best zoos in terms of animal husbandry. Most of the exhibits were massive allowing a lot of room for the animals to roam. Most animals were lively and playful. The Biergarten was a plus and a delicious break from the hike."
Elle Fuller
"Absolutely amazing! The park is really big and has so many different animals, all in large and very well-kept spaces. It’s perfect for kids—my son had so much fun and we really enjoyed the day."
Arianna Ligabue
"One of the most beautiful zoos I’ve ever visited. Plenty of trees and shades. Variety of animals grouping together while it is quite close and open to see them. They have pretty good restaurants with quality food. Also have a few playgrounds that are super nice! I came here during summer time and it is perfect weather."
Pichapim Patamasatayasonthi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tierpark Hellabrunn is easily accessible via public transport. Take the U3 subway line to Thalkirchen (Tierpark) station, which is just a short walk from the entrance. Buses also serve the area.
Yes, there is parking available near the zoo. However, public transport is highly recommended to avoid potential parking hassles and to enjoy a more sustainable journey.
The most convenient way is to take the U3 subway line directly to Thalkirchen (Tierpark) station. The journey is straightforward and efficient.
While Hellabrunn is a destination in itself, the Isar riverbanks nearby offer pleasant walking and recreational opportunities.
Yes, you are generally allowed to bring your own food and drinks, which can be a great way to save money. However, the zoo also offers good dining options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but adult admission is around €20, with children under 4 entering for free. It's advisable to check the official website for the most current pricing and to book tickets online to potentially save time.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the entrance. However, buying tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to avoid queues.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or families. It's best to check the official Tierpark Hellabrunn website for any current offers or special promotions.
Opening hours vary seasonally. Generally, the zoo opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Absolutely! Tierpark Hellabrunn is a fantastic destination for a full day trip, offering a wide variety of animals and activities to keep visitors entertained.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors often rave about the polar bears, giraffes, and lynx. The zoo also features a baby moose named 'Xantorin' and a wide array of other fascinating creatures grouped by their geographic origins.
Yes, it's highly recommended for families! The zoo has spacious enclosures, playgrounds, and a variety of animals that children love. Many visitors recall visiting as children themselves and now bring their own families. +1
Yes, a major highlight is the spacious and naturalistic design of the enclosures, allowing animals ample room to roam and behave naturally. This is frequently praised in reviews. +1
The zoo offers restaurants with quality food, playgrounds, and ample shaded areas. There are also restrooms and information points throughout the park. +1
Information on stroller or wheelchair rentals is best confirmed on the official Tierpark Hellabrunn website. However, the spacious paths are generally accessible.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Tierpark Hellabrunn has several restaurants and cafes offering a variety of food options, including quality meals. The Biergarten is a popular spot for a break.
While prices can be typical for zoo attractions, many visitors find the quality good. Bringing your own snacks and drinks can help manage costs.
Most zoo restaurants offer a range of options, and it's likely they will have vegetarian choices. Vegan options may be more limited, so it's worth checking menus or asking staff.
Yes, picnics are generally permitted, and there are many pleasant spots to enjoy your own food. This is a great option for families looking to save money.
Yes, there is a Biergarten which is a popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy food and drinks in a pleasant atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
The spacious enclosures offer great opportunities. Focus on capturing animals in their naturalistic habitats, like the polar bears, giraffes, or the lynx. The diverse flora also provides beautiful backdrops.
The naturalistic enclosures can sometimes mean animals are further away, but their spaciousness allows for more natural poses. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer better light and more active animals.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals. Always check for signage.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended to get close-up shots of animals from a distance. A wider lens can be useful for capturing the expansive enclosures and landscapes.
Yes, capturing moments with baby animals like the moose 'Xantorin' is a popular and rewarding photographic experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the animals, the park boasts excellent playgrounds, making it easy to keep children entertained. With good dining options and the flexibility to picnic, planning a full day of family fun is straightforward. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as the zoo is large, and consider checking feeding times for more active viewing.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) or on weekdays to potentially find fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience. Public transport is an efficient and cost-effective way to reach the zoo, avoiding parking fees.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different times of day for optimal lighting; early mornings and late afternoons often provide softer light and more active animals. The diverse flora within the geographically themed zones also offers beautiful backdrops for your shots. Be mindful of any restrictions on flash photography to ensure the well-being of the animals.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Geographic Zones
This 'nature reserve' style means the park is quite spread out. Visitors are encouraged to wander through these distinct regions, discovering the diverse wildlife that calls each continent home. From the icy landscapes of the Arctic Zone, home to polar bears, to the vast plains of the Savanna Zone with its giraffes, the zoo offers a journey around the world. The emphasis is on providing ample space and a naturalistic setting for each species.
Navigating these zones is part of the adventure. While it requires comfortable footwear and a good map, the reward is seeing animals in environments that are as close to their natural homes as possible. This thoughtful layout is frequently praised by visitors for its contribution to animal welfare and the overall visitor experience.
A Family Favorite: Fun for All Ages
Beyond the animal encounters, the zoo offers dedicated amenities for families. Several well-equipped playgrounds provide ample opportunities for kids to burn off energy and have fun. The presence of good restaurants and the option to picnic further enhance the family-friendly atmosphere, making it easy to spend a full day without stress.
Tips for families include arriving early to avoid the biggest crowds, planning your route to include the playgrounds, and checking feeding times for more active animal viewing. The accessibility of the park also makes it manageable for families with strollers.
Animal Welfare and Naturalistic Enclosures
Visitors frequently highlight how much room the animals have to roam, noting that most exhibits are massive. This allows for a more engaging viewing experience as animals are often seen actively moving, playing, or interacting within their environments. The polar bear and giraffe enclosures, in particular, are often cited as impressive examples of this design philosophy.
While the spaciousness is a significant positive, some reviews subtly mention a feeling of animal loneliness, which can be a complex aspect of any zoo environment. However, the overwhelming sentiment is that Tierpark Hellabrunn prioritizes the well-being of its animals through thoughtful and expansive habitat design, making it one of the best zoos in terms of animal husbandry.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit