
Nuremberg Zoo (Tiergarten Nürnberg)
A sprawling, forested zoo in Nuremberg, home to diverse species like polar bears, manatees, and savannah animals.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals

Nuremberg Zoo (Tiergarten Nürnberg)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling, forested zoo in Nuremberg, home to diverse species like polar bears, manatees, and savannah animals.
"Wonderful Family Day at Tiergarten Nürnberg! The park is beautifully laid out with plenty of space to walk and explore."

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is large and hilly; prepare for lots of walking!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry, especially on weekends and holidays.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Polar Bears
Arctic Zone
Witness the majestic polar bears in their expansive habitat, a rare sight in many zoos.
Manatees
Aquarium
Observe the gentle manatees, also known as sea cows, in their dedicated aquatic environment.

African Savannah
Savannah Area
Experience a slice of Africa with lions, zebras, and other iconic savannah animals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Nuremberg Zoo
Animal Welfare Concerns
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is large and hilly; prepare for lots of walking!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry, especially on weekends and holidays.
🗺️ Check Feeding Times
Plan your day around feeding demonstrations for a more engaging experience.
🗣️ Language Barrier
Most information is in German; English signage is limited.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is large and hilly; prepare for lots of walking!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry, especially on weekends and holidays.
🗺️ Check Feeding Times
Plan your day around feeding demonstrations for a more engaging experience.
🗣️ Language Barrier
Most information is in German; English signage is limited.
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Amenities
Rent pushcarts for kids; good restaurants available.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Nuremberg Zoo is generally praised for its cleanliness, well-maintained enclosures, and diverse animal collection, making it a wonderful family destination. However, some visitors note a language barrier with signage and information primarily in German. Recent controversies regarding animal welfare, specifically the culling of baboons, have also been a point of concern for some.
"Nice, clean, and well maintained zoo. The animals seem to be happy, except the tiger, which has too little space. I felt really bad when people kept smoking (many) and throwing things to animals, I wish there were staffs there to educate these people."
LALITA WEERACHAI
"Wonderful Family Day at Tiergarten Nürnberg!
We had a fantastic time visiting the Tiergarten in Nürnberg with our family! The park is beautifully laid out, with plenty of space to walk and explore. We saw so many animals – from lions and giraffes to penguins and dolphins – and every exhibit was well-maintained and engaging.
Our kids absolutely loved the experience and especially enjoyed the dolphin show and the farm animal area where they could get a bit closer to the animals. The park is also very clean and has good food options and shaded areas for breaks.
I highly recommend booking tickets in advance, especially during weekends or holidays – it saves time and guarantees entry. A must-visit if you’re in the area and looking for a fun, educational day out with children!"
Anand Dwivedi
"The zoo is located on the mountainside so there is a lot of hiking involved in visiting it. It's also really big and has lots of trees, sometimes you feel like going through a forest only to reach another animal enclosure. There are also some rare animals here like polar bears. The only problem I had with it was the program, the feeding times overlap with other points of the program. I guess it's to have people decide so none of them are really crowded and for the people to avoid running around the zoo, but if you are here as a tourist it kinda sucks since you won't be able to see them all unless you arrive here early in the morning at stay till 4pm"
Maciej Polakowski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Nuremberg Zoo (Tiergarten Nürnberg) is located southeast of the city center. You can reach it by public transport, with bus lines serving the area. Driving is also an option, with parking available.
Yes, public transport is a convenient way to reach the zoo. Bus routes connect the city to the Tiergarten, making it easily accessible for visitors.
There are parking facilities available for visitors who choose to drive to the zoo. It's advisable to check for any associated parking fees.
The zoo is located in the Nuremberg Reichswald, southeast of the city center. Travel time will vary depending on your mode of transport, but it's a manageable distance for a day trip.
While specific route numbers can change, generally, bus lines serving the Tiergarten area are the best option. Checking local public transport apps or websites upon arrival is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's best to check the official Nuremberg Zoo website for the most up-to-date information on admission fees for adults, children, and concessions. Booking in advance is recommended.
Yes, tickets are typically available for purchase at the gate. However, to avoid queues and ensure entry, especially during peak times, booking your tickets online in advance is highly recommended.
The zoo has different opening hours for summer and winter. Summer hours are generally from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM, and winter hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Always check the official website for the most current times.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or families. It's advisable to check the zoo's official website or inquire at the ticket counter for any applicable discount programs.
Information on yearly passes or memberships is usually available on the zoo's official website. These can be a cost-effective option for frequent visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors often highlight the polar bears, manatees, and the African savannah animals like lions and zebras. The zoo also houses a variety of other species, offering a diverse viewing experience.
Absolutely! Families with children love the Nuremberg Zoo. You can rent pushcarts for kids, and there are dedicated areas like the farm animal section and dolphin shows that are particularly engaging for younger visitors.
Yes, the zoo offers various programs, including feeding times and demonstrations. However, be aware that these can sometimes overlap, making it challenging to attend all of them in a single visit.
The zoo is situated on a mountainside and features a lot of natural forest. Expect significant walking and inclines, so comfortable footwear is essential.
Information about Wi-Fi availability is not widely publicized. It's best to assume that free Wi-Fi might not be readily available throughout the zoo grounds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the zoo has good restaurants and food options available to cater to visitors. This is convenient for families and ensures you can refuel during your visit.
The restaurants typically offer a range of meals suitable for all ages, from snacks to more substantial dishes. Specific menus can vary, but they aim to provide options for a pleasant dining experience.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, it's generally permissible to bring your own food and drinks to most zoos for a picnic. However, it's always good to check the zoo's specific policies.
Restaurant offerings can vary, but many establishments in Germany are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan choices. It's advisable to inquire at the restaurant directly about available options.
Food prices at zoos can be comparable to other tourist attractions. While there are good options, bringing some snacks from outside might be a budget-friendly alternative.
📸 📸 Photography
The diverse enclosures, especially those with naturalistic settings like the Arctic zone for polar bears or the African savannah, offer great photographic opportunities. The snowy owl exhibit is also a popular subject.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, professional photography or the use of drones might require special permits. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid disturbing the animals.
From the majestic polar bears and tigers to the graceful giraffes and playful penguins, the zoo offers a wide array of photogenic animals. Don't forget to capture the unique snowy owl!
Mornings and late afternoons often provide softer light, which is ideal for photography. Animals can also be more active during these cooler parts of the day.
It's generally advised against using flash photography in zoos, as it can startle and stress the animals. Many enclosures also have specific signs indicating flash restrictions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Active Explorers
🌍 International Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Controversy Surrounding Baboon Culling
Animal rights groups, including Pro Wildlife and Deutscher Tierschutzbund, have filed complaints against the zoo. Protests were organized, with some activists being detained. The debate highlights the complex ethical challenges zoos face in managing animal populations within confined environments and the ongoing discussion about the role and ethics of modern zoos.
Visitors interested in this issue may find it helpful to research the perspectives of both the zoo and the animal welfare organizations to form their own informed opinion. The incident has raised questions about whether zoos are still a contemporary model for animal conservation and welfare.
Exploring the Diverse Habitats
Beyond the large mammals, the zoo features dedicated areas for marine life, including a notable aquarium with manatees. The zoo's design often makes visitors feel as though they are walking through a forest, with animal enclosures seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape. This immersive approach aims to provide a more authentic experience for both the animals and the visitors, though it also contributes to the zoo's considerable size and hilly terrain.
Family Fun and Amenities
Beyond the animal exhibits, the zoo offers good food options and shaded areas for breaks, ensuring visitors can stay refreshed throughout their day. While specific entertainment schedules can vary, past highlights have included dolphin shows, which are particularly loved by children. The farm animal area also provides opportunities for kids to get closer to some of the animals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit