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Tiergarten Schoenbrunn Zoo






Top things to do in Vienna

Vienna Schonbrunn | The oldest zoo in the world

Tired of staring at your goldfish and longing for something more exotic? The Vienna Zoo has you covered. From playful giant pandas to majestic African elephants, the zoo has over 700 animal species in habitats that replicate their original ones.

Why visit the Schonbrunn Vienna Zoo?

Why visit the Schonbrunn Vienna Zoo?
Why visit the Schonbrunn Zoo?
Why visit the Schonbrunn Zoo?
Why visit the Schonbrunn Vienna Zoo?
Why visit the Vienna Zoo?
1/5

Diverse animal species and conservation programs

The Vienna Zoo is home to almost 700 animal species, ranging from Siberian tigers, Queensland koalas, giant pandas, and crowd-favorites like African Bush elephants and orangutans. The zoo provides naturalistic environments and participates in conservation initiatives to save endangered animals from extinction.

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Rich historical significance

The Vienna Zoo is now the oldest operating zoo in the world. It was established in 1752 as an imperial menagerie by Emperor Franz I Stephan, husband of Maria Theresa. It was quite common for monarchs to house animals from far corners of the world in their backyards to display their wealth and power. In 1778, the zoo opened its doors to the public, and since then, has prioritized animal welfare.

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Interactive animal exhibits

Schonbrunn Zoo is at the forefront of creating environments to stimulate animals to act as they would in their original habitat. Climbing structures and watering pools keep animals active and engaged. Vienna Zoo also has a special Children’s Farm, where visitors can pet sheep, goats, and cows.

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Historical pavilions and scenic landscapes

The zoo is a part of the Schonbrunn Palace Gardens, most of which were built in the 1700s. You can observe the original ironwork and domed roof in a few of the enclosures like the meerkat house and the aviary. As you walk around the zoo, you will come across sculpted hedges, manicured lawns, and ornate drinking fountains, complementing the zoo’s historical setting.

Unique animal encounters

The Vienna Zoo is a fan favorite, particularly for its collection of rare and endangered animal species. From Northern rock-hopper penguins to Himalayan red pandas, Pygmy hippopotamus, giant anteaters, and Bornean orangutans, you will observe several such unique species, thriving in their carefully crafted enclosures.

Things to know before booking Vienna Zoo tickets

  • All Vienna Zoo tickets allow you access to every enclosure within its premises, including the Elephant Park, ORANG. Erie, Giant Panda House, and more.
  • Pressed for time? Book skip-the-line tickets and zip in and out of the Schonbrunn Zoo in just about 2 hours. You can skip the lines at the entrance, drop by the Panda enclosure and Big Cat House, and grab a snack at the Kaiser Pavillion. 
  • If you are interested in the history of the Habsburg dynasty, you may consider opting for the Schonbrunn Zoo combo tickets, including access to the palace. Having once functioned as the summer residence of these royals, the Schonbrunn Palace offers valuable insights into their lifestyle. 
  • The Desert House next to the Vienna Zoo is a must-visit for anyone looking to appreciate the beauty and resilience of arid wildlife. Get skip-the-line tickets and wander through a world filled with bearded lizards, rattlesnakes, and naked mole rats.
  • The entire Schonbrunn complex is equipped with smooth pathways, ramps, and elevators to ensure visitors in wheelchairs can have a hassle-free touring experience.

Which Schonbrunn Zoo ticket to choose?

If you are short on time

If you are short on time

Go for: Skip-the-line tickets
Duration:
Flexible
Guide:
Not available

  • With these tickets, you can get priority entry to the Schonbrunn Zoo. During the peak summer months, between June and August, you can save almost 30 minutes to an hour by skipping ahead of long lines. 
  • This ticket also offers a special feature, an extended validity of up to December 31, 2025. In case of an emergency, if you cannot make it to the Vienna Zoo on the day of your booking, you can visit it later, at your convenience. 

Recommended tours:

  • Skip-the-line tickets to Vienna Zoo
combo tour

If you are on a budget

Go for: Combo tickets, including skip-the-line entry
Duration:
Flexible
Guide:
English, German, Italian, or Spanish-speaking guide (optional for the Palace tour)

  • Cover 2 major attractions on a one-time purchase. These tickets help you save money, as they are cheaper than purchasing individual tickets for both attractions. 
  • With these combo tickets, you can explore the opulent rooms and richly decorated tapestries of the palace as well as observe the diverse wildlife and learn more about the Vienna Zoo’s conservation initiatives. 

Recommended tours:

combo tour

If you want to explore beyond

Go for: Combo tickets, with skip-the-line access
Duration:
Flexible
Guide:
Audio guide in English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Polish, and Hebrew

  • Explore the animal enclosures and take a scenic train ride through the Schonbrunn Palace grounds. Spot the Gloriette, Obelisk Fountain, and Palm House in the palace gardens. 
  • If you have children in your family, getting on the panoramic train will offer the little legs a break from the constant walking. Elderly visitors and guests with limited mobility can also benefit from this ticket. 

Recommended tours:

Vienna Zoo highlights

The Vienna Zoo takes you through some of the world’s most diverse habitats, each themed zone meticulously curated to mimic the animals’ original environments. These zones encourage the animals to act as they naturally would in the wild. The zoo is spread over 17 hectares and houses over 700 species of animals.

panda enclosure

Panda Enclosure

Established: 2003
Inside: Giant pandas
Native to: China

  • The adorable black-and-white pandas are the undisputed stars of the Vienna Zoo. They are specialists when it comes to bamboo, consuming up to 40 kilograms of shoots daily. Pandas snooze for up to 12 hours a day. Whenever they are not foraging or troubling their caretakers, you will find them napping in their cozy caves.
elephant park

Elephant Park

Established: 1906
Inside: African elephants
Native to: Sub-Saharan Africa

  • The African Bush elephants, with wrinkly skin and floppy ears, are the largest land animals. Admire their impressive stature and watch them use their trunks for everything, from grabbing food, splashing water, and even greeting each other! Look out for the younger ones, most often playing in the mud, or hiding between their mothers’ legs.
aquarium

Aquarium and Terrarium

Established: 1912
Inside: Piranhas, lionfishes, Moray eels, stingrays, jellyfishes, rattlesnakes, cobras, lizards, and more
Native to: Indian and Pacific oceans

  • The centerpiece of the Schonbrunn Zoo aquarium is a massive 80,000-liter tank teeming with hundreds of colorful fish. The lizards and chameleons in the terrarium blend in with their surroundings. Look out for the archerfish, known to spit water droplets to gorge on insects from overarching plants. 
rainforest house

Rainforest House

Established: 1907
Inside: Free-flying birds, vampire bats, Pygmy marmosets, giant snails, Asian small-clawed otters, and more
Native to: Central and South America

  • Step into a world of dense greenery and towering canopies. From monkeys swinging from tree to tree to sloths hanging upside down, seemingly unfazed by all the commotion, and bright-colored birds flitting about here and there, the Rainforest House is teeming with activity.
big cat house

Big Cat House

Established: 1928
Inside: Siberian tigers, Amur leopards, lions, cheetahs, and more
Native to: India, Africa, far east of Russia, and north China

  • While the tigers are usually sizing up their lunch, the lions soak in the sun or interact with their peers. Admire the graceful movements of these apex predators, their powerful muscles rippling with every step. It is difficult to spot the cheetahs, for they are often a blur of spots, racing across the open space, or hiding amongst the trees.
south america park

South America Park

Established: 1998
Inside: Jaguars, capybaras, rheas, tapirs, and monkeys
Native to: Marshy areas of South America, particularly Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia

  • The air is filled with the chatter of marmosets and capuchins. If you see an impressive wingspan casting a shadow on the ground, look up, for it could be the Andean condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world. Also, look out for bright-colored toucans, with beaks almost as large as their bodies. 
desert house

Desert House

Established: 2002
Inside: Fennec foxes, meerkats, sand cats, desert tortoises, and various snakes and lizards
Native to: Scrublands and arid regions of North Africa, southern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and parts of Central Asia.

  • Step into a world of cacti and dunes. Observe the elusive sand cat, with its fur perfectly camouflaged against the desert backdrop. See a variety of reptiles and admire the succulents, striving to survive the intense temperatures.
Koala House

Koala House

Established: 2002
Inside: Australian koala
Native to: Australia

  • Get a dose of cuteness overload! The stars of this exhibit are the laid-back koalas of Queensland. See them munching on eucalyptus leaves and cuddling with their young. While it can be tempting to reach over for a hug, do not ever do so, for koalas have very sharp claws and a notorious reputation.
flamingo pond

Flamingo Pond

Established: 1995
Inside: Species of flamingos, like the Greater flamingo and Chilean flamingo
Native to: Lagoons, mudflats, and shallow coastal lakes in parts of Africa and Southern Europe

  • Witness the vibrant red-and-pink flamingos flounce about in the waters. Their synchronized feeding habits are a sight to behold. If you look closer, you will see that their feathers seem to glow in the sunlight, making for a captivating sight.

Must-see animals in Schonbrunn Vienna Zoo

African Bush elephant

African Bush elephant

Status: Endangered
Location: Elephant House

Polar bear
Giant panda
Orangutan
Indian one-horned rhinoceros

Beyond the animal exhibits: Schonbrunn Zoo initiatives

indian bull frog

The Vienna Zoo not only provide naturalistic living conditions for their animals but also support research initiatives and actively raise awareness against unfair animal practices.

  • Acoustic communication in cheetahs: Katharina Prager, a doctoral student from the Austrian Academy of Sciences, sought to analyze the cheetahs’ growls, purrs, chirps, and hisses to understand their activities within the pride. 
  • Color-changing mating ritual in Indian frogs: It has been observed that the male species of the Der Indus Valley bull-frog and the Asian common toad change colors during their mating ritual. The Schonnbrunn Zoo is working with a doctoral researcher from the University of Vienna to learn more about such inconspicuous behaviors. 
  • The life cycle of a giant jellyfish: The giant jellyfish, which were once thought to have vanished from this planet, are now being studied. Vienna Zoo is the first facility, where a polyp of this species has matured into a fully-grown jellyfish.
Animals in Vienna Zoo
panoramic train

The Schonbrunn Zoo offers a variety of animal species, ranging from land mammals to amphibians, and aquatic animals, spread across 17 hectares. With large crowds and busy pathways, exploring all these exhibits may be a tiresome experience for little legs. If you are planning a school excursion or have a large number of children in your company, you may consider the following activities.

  • Children’s Farm Zoo: While the bigger animal enclosures are fascinating to stare at, children may want more engagement. The Vienna Zoo offers a farm animals section, where you can get up close and personal with goats, sheep, rabbits, and other gentler creatures. 
  • Panoramic train: The zoo also runs a miniature steam train. They offer clear and unobstructed views of the park enclosures and are a great way to rest your legs. It is also perfect for elderly visitors or guests with limited mobility, who may want an easier way to get around the park.
Things to do in Schonbrunn Vienna Zoo

Plan your visit to the Vienna Zoo

opening hours

January: 9:30am to 4:30pm
February: 9am to 5pm
March: 9am to 5:30pm
April to September: 9am to 6:30pm
October (until daylight saving time ends): 9am to 5:30pm
October to December: 9am to 4:30pm

  • Duration of visit: 2 to 3 hours for a brisk tour and 4 to 5 hours for a more detailed exploration
  • Best time to visit: Early morning or in the evening on weekdays, especially between Tuesday and Thursday
  • The Zoo panoramic train runs from late March to October between 10am to 6pm every 45 minutes.
  • All animal enclosures, except the Aquarium and Terrarium and Tyrolean Farm House, are shut at least 30 minutes before the closing time. The Bird House closes an hour before.
sea lion feeding

Animal feeding shows at the Vienna Zoo are more than just a visual treat. The zookeepers offer additional commentary to educate visitors about their diet and habitat challenges.

  • African elephant: Daily from 10am
  • South American sea lion: Daily except Tuesday from 10:30am
  • Humboldt penguin: Daily except Tuesday from 11am
  • Northern rock-hopper penguin: Daily except Tuesday from 11:30am
  • Indian rhino: Daily between April and October from 2pm
  • Siberian tiger: Daily except Wednesday and Saturday from 3pm
  • Queensland koala: Daily from 4pm

Note: In case of an emergency, these shows may also be canceled on short notice. Confirm their timings from the information desk at the start of your tour.

Best time to visit the Vienna Zoo

Address: Maxingstraße 13b, 1130 Wien, Austria
Find on maps

  • By metro: U4
    Nearest station: Hietzing or Schonbrunn
  • By bus: 51A, 56A, 56B, 58A
    Nearest stop: Hietzing
  • By tram: 10, 52, and 60
    Nearest station: Hietzing
  • By car: Vienna Schonbrunn Zoo is 29.5km away from the Vienna International Airport (VIE) in Schwechat.
    Nearest parking: Seckendorff-Gudent-Weg
  • By Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours:
    Big Bus Tours: The nearest stop is "Schönbrunn Palace," a short walk from the zoo.
    Vienna Sightseeing: The closest stop is "Schönbrunn Palace," located near the zoo.
Vienna Zoo parking details
entrances
  • Hietzing (Palm House or Desert House): This is the main entrance to the Schonbrunn Zoo located on the west side near the Hietzing U-Bahn station. If you are walking from the palace courtyard, you will find this gate near the Palm House. This gate directly leads to the Big Cat House, Giant Panda World, and Elephant Park. Bus lines 56A and 56B, tram lines 10, 58, and 60, and the U-Bahn U4 stop at Hietzing, just a short walk to this entrance. 
  • Tyrolean Garden (Gloriette): This entrance is situated on the southern side of the Schonbrunn Palace Gardens, close to the Gloriette structure. You will find the Children’s Farm Zoo near this gate. The U4 metro line and bus lines 8A and 56B stop near this Vienna Zoo entrance.
  • Neptune (Schonbrunn Palace): The gate is located near the Neptune Fountain, within the Schonbrunn Palace grounds. It provides access to the eastern side of the zoo premises, housing the Polar Bear World, Rainforest House, and Aquarium and Terrarium House. Bus lines 10A, 10, and 60, and the U-Bahn U4 metro line reach the Schloss Schonbrunn stop or Hietzing, a few meters from this gate.
Vienna Zoo entrances
facilities
  • Toilets: There are restroom facilities in almost every enclosure and all the visitor information centers. 
  • Baby-changing station: You will also find baby-changing stations in most of the exhibits and the information centers near the zoo entrances. 
  • Free Wi-Fi: All dining outlets within the zoo offer free Wi-Fi facilities. 
  • Information center: There are information desks near the 3 zoo entrances, providing details on feeding timings, souvenir shops, and nearby amenities.
  • Drinking fountain: You will find water fountains scattered throughout the zoo premises, Carry reusable water bottles and stay hydrated during your tour.
  • First-aid station: There are first-aid kits available at the information center near the Hietzing entrance. You will also find experienced staff available to help you in case of an emergency.
  • Public telephone: You can let others know of your whereabouts from the public telephone at the information desk near the Hietzing entrance. 
  • Lockers: You can store your belongings in the cloakroom near the Hietzing entrance. 
guide dog
  • Barrier-free areas: Most of the Vienna Zoo premises are largely barrier-free, making it easier for visitors in wheelchairs to navigate around the area. The pathway through the Tyrolean Garden near the Gloriette statue is uneven and steep, not suitable for wheelchair users, however, the other 2 entrances are wheelchair-friendly. 
  • Accessible toilets: Barrier-free restrooms with wide, accessible stalls and pathways are available at the ORANG. Erie, Elephant House, Rainforest House, and the visitor center near the Tyrolean Graden, Neptune Fountain, and Heitzing. You need a Euro-key to access these toilet facilities, which you can borrow from their relevant information centers.  
  • Wheelchairs available: The Vienna Zoo also provides wheelchairs free of charge. Make sure to inform the zoo authorities in advance if you require a wheelchair upon arrival. You also need to submit an official identity card to borrow a wheelchair from the zoo premises. 
  • Guide dogs allowed: While no pets are permitted at the zoo, visitors with partial or full vision loss are welcome to bring guide dogs for assistance.
Plan your visit to the Vienna Zoo
rules
  • Children under 14 must be supervised: All young visitors under 14 years of age must be accompanied by their parents or guardians. 
  • Do not feed the animals: You are not allowed to feed the animals or tamper with their diet. Feeding them is not only dangerous but may also endanger their lives. 
  • Do not climb over the barriers: Do not try to reach out or climb over the protection barriers at the animal enclosures. Even seemingly docile animals like koalas and pandas can become aggressive, especially if they feel threatened. Climbing over barriers may also contaminate their environment and compromise their well-being.
  • Avoid skateboards and scooters: Skateboards and scooters will make it difficult for you to navigate through congested areas. You also run the risk of running into other visitors if you skate within the zoo premises. 
  • No pets allowed: Only guide dogs are allowed inside the Schonbrunn Zoo, provided you have an identity card, your dog’s immunization records, and an official dog harness vest. You are not allowed to bring any pets, even if they are on leash or well-behaved.
tips
  • Get the Zoo map: Stop by the visitor information centers to get a copy of the Schonbrunn Zoo map. It will help you plan your route effectively. You can also opt to download it on your mobile phone for easy access.
  • Take advantage of the Zoo train: The Vienna Zoo panoramic train is a fun and relaxing way to go around the vast grounds. There is another train, that tours the entire Schonbrunn Palace grounds. If you are near the main Royal Apartments, get on this train for a quick shortcut to the Vienna Zoo. 
  • Pack essentials: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle to the zoo. If you plan to spend a full day at the zoo, consider bringing snacks. You can also pack a lunch box and have a picnic on the zoo grounds. 
  • Wear comfortable shoes: The Vienna Zoo is spread over 17 hectares and exploring all its enclosures will involve a lot of walking. Make sure to wear your most comfortable, closed shoes to roam around the zoo comfortably. 
  • Plan your visit on weekdays and early mornings: Some animals, like the big cats and primates, are generally more active in the cooler early mornings. Also, as the mornings are less busy, especially on weekdays, you can have a relaxed experience with shorter lines and easier access to viewing areas.
food
  • Jumbo Grillkarten (50m away): This restaurant is perfect for a quick meal before or after visiting the Schonbrunn Vienna Zoo. Their traditional Austrian fare like schnitzel, and bratwurst and grilled specialties are a must-try. 
  • Maxingstuberl (240m away): This establishment exudes a rustic charm, similar to an Austrian tavern. Their menu features traditional specials like Wiener schnitzel (thin-breaded cutlet), Tafelspitz (boiled beef), and goulash (beef soup).
  • Akakiko | Sushi and Asian Fusion (400m away): Akakiko offers a wide selection of sushi, sashimi, and maki rolls. They also offer dishes that blend Japanese and Thai flavors like tempura and stir-fried noodles.
  • Otto Cafe Restaurant (500m away): They are known for their excellent brunch options like pastries, eggs Benedict, and fresh juices. You can also try their pastries, cakes, and other fresh-baked items. 
  • MARIO Pasta Grill Bar (700m away): MARIO has an open-plan kitchen that welcomes visitors to watch their meals being prepared. They specialize in Italian dishes, with a focus on freshly made pasta and grilled meats.
Vienna Zoo restaurants
stay
nearby
  • Schonbrunn Palace **(1km away): **A short walk from the Vienna Zoo, the Schonbrunn Palace once functioned as the summer residence of the Habsburg royals. Their richly decorated Great Gallery offers a glimpse into the city’s imperial past.
  • Imperial Carriage Museum Vienna (900m away): Step back in time and marvel at the exquisite carriages used by Austrian emperors and empresses for centuries. Exit through the Hietzing entrance and walk across the Palace Gardens for about 10 minutes to reach this museum.
  • Kunsthistorisches Museum **(6.5km away): **This museum is a bit farther than the zoo, but worth a visit for art enthusiasts. Here, you can explore masterpieces by Renaissance masters like Titian, Rubens, and Bruegel. Take the U4 U-Bahn from Hietzing to Karlsplatz. Then, get on the U2 Bahn to Museumsquartier, where the museum is situated.
  • Leopold Museum(6.9km away): Delve into the world of Austrian modernism and admire works by Schiele, Klimt, and Egon Schiele. This museum is also housed within Museumsquartier.

Frequently asked questions about Vienna Zoo tickets

Can I skip lines at the Schonbrunn Zoo?

You can skip ahead of long lines and enjoy priority access to the zoo with these Vienna Zoo skip-the-line tickets. These tickets are valid until December 31, 2025. Opt for these tickets to save time and spend more time exploring the variety of animals at the zoo.

Why should I book Vienna Zoo tickets online?

We recommend you purchase Vienna Zoo skip-the-line tickets online to avoid standing in long lines, save money, and enjoy priority access to the exhibits. Booking tickets online is convenient and ensures a hassle-free experience. You can also choose between a variety of combo tickets, which also include access to the nearby Schonbrunn Palace.

Can I get a discount on Schonbrunn Zoo tickets?

If you book Vienna Zoo skip-the-line tickets online, you can chance upon exclusive reduced prices and choose between several combo offers, including access to the Schonbrunn Palace. Booking tickets online is also convenient and ensures guaranteed access to the zoo no matter the crowd on the day of your visit.

What is included in a Vienna Zoo ticket?

The entry tickets include access to all the animal enclosures inside, including the Big Cat House, Giant Panda House, Polarium, and more. The Vienna Zoo priority entry tickets allow you to avoid long lines and enjoy direct access inside the zoo. Save money with Schonbrunn Zoo combo tickets, including access to all exhibits along with a panoramic train ride through the Palace grounds.

Can I enter the zoo again on the same day with my ticket?

Yes, you can enter the Vienna Zoo a second time with the same ticket, but only if you get it stamped from the visitor information centers before leaving the exit. If you plan to dine at the Gasthaus Tirolergarten or the Landtmann’s Park cafe, you have to get your tickets stamped, as these outlets are situated beyond the perimeter.

Do I need separate tickets to visit the Schonbrunn Palace?

Yes, you need to book separate Schonbrunn Palace tickets to explore its Grand Gallery, Royal apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and more. The Vienna Zoo tickets only allow you to tour the animal enclosures. You can save big with Schonbrunn Zoo combo tickets, including access to the zoo enclosures, the interiors of the palace, as well as a scenic train ride through the Palace gardens.

Do I need tickets for the panorama ride in the zoo?

Yes, you need separate tickets to ride the Schonbrunn Zoo panoramic train. The train runs every 45 minutes and crosses through the Kaiserpavillion, Elephant Park, and the Tirolerhof.

Is the zoo inside the Schonbrunn Palace?

Both the Vienna Zoo and the palace are located within the same Schonbrunn Palace grounds. The zoo is spread across 17 hectares and is positioned near the Gloriette and Neptune Fountain of the Palace Park. The Habsburg Royal Apartments in the main palace complex are around 1km away from the zoo premises.

How to get to the zoo?

If you are inside the Schonbrunn Palace premises, walk towards the Gloriette statue or the Neptune Fountain on the Palace grounds, and follow the directions to the zoo. If you are outside, opt for public transport. The U4 Bahn, bus lines 51A and 56A, and tram lines 10, 52, and 60 pass through Hietzing, a short walk from the Vienna Zoo.

How do I find my way around the zoo?

It is best to get a map from the information centers near the zoo entrances to plan your route effectively. If you have trouble finding your way inside, look for the Kaiserpavillion. It is the core of the Schonbrunn Zoo, from where the animal exhibits radiate out in different directions. You will also find a public telephone, a cloakroom, a dining outlet, and drinking fountains here.

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.