Visiting Schonbrunn Palace Zoo | Exotic species, exquisite flora and more

About

Quick information

ADDRESS

Maxingstraße 13b, 1130 Wien, Austria

RECOMMENDED DURATION

3 hours

Timings

9 AM - 6:30 PM

VISITORS PER YEAR

2000000

TICKETS

From € 27

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

UNESCO YEAR

1996

Fun facts

The oldest zoo in operation in the world, Schönbrunn Zoo, was the brainchild of Emperor Franz I, Maria Theresa’s husband. What started as a menagerie adjacent to the summer residence of the Habsburgs, flourished into a full-fledged zoo with royal patronage. The zoo’s royal origins are evident from the grand architecture that flawlessly blends with its modern amenities.

While almost 700 animal species call the zoo their home, the Giant Pandas are extremely popular. The zoo is distinguished as one of the 27 zoos in the world to be entrusted with the endangered Giant Pandas and it continues to be vital in their conservation.

World War I and II adversely affected the zoo. Only 400 animals survived World War I. A polar bear was shot dead by a soldier, who stated the reason upon arrest that “he (bear) gets 10 kilograms of meat every day while I have to go hungry.” Aerial bombing during World War II left thousands of animals dead.

A Brief History of the Schonbrunn Palace Zoo

Francis Stephen of Lorraine was the man behind the creation of Schönbrunn Zoo. He had hired Jean Nicolas Jadot de Ville-Issey to create a menagerie in the Schönbrunn park at the summer home of the Habsburg-Lorraine in 1745. The stunning 18th-century Imperial Menagerie structures from the time it was built blend perfectly with contemporary zoo design.

Wolf and bear were the first carnivores to arrive at Schönbrunn Zoo in 1781, while the first elephant arrived there in 1770. In 1800, a second pair of Asian elephants and the first polar bears, large cats, hyenas, and kangaroos all made their way to Vienna.

More than a thousand animals perished as a result of aerial bombing strikes on the zoo during the final stages of World War II, which also damaged and destroyed many of the animal cages. But the zoo made a comeback from these challenging times and now is flourishing with some of the most exotic animals on earth.

How to Visit the Schonbrunn Palace Zoo?

Schonbrunn Palace Zoo is a must-visit on your itinerary when planning a trip to Vienna. You can book your tickets to the zoo online with Headout and avoid the hassle of extreme rush and long queues. There are family block tickets and combined tickets such as the Winter Pass available as well where you can visit multiple destinations and save some bucks.

There are three ways to get into the zoo:

The main entrance of the zoo is near the U4 underground station called Hietzing. The Hietzinger Tor leads to the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, which can then be accessed by simply walking between the Palm House and the Desert House.

The second entrance, Tirolerhof, is located close to the parking lot on the Seckendorff-Gudent-Weg. It is close to the Gloriette in Schönbrunn Palace Gardens.

The final entrance, Neptun, is located in the Palace Gardens on the flank of the Palace structure near the Neptune Fountain.

Frequently Asked Questions About Schonbrunn Palace Zoo

Q. Can I visit the Schonbrunn Palace Zoo?

A. Yes, the Schonbrunn Palace Zoo is open to the public.

Q. Why is the Schonbrunn Palace Zoo famous?

A. The Schonbrunn Palace Zoo is the oldest in the world and houses more than 700 species which makes it famous. It is also one of the 27 zoos in the world to have giant pandas.

Q. Why should I visit the Schonbrunn Palace Zoo?

A. You should visit the Schonbrunn Palace Zoo because it is the oldest zoo in the world and offers delightful experiences to explore diverse wildlife.

Q. Do I need a separate ticket to visit the Schonbrunn Palace Zoo?

A. Yes, you will need a ticket to visit the Schonbrunn Palace Zoo. You can either opt for a combined pass which covers other attractions such as the Palace or purchase the zoo tickets separately.

Q. How long do I need to explore the Schonbrunn Palace Zoo?

A. If you want to explore the Schonbrunn Zoo to the fullest, you will have to spend about four to six hours.

Q. Is it worth visiting the Schonbrunn Palace Zoo?

A. Yes, the Schonbrunn Palace Zoo is worth a visit for its diverse wildlife, unique experiences, and quality time with friends and family.

Q. Where can I see the most animals in the Schonbrunn Palace Zoo?

A. It is unlikely that you will spot every animal throughout your trip to Schonbrunn Palace Zoo. The optimum time is in the morning, as several species are early risers and far more energetic in the mornings. Remember that many animals inhabit both indoor and outdoor spaces that are connected, so be careful to check both areas if you don't immediately notice an animal.

Q. Can I feed animals inside the Schonbrunn Palace Zoo?

A. Visitors are not permitted to feed the animals at the Schonbrunn Zoo as their meals are specially curated depending on their needs.

Q. What are the Schonbrunn Palace Zoo timings?

A. Schonbrunn Palace Zoo opens at 9.30 AM throughout the year. However, the closing time of the zoo varies between 4.30 PM and 6.30 PM depending on the season. The ticket counter closes thirty minutes before the closing of the zoo.