The zoo in Augsburg

In the city and yet surrounded by greenery: Augsburg Zoo is idyllically nestled in the parks at the northern end of Augsburg's Siebentischwald forest. Whether green tree pythons, Persian leopards or a group of flamingos: birds and four-legged friends from all over the world have a home at Augsburg Zoo, as do local beavers and bears. Of course, the zoo's own kids and guinea pigs in the petting zoo are particularly popular with children. In total, around 1,200 animals from over 240 species live at Augsburg Zoo.

Safari, Madagascar and the Alps - in the centre of Swabia

In the Africa Panorama, in the south of the zoo, visitors can pay a visit to the big and small inhabitants of the savannah. Here, zebras, rhinos, meerkats and ostriches live in close neighbourhood - separated only by moats. However, if you want to visit the king of the savannah, you have to go to the other end of the park. Here, the lions are housed in a separate enclosure with indoor and outdoor areas. Next door, a hill has been created for Alpine ibex and Daghestan ture, where the mountain animals can climb, graze or simply lie in the sun. There is also plenty else to discover in the zoo, such as a chimpanzee house and separate halls with regulated climate and light conditions for tropical and nocturnal animals. The reptile house is home to pythons, vipers, tortoises and lizards. In the free-flight aviary, visitors can see a wide variety of bird species up close, such as lapwings, herons and mountain ducks. The zoo is particularly proud of its ring-tailed lemurs. The playful primates have their own walk-in enclosure where they can frolic freely above the heads of visitors - the particularly trusting members of the group sometimes even play directly on the visitor paths.

Experience the zoo with experts

For visitor groups, the zoo offers a wide range of guided tours in German and English for both children and adults. These give an in-depth insight into the work of the zookeepers and the history of the zoo and provide interesting information about nature and species conservation as well as exciting stories and anecdotes about the zoo and its inhabitants. Evening and morning tours also take place at regular intervals, focussing on the zoo's many crepuscular inhabitants, such as the sumatran tigers and bush babies.

Which animal's roar is compared to the voice of God in the Bible? And what is the background to various biblical animal stories? Another guided tour looks at the animals and their significance in the Bible. Important: Especially in summer, the zoo tours are quickly fully booked, so visitors should definitely book in good time.

Visit your favourite animal

Augsburg Zoo offers a very special experience for all those who want to observe their four-legged favourites from more than just a distance. As part of the "Visit your favourite animal" programme, the zoo organises an individual look behind the scenes. Together with a trained animal keeper, you will first visit the feed kitchen. Then a visit to the stables of the chosen favourite animal is on the programme: a special kind of animal experience. Depending on the temperament and species of your favourite animal, direct contact is even possible here. Whether seals, tigers or hummingbirds - the zoo makes it possible to meet almost every animal in the park.

Please note: the programme is very popular and some areas are already fully booked several weeks in advance. Penguins and brown bears cannot be visited during the breeding and hibernation periods. All information on prices and bookings can be found here.

If you don't want to take part in feeding the animals yourself, the zoo offers regular public animal feedings. In the afternoon, the zookeepers climb into the pelicans' and seals' enclosures with buckets full of fish and let the animals perform little tricks in exchange for the treats.

A short break in the zoo restaurant

If your stomach is rumbling afterwards, you will find many small kiosks with snacks and drinks throughout the zoo. When the weather is nice, visitors can enjoy coffee and cake or Swabian home cooking at moderate prices in the shady beer garden. On cooler days, a visit inside in the charming inn atmosphere is a good idea. For children, there is a large adventure playground right next door with a pirate ship and climbing tower made of natural wood.

Current information, admission prices and opening times can be found here.

By the way: The Augsburg Botanical Garden is located directly opposite the zoo and has around 3,100 different plant species from all over the world. Why not stop by while you're in the neighbourhood?

Christmas Garden - magical lights at Augsburg Zoo

From 28 November 2024 to 6 January 2025, Augsburg Zoo will be transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland. The "Christmas Garden" invites visitors to take a contemplative stroll through the festively illuminated paths and enclosures. More than thirty illuminated highlights, artistic installations and atmospheric light figures create a magical atmosphere that captivates young and old alike. The "Jungle Adventure" with video projections on the bear enclosure and the "Lake of Dreams" with shimmering light boats are particularly popular. The one- to two-hour circular trail provides cosy breaks with warm drinks and winter snacks.

On the family days on 4 and 11 December, there is a special highlight for children: Father Christmas will be visiting and invites the little ones to share their wishes and take a souvenir photo. The "Christmas Garden" is a highlight of the pre-Christmas period and offers a festive break from everyday life that will stay in your memory.

How to get to Augsburg Zoo

From the "Augsburg Haunstetterstraße" railway station, it is a short 20-minute walk to the zoo. After leaving the railway station heading south, first follow the pedestrian path along Haunstetter Straße. After about 300 metres, turn left and cross Haunstetter Straße at the traffic lights. You are now on Frischstraße. Follow this road for 500 metres. The Siebentischwald, where the zoo is located, is on your right. Enter the park via Professor-Steichbacher-Straße. After 600 metres, turn left onto Dr.-Ziegenspeck-Weg and follow it until you reach the entrance to the zoo on your right.

Our extra tip for children

If, like Luke the Engine Driver, you've always wanted to ride on a really old steam locomotive, Augsburg Zoo is just the place for you. The Zoobähnle, a miniature steam locomotive, runs on a specially designed route through the children's zoo. The Zoobähnle only runs at weekends and during the holidays. So plan your visit well in advance!