Basel Zoo, affectionately known as the Zolli, is the oldest zoo in Switzerland and one of the best loved in Europe. It opened in 1874 on the edge of the city centre, just a short walk from the main railway station, and it has grown into a leafy park of animal houses, ponds, lawns and shaded paths. Locals treat it as a second garden, with annual passes common, and the atmosphere is relaxed and family friendly rather than theme park loud. The zoo is respected for its breeding programmes and conservation work, and it has a long record with endangered species, including successful rhino and okapi breeding over the decades. Highlights include the African savannah and rhino areas, the Gamgoa house for great apes with indoor and outdoor spaces, a large penguin and sea lion complex, elephants, big cats, a vivarium and an aquarium section, and a pond area with flamingos and other waterfowl.
A visit works well for all ages. Younger children will head straight for the petting zoo and the playgrounds, and older ones enjoy feeding times and keeper talks. The paths are wide and fairly flat, so pushchairs and wheelchairs are manageable, and there are plenty of benches and kiosks. The Etoscha house, which recreates a southern African landscape under a roof, is a good retreat if the weather turns.
Plan to spend a half day. Most visitors take three to four hours, and keen animal watchers can easily fill a full day. Mornings are the best time for active animals, particularly in summer, when many creatures rest in the afternoon heat. Check the daily schedule at the gate for feedings and talks, and use the zoo map to plan a loop that avoids backtracking.
Tickets are available at the gate or online, with discounts for children and families and passes for repeat visitors. In busy periods, such as school holidays and sunny weekends, it can help to buy in advance and arrive early. Opening hours change through the year, so check before you go, particularly in winter, when some houses may have reduced access.
The zoo is within walking distance of the city centre, and trams and buses stop nearby. It is easy to combine with a stroll to the old town or a meal in a neighbourhood restaurant afterwards. There are several cafes and a self service restaurant inside, and picnics are welcome in many areas, so you can match the visit to your budget.
Keep to the guidelines posted around the enclosures, avoid feeding the animals outside of organised sessions and take plenty of water in summer. A rain jacket is wise in spring and autumn, when showers pass quickly. A relaxed morning among the animals is a good counterweight to the museums and churches of a Basel itinerary, especially if you are travelling with children.
Try to time the visit for the late morning feeding rounds, then picnic by the pond and use the afternoon for the indoor houses. A pushchair is easy to use on the paths, and baby changing facilities are available in several buildings, so a long family day is realistic.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided stroll through a leafy zoo with African savannah, great apes, penguins, elephants and a petting area.
Best time
Weekday mornings, when animals are most active and crowds are smaller. Summer afternoons are quiet for the animals.
How long
Three to four hours, or a full day for keen visitors.
Tips
Check feeding and talk times at the gate, bring a rain layer and consider an early arrival in school holidays.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with children of any age.
- Families
- Excellent, with playgrounds, a petting zoo and feeding times.
- Couples
- A relaxed morning walk in a garden setting, followed by lunch in the city.
- Pair with
- The old town, a tram ride to the Rhine and a picnic in a park.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Why is Basel Zoo called the Zolli?+
Zolli is the local nickname for the zoo, used affectionately by almost everyone in Basel.
How long does a visit take?+
Plan three to four hours, and more if you want to catch keeper talks and feeding times.
Is it good in bad weather?+
Yes. Several houses are indoors, including the Etoscha and Gamgoa buildings, so you can balance indoor and outdoor time.
Is the zoo near the station?+
Yes. It is on the edge of the centre, a short walk or tram ride from the main station and the old town.
Can I bring a picnic?+
Picnics are welcome in many areas, and the zoo also has cafes and a self service restaurant.
