Zoo Heidelberg lies on the northern bank of the Neckar in the Neuenheim district, a short tram or bus ride from the Old Town and within easy reach of the Philosophers' Walk. It is a medium-sized city zoo rather than a safari park, which is exactly why it works for a visit that also includes sightseeing. The animals the zoo itself puts first are Asian elephants, meerkats, western lowland gorillas and dwarf goats, with otters also prominent, and it has big cat and ape areas, an elephant and Africa area, and a tropical and bird house. There is also an exhibition hall, the Explo-Halle, that opens a little later than the gates. The zoo is open 365 days a year, which makes it one of the few Heidelberg sights that never shuts, and it is a dependable plan when the weather turns.
Seasonal hours matter. From April to September the zoo opens from nine in the morning until seven in the evening. In March and October it closes at six, and from November to February it closes at five, with a shorter day on 24 and 31 December. Last entry is thirty minutes before closing, and the animal houses and exhibition also shut half an hour early. In winter, plan to arrive in the morning so you can see everything in daylight, and use the heated houses for breaks.
A good visit follows the elephants and the apes first, when the animals tend to be most active, and leaves the tropical and bird house for the middle of the day, when you want to warm up or escape rain. Children will like the meerkats and otters, and the zoo is small enough that toddlers can manage it without a stroller marathon. Feeding sessions are posted by the zoo, and it is worth checking the schedule for the days you visit so you can plan around them.
Practicalities
Tickets are sold at the on-site counters and through the zoo's online shop, with single, family and small-group options and annual passes. Prices differ between a main season from March to October and an off-season from November to February. A combination ticket also covers the zoos in Heidelberg, Karlsruhe and Landau, which suits a longer regional trip. Cafes and picnic areas on site cover basics, and the riverside outside makes a pleasant walk before or after. Allow two to four hours.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided zoo visit with outdoor paddocks, animal houses and an exhibition hall, open every day of the year.
Best time
Morning, when the larger animals are most active, and on a dry day. Winter visits are quieter.
How long
Two to four hours, longer if you plan around feeding times.
Tips
Check the seasonal closing time before you go, and remember last entry is thirty minutes before closing. Bring layers in winter and use the heated houses to warm up.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with young children who need a break from cobbles and castle steps.
- Families
- The headline stop of the Heidelberg family itinerary: elephants, gorillas, otters and meerkats.
- Couples
- Not a romantic stop, but a relaxed outing in good weather.
- Pair with
- A stroll along the Neckar, the Philosophers' Walk, or a ride to the Old Town afterwards.
- Time needed
- Half a day including the ride out and a cafe stop.
Good questions
Is Heidelberg Zoo open all year?+
Yes, it is open 365 days a year, with hours that change by season and an earlier closing on 24 and 31 December.
What are the opening hours?+
April to September it is open from morning to early evening, March and October close a little earlier, and November to February close earliest. Check the zoo's current page before you go.
Which animals should I look for?+
The zoo highlights Asian elephants, western lowland gorillas, meerkats, dwarf goats and otters, plus big cats and a tropical and bird house.
Is there a combination ticket?+
Yes, a combination ticket covers the zoos in Heidelberg, Karlsruhe and Landau. It is only worth it if you will visit more than one.
Is the zoo good in winter?+
It is open and quieter, but it closes early. Plan for a morning visit and use the animal houses to keep warm.
