Hagenbeck Zoo Tours

Hagenbeck Zoo featuring zoo animals and animals
Hagenbeck Zoo featuring zoo animals and marine life
Hagenbeck Zoo featuring dangerous animals and zoo animals
Hagenbeck Zoo showing a statue or sculpture and zoo animals
Hagenbeck Zoo which includes marine life and signage as well as children


The world’s first cageless zoo features animals, an aquarium and a leisure park with hiking trails. See birds fly freely and penguins in their natural habitat.

The Hagenbeck Zoo began in the mid-1800s with just a few animals owned by a local fishmonger it once exhibited human beings. Now it’s a modern zoo with a fascinating history that forms part of Hamburg’s identity and is known worldwide for its pioneering zoo concept. As well as a zoo, it features a leisure park and large aquarium set in more than 60 acres (25 hectares) of countryside.

In the mid-19th century, Carl Hagenbeck started collecting exotic animals that came through Hamburg’s port. After putting on a circus as well as various “anthropological displays,” which included exhibits of human beings, the first Hagenbeck Zoo opened at its current location in 1907.

This was the first zoo to use enclosures surrounded by moats rather than barred cages, so that visitors could enjoy watching animals in environments more closely resembling their natural habitats.

Today the landscaped habitats are divided into Arctic, tropical and other themes. See polar bears, penguins, crocodiles, zebras and monkeys among the 1,850 animals that roam the park. Get close to animals during feeding times. Zookeepers hand-feed some of the animals during demonstrations, and often pass the food over to audience members. Ask about feeding times at the ticket entrance.

Keep an eye out for the birds and small animals, such as capybaras, that roam freely throughout the park. Children will love the dolphin and sea lion shows, camel rides and the large playground on site.

Bring comfortable shoes, since the zoo is large. It features four miles (seven kilometers) of marked hiking trails through an area of parklands.

The zoo is about a 20-minute drive from the city center, in the north district of Stellingen. Parking is available for a fee. Alternatively, catch the train. The zoo is easily accessible from its own U-bahn station, Hagenbecks Tierpark.

The zoo is open all year. Opening times vary depending on the season, so check the official website before your visit. There’s an admission fee.

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Hotel Atlantic Hamburg, Autograph Collection
Dorint Strandresort & Spa Sylt/Westerland
Seehotel Fleesensee

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Best Lodging Options Near Hagenbeck Zoo

Park-Hotel Hagenbeck

Park-Hotel Hagenbeck

4.5 out of 5
Hagenbeckstr. 150, Hamburg, HH
Park-Hotel Hagenbeck
Park Hotel Hamburg Arena

Park Hotel Hamburg Arena

Kieler Strasse 333, Hamburg, HH
Park Hotel Hamburg Arena
sylc. Apartmenthotel

sylc. Apartmenthotel

Kronsaalsweg 88, Hamburg, Hamburg
sylc. Apartmenthotel
Dorint Hotel Hamburg-Eppendorf

Dorint Hotel Hamburg-Eppendorf

4 out of 5
Martinistr. 72, Hamburg, HH
Dorint Hotel Hamburg-Eppendorf
Hotel Stadion Stadt

Hotel Stadion Stadt

Kieler Straße 392, Hamburg, Hamburg
Hotel Stadion Stadt
Arcade Hotel Hamburg

Arcade Hotel Hamburg

Kieler Straße 385, Hamburg
Arcade Hotel Hamburg
Radisson Blu Hotel, Hamburg

Radisson Blu Hotel, Hamburg

4.5 out of 5
Congressplatz 2, Hamburg, HH
Radisson Blu Hotel, Hamburg
bedpark Stellingen

bedpark Stellingen

Volksparkstraße 62, Hamburg, HH
bedpark Stellingen
Hotel Engel

Hotel Engel

Niendorfer Strasse 55-59, Hamburg, HH
Hotel Engel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Hagenbeck Zoo

At Hagenbeck Zoo in Hamburg, visitors can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, including exploring the tierpark and observing exotic animals. The zoo is conveniently located near popular shopping areas and offers easy access to Hamburg's sightseeing attractions. Additionally, you can take a scenic ferry ride to enhance your experience. Whether you're looking for entertainment or relaxation, Hagenbeck Zoo and its surroundings have something for everyone.

Food and drinks

For a taste of local brews, visit Holsten Brewery, just 2 miles from Hagenbeck Zoo. For a delightful dining experience, Levantehaus and Criminal Dinner, both 4 miles away, offer a mix of city charm and romance, perfect for food lovers exploring Hamburg.

Shopping

Experience the vibrant Fish Market, just 4 miles from Hagenbeck Zoo, offering a lively atmosphere and local goods. Also, visit Neuer Wall, a family-friendly mall with entertainment options, located 4 miles away. If you're up for a drive, Landesbank Gallerie is 9 miles away, featuring more shopping delights.

Recreation

Volksparkstadion, located 2 miles from Hagenbeck Zoo, offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. Niendorfer Gehege, just 1 mile away, provides a peaceful retreat with its natural beauty, ideal for relaxation. For family fun, visit Alster-Schwimmhalle, located 4 miles away, featuring inviting aquatic activities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of karting at Jumicar Hamburg, located 9 miles from Hagenbeck Zoo. Feel the adrenaline rush as you navigate the track in a fun-filled environment, perfect for families and adventure enthusiasts alike. It's an exciting way to add some speed to your visit!

Nightlife

In Hamburg, the Theater im Hafen offers captivating performances just 4 miles from Hagenbeck Zoo, perfect for a romantic night out. The Planetarium Hamburg, located 3 miles away, provides an entertaining family experience, while Casino Esplanade, also 3 miles away, brings thrilling games and city vibes to your evening.

Find the best attractions near Hagenbeck Zoo

During your visit to Hagenbeck Zoo in Hamburg, you can explore a variety of attractions that cater to culture, outdoor activities, and family fun. Don't miss the famous Hamburg Zoo and miniatur wunderland, both nearby. The area also features an entertainment arena, urban parks, and vibrant streets, ensuring a rich experience for every traveler. Enjoy the unique blend of wildlife and local charm that Hagenbeck Zoo and its surroundings have to offer!

  • Reeperbahn: Experience the vibrant nightlife and cultural diversity of Reeperbahn, just 3 miles from Hagenbeck Zoo. This famous street is filled with bars, clubs, and entertainment venues, making it a lively spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
  • Miniatur Wunderland: Located 4 miles away, Miniatur Wunderland is a captivating railway museum showcasing intricate miniature landscapes. With stunning attention to detail, it's a cultural gem that delights visitors of all ages.
  • Elbe Philharmonic Hall: Also 4 miles from the zoo, this architectural marvel offers spectacular concerts and events. With its family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a great place to enjoy world-class performances in an iconic setting.

Best time to go to Hagenbeck Zoo

Visitor numbers around Hagenbeck Zoo is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Hagenbeck Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Hagenbeck Zoo falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Hagenbeck Zoo falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January34.9°F (1.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February35.6°F (2.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March40.6°F (4.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.7°F (8.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June61.5°F (16.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December37.2°F (2.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Hagenbeck Zoo

When visiting Hagenbeck Zoo in Hamburg, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Reeperbahn and Jungfernstieg. The best time to save on accommodations is from January to February and November, with the best hotel deals usually available one month in advance. Check Expedia for last-minute discounts and refine your search for eco-friendly options. You can save even more by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership will give you access to exclusive offers and the chance to earn OneKeyCash for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Hagenbeck Zoo are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Hagenbeck Zoo is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and type of hotel you want. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Hagenbeck Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.