Schönbrunn Zoo, Vienna Woods Travel Guide

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Explore the world's oldest zoo in Vienna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, blending history with incredible wildlife encounters and conservation efforts.

Schönbrunn Zoo, or Tiergarten Schönbrunn, is the world's oldest zoo, dating back to 1752 as an imperial menagerie. Located in Vienna, Austria, within the Schönbrunn Palace gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it houses over 700 animal species and welcomes over 2 million visitors annually.

A brief summary to Schönbrunn Zoo

Maxingstraße 13b, Vienna, Hietzing, 1130, AT
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Monday 9 am-6:30 pm
Tuesday 9 am-6:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am-6:30 pm
Thursday 9 am-6:30 pm
Friday 9 am-6:30 pm
Saturday 9 am-6:30 pm
Sunday 9 am-6:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Schönbrunn Zoo.

Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during weekends and summer.
Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the entire zoo, spanning 17 hectares, requires a lot of walking.
Visit during the weekdays to avoid crowds.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as outdoor enclosures offer limited shade.
Take advantage of the zoo train to rest your legs and see the park from a different perspective.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Vienna city center, take the U4 subway line towards Hütteldorf and get off at Hietzing station. Follow the signs to the Schönbrunn Zoo, a short 5-10 minute walk from the station through the Hietzinger Tor entrance. A single subway ticket costs €2.40.
Bus

Take bus line 10A to the Schloss Schönbrunn stop. From there, it's a short, scenic walk through the park to the zoo entrance. A single bus ticket costs €2.40.
Taxi

From Vienna city center (e.g., Stephansplatz), a taxi ride to Schönbrunn Zoo takes approximately 14 minutes, covering about 9.3 km. The estimated fare is between €13 and €17. Note that some taxis may not accept credit cards.
Car

If driving, paid parking is available at Seckendorff-Gudent-Weg, accessible via Elisabeth-Allee. A two-hour short-stay parking permit is required from Monday to Friday and must be purchased in advance from a tobacconist or online via www.handyparken.at. Be aware that parking spaces are limited.

Discover more about Schönbrunn Zoo

Schönbrunn Zoo, also known as Tiergarten Schönbrunn, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern zoological practices. Founded in 1752 as an imperial menagerie by Emperor Franz I, husband of Maria Theresa, it has evolved into a leading center for animal conservation and education. The zoo is located within the grounds of the Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adding to its cultural significance.Originally a display of imperial power with exotic animals from around the globe, the zoo opened to the public in 1779, embracing Enlightenment ideals of education and accessibility. Today, Schönbrunn Zoo spans 17 hectares (42 acres) and is home to over 700 species, with approximately 8,250 specimens. Among its most famous residents are the giant pandas, making it one of only 27 zoos worldwide to house them. Visitors can also marvel at Siberian tigers, African elephants, and a variety of other creatures in enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitats.The zoo's historical architecture, including the original Baroque pavilion built in 1759, blends seamlessly with modern animal enclosures. The zoo is committed to animal welfare, conservation, and education, offering interactive feeding shows, petting zoos, and rare animal encounters. Schönbrunn Zoo has achieved several milestones, including the first birth of an elephant in captivity in 1906. With its rich history and diverse collection of animals, Schönbrunn Zoo provides an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.