Aalborg Zoo
North Jutland’s green hillside zoo, where polar bears, lions and orangutans meet playgrounds, picnics and hands-on conservation just minutes from central Aalborg.
Aalborg Zoo is North Jutland’s flagship animal park, set on a green hillside just outside central Aalborg. Open almost all year, it is home to more than 100 species, from polar bears and lions to orangutans, giraffes and red pandas. Broad paths, themed zones, playgrounds, picnic lawns and on-site eateries make it an easy full-day outing for families, couples and animal lovers, with a strong focus on conservation and education.
A brief summary to Aalborg Zoo
- Mølleparkvej 63, Aalborg, Hasseris, 9000, DK
- +4596312929
- Visit website
- Duration: 3 to 6 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-7 pm
- Sunday 10 am-7 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least three to four hours so you can see main feedings, explore the playgrounds and still have time for a relaxed picnic or café stop.
- Bring layered clothing; the park is mostly outdoors and conditions can feel cooler in shaded areas and around the polar bear and Arctic exhibits.
- Pick up a map at the entrance and check the day’s schedule of talks and feedings to build a simple loop that avoids backtracking with tired children.
- Consider packing your own snacks or a picnic to enjoy at the lawns and barbecue areas if you prefer more flexibility than the on-site eateries.
- If visiting in winter, arrive close to opening time; shorter daylight hours and reduced closing times mean mornings are best for active animals.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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City bus from central Aalborg
From central Aalborg, use a local city bus service towards the western residential districts; the ride typically takes 10–15 minutes from the main downtown stops to a stop within a short walk of the zoo entrance. Buses run frequently during the day and standard single tickets within the city zone usually cost around 20–30 DKK per adult, with discounts for children. Most buses are low-floor and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, though they can be busy during school hours and weekends.
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Taxi from city centre or railway station
A taxi from the compact city centre or Aalborg railway station to Aalborg Zoo normally takes about 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares within central Aalborg are typically in the range of 80–140 DKK for the car, making this a convenient choice for families or small groups sharing the cost. Taxis are available throughout the day, but at peak times or late afternoons you may wait slightly longer for a vehicle.
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Cycling from central Aalborg
Aalborg is a bike-friendly city, and cycling from the centre to the zoo generally takes 10–20 minutes along established urban cycle routes. The route includes some gentle uphill sections as you approach the zoo’s hillside location, but it remains manageable for most regular cyclists. You can use your own bike or a local bike-share service; expect typical short-term rental costs of roughly 30–70 DKK for an hour or two, depending on provider and duration.
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Walking from central Aalborg
For those who enjoy walking, reaching the zoo on foot from the heart of Aalborg takes roughly 25–40 minutes at a moderate pace. The walk leads through built-up neighbourhoods and gradually uphill as you near the zoo, so it may feel demanding for very young children or visitors with limited mobility. There is no additional cost, but comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are essential, especially outside the summer months.
Aalborg Zoo location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Aalborg Zoo
Animals from the Arctic to the Savannah
Aalborg Zoo spreads across a wooded slope above the city, bringing together more than a hundred animal species in spacious, carefully landscaped enclosures. On the African savannah, giraffes stride past zebras and antelopes, while a distant roar from the Asiatic lions rolls across the park. Nearby, polar bears patrol rocky pools before plunging into the water, a highlight for many visitors as they watch the bears glide past underwater viewing windows. The collection includes many of the classic crowd-pleasers, but also lesser-known species that reward a slower wander. Red pandas pick their way along branches, their rust-coloured fur offset against bamboo thickets, and in the South American area sloths climb freely through tangles of lianas overhead. Capybaras, armadillos and other curiosities add variety, encouraging children and adults alike to look beyond the familiar big cats and elephants.Immersive Habitats and Seasonal Change
The zoo has been designed as a series of zones linked by broad paths, with planting, rocks and water features used to echo the animals’ native environments. The South American house feels warm and lush even on a grey Danish day, while Nordic species are given generous outdoor space that responds to the changing seasons. Part of the experience here is noticing how life in the zoo shifts with the weather: fur grows thicker in winter, behaviour patterns change, and in spring and early summer young animals appear in many enclosures. Throughout the year, scheduled talks and feedings add extra insight into the animals’ lives and the work involved in caring for them. Rather than rushing from one star species to the next, you can pause to watch keepers interact with their charges and hear more about diet, enrichment and breeding programmes. The atmosphere stays relaxed, with plenty of corners where you can simply lean on a fence and observe.Playgrounds, Picnics and Relaxed Green Spaces
Aalborg Zoo functions as much as a city park as it does an animal attraction. Large lawns invite blankets and picnics, while designated barbecue spots and shaded tables make it easy to linger for hours. Children gravitate to the playgrounds, where climbing frames and slides are set within sight of nearby enclosures so adults can rest without feeling they are missing the action. If you prefer not to bring your own food, cafés and kiosks serve simple hot dishes, snacks and drinks, and an indoor restaurant offers more substantial meals with views towards the park’s greenery. Between animal areas you will find small gardens, flower beds and quiet benches, giving the zoo a surprisingly tranquil character despite its popularity.Conservation, Education and Global Stories
Behind the scenes, Aalborg Zoo participates in international breeding programmes for endangered species and supports conservation projects beyond Denmark’s borders. Educational displays around the grounds explain these efforts in accessible language, often tying individual animals to wider stories about habitat loss, climate change and biodiversity. A newer exhibition area focuses on themes such as the UN Global Goals and the link between everyday choices and the health of the planet. School groups visit regularly for tailored lessons, and many of the talks are designed to spark curiosity rather than lecture. You will come across interactive signs, simple experiments and child-friendly comparisons that make complex issues easier to grasp. The emphasis is on leaving with a sense of connection to nature and an understanding that zoos can play an active role in safeguarding species.A Day Out Close to the City
One of the zoo’s strengths is its location on Mølleparkvej, only a short journey from Aalborg’s compact centre. Once you pass the entrance, however, the feel is more like a leafy suburban park than an urban attraction. Tall trees, sloping paths and views down towards the city create a pleasant backdrop as you move between exhibits, and there is enough space to find quieter pockets even on busy days. Most visitors plan to spend at least half a day here, with many stretching their stay to fill an afternoon or longer. Whether you are travelling with young children, curious teenagers or simply want a gentle break from museums and shopping, Aalborg Zoo offers an easy, flexible outing where you can set your own pace among animals, greenery and fresh air.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Aalborgtårnet
0.7 km
A classic 1930s steel tower lifted above a wooded hill, Aalborgtårnet combines a thrilling outdoor elevator ride with 360° views and a cosy sky-high bistro.
Old City Hall
1.9 km
Aalborg’s tiny Baroque town hall on Gammeltorv, where a vivid yellow façade, royal motto and intimate interiors tell the story of centuries of civic life.
Limfjordsbroen
2.3 km
Historic bascule bridge linking Aalborg and Nørresundby, offering everyday Danish life, harbor views, sea air and classic Limfjord light in all seasons.
Selskabet for Aalborgs Historie
3.8 km
Architectural marvel and musical powerhouse in Ørestad, DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and performances from Copenhagen’s cultural heart.
Limfjordstunnelen
4.2 km
Denmark's pioneering underwater motorway tunnel connecting North Jutland's vital regions since 1969.
Troldeskoven
23.9 km
Discover the mystical allure of Troldeskoven near Skørping, where ancient, gnarled beech trees create a magical landscape steeped in Danish folklore and natural beauty within Rold Skov.
Rold Forest
24.2 km
Discover Denmark's largest forest: Hike through ancient woodlands, explore unique geological formations, and uncover the legends of Rold Forest near Skørping.
Koldkrigsmuseet REGAN Vest
24.4 km
Explore Denmark's best-preserved Cold War bunker at Koldkrigsmuseet REGAN Vest: an immersive journey into a secret world hidden beneath the forest, revealing a pivotal era in history.
Midt inde i Rold Skov
25.1 km
Discover Denmark's largest forest: Hike through ancient woodlands, explore hidden springs, and experience the tranquility of Rold Skov, a natural treasure trove in Himmerland.
Naturstyrelsen
25.1 km
Explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Rold Skov and Rebild Bakker with guidance from Naturstyrelsen Himmerland, your gateway to outdoor adventures in Northern Jutland.
Springkilden
25.3 km
Discover the mesmerizing Springkilden in Rold Forest: an artesian spring offering a tranquil escape into nature's beauty near Skørping, Denmark.
Lille Vildmose
25.4 km
Discover Denmark's largest protected area, Lille Vildmose, a haven for wildlife and a unique raised bog ecosystem, offering immersive nature experiences and conservation insights.
Lille Vildmosecentret
25.6 km
Uncover the wild heart of Denmark at Lille Vildmosecentret, where immersive exhibits, rare wildlife, and scenic boglands await beside Limfjord.
Rold Skov
25.8 km
Discover Denmark's largest forest: Hike through ancient woodlands, explore rolling hills, and uncover the captivating history and folklore of Rold Skov.
Madum Lake
25.9 km
Discover the pristine beauty of Madum Lake in Himmerland, Denmark: swim in crystal-clear waters, hike through ancient forests, and explore a haven for nature and history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Klatreparken Aalborg
0.1 km
High-ropes adventure in the treetops of Mølleparken, where zip lines, freefall jumps and family-friendly courses rise beside Aalborg Zoo’s leafy hillside.
Urbans Kælder
0.8 km
An atmospheric underground chamber in Aalborg’s Hasseris district, where brick, earth and greenery meet to create a small but memorable blend of history, legend and open‑air culture.
Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Aalborg
0.8 km
A luminous Alvar Aalto masterpiece where Scandinavian modernist architecture, parkland sculpture and bold 20th‑century art meet on the edge of central Aalborg.
Kildeparken
1.1 km
Historic Kildeparken is Aalborg’s leafy cultural stage, where classical art, singing trees, lakeside calm and carnival energy share the same central-city green space.
Limfjordsbanen
1.2 km
Step into Aalborg’s living railway depot, where vintage locomotives, wooden carriages and nostalgic excursions keep Denmark’s rail heritage rolling along real tracks.
De Syngende Træer (Park of Music)
1.3 km
A leafy hall of fame where international stars have planted trees that play their music, turning Aalborg’s Kildeparken into a gently singing city oasis.
Aalborg Station
1.3 km
Northern Jutland’s compact rail and bus hub, Aalborg Station links city streets and green parkland with intercity lines that connect Aalborg to the rest of Denmark.
Banegårdspladsen
1.3 km
Aalborg’s busy station forecourt and everyday meeting point, where trains, buses and city life converge on the square named for John F. Kennedy.
Kennedy Arkaden
1.4 km
Compact city-center arcade in Aalborg, combining everyday shopping, casual dining and the city’s largest cinema right beside the main station.
Boulevarden
1.5 km
A broad, café‑lined pedestrian street at the heart of Aalborg, where everyday city life, relaxed shopping and easy people‑watching come together in one walkable stretch.
Gåsepigen af Gerhard Henning
1.6 km
A small bronze girl and her unruly goose bringing poetic calm to busy Vesterbro, Gåsepigen is Aalborg’s charming 1937 fountain sculpture and urban landmark.
Aalborgmanden
1.6 km
Compact granite sculpture in central Aalborg, Aalborgmanden quietly embodies the city’s historic trading spirit and enduring civic pride on lively Boulevarden.
Street Art Mural - Nändo Väzquez
1.7 km
A vivid Nändo Väzquez mural splashes bold color across a central Aalborg streetscape, turning an ordinary wall on Danmarksgade into a small but striking urban landmark.
Aalborg Historical Museum
1.7 km
Aalborg's thousand-year story told through Renaissance interiors, Viking artifacts, and industrial heritage.
Latinergyden
1.8 km
Aalborg’s narrowest medieval passage, once a water lane and schoolboys’ shortcut, now a quietly atmospheric link between busy Gravensgade and the old monastery.
Essential places to dine
Gastronomia Napolitana
1.4 km
Authentic Neapolitan pizzas with crispy crusts and fresh ingredients in cozy central Aalborg.
Helmut Aalborg
1.5 km
Modern brunch, dinner and cocktails under one roof in central Aalborg, blending casual dining, social drinking and late‑night energy in a single stylish venue.
The South Indian Aalborg
1.6 km
A cosy Aalborg Centrum restaurant serving bold South Indian curries, biryani and parotta, with plentiful vegetarian and vegan choices in a relaxed setting.
Restaurant Emil
1.6 km
Award-winning Nordic seafood in the heart of Aalborg, pairing ultra-fresh Strandby catch with seasonal flavors, intimate ambience and thoughtful tasting menus.
Taverna Zorba Aalborg
1.6 km
Cozy Greek taverna in the heart of Aalborg, serving generous plates, warm hospitality and a splash of Mediterranean atmosphere on relaxed Nordic evenings.
SanGiovanni
1.6 km
Atmospheric basement Italian restaurant celebrated for ingredient quality, classical technique, and wine expertise.
Bistro59
1.6 km
Intimate French bistro in Aalborg's heart, serving authentic cuisine with impeccable technique and curated wines.
Den Bette Kro
1.7 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød, hearty kro cooking and a warm, red-tablecloth atmosphere in the very heart of Aalborg.
Det Glade Vanvid - Aalborg
1.7 km
All-inclusive gourmet dining where seasonal excellence meets informal elegance in Aalborg's heart.
Caspars
1.7 km
Healthy bowls, bright juices and sourdough toasts with an Asian twist, served fast and casual on lively Algade in the very centre of Aalborg.
Caféministeriet
1.7 km
Casual all‑day café and restaurant on Mølle Plads in central Aalborg, known for generous brunches, modern comfort food and a lively, laid‑back urban atmosphere.
Mortens Kro Restaurant & Boutique hotel
1.8 km
Fine dining and intimate suites under one roof in central Aalborg, where contemporary Nordic cuisine and spa-touched boutique comfort create a full gourmet getaway.
Café Peace
1.8 km
Lively all‑day café and restaurant on Aalborg’s Boulevarden, serving generous brunches, casual bistro dishes and drinks with prime street‑side terrace seating.
Fisk & Skaldyr
1.8 km
Savor the authentic flavors of Denmark’s North Sea at Fisk & Skaldyr, Aalborg’s celebrated seafood restaurant blending Nordic culinary tradition with a warm, maritime setting.
Restaurant MEAT
1.8 km
Flame-grilled steaks, long-smoked specialties and generous sharing menus in a warm, urban dining room at the heart of Aalborg’s evening scene.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
STÆHR Aalborg
1.7 km
Established women’s fashion boutique on Aalborg’s Gravensgade, offering curated Scandinavian‑leaning designer clothing in a calm, central city shopping setting.
TheNewNew
1.7 km
A compact Boulevarden boutique showcasing curated contemporary fashion and minimalist Scandinavian style in the heart of Aalborg’s lively city centre.
Danmission Op Shop
1.7 km
Treasure hunting with purpose—secondhand shopping that supports vulnerable communities worldwide.
NordicAfroDesign
1.8 km
Sustainable African-inspired fashion in the heart of Aalborg's city center.
Rituals
1.8 km
A calm, fragrant Rituals boutique on Aalborg’s Boulevarden, blending Eastern-inspired wellbeing, modern Dutch design and gift-ready luxuries in the city centre.
Spilforsyningen
1.8 km
Aalborg's premier destination for board games, card games, and tabletop gaming expertise.
NORMAL Aalborg, Algade
1.8 km
Everyday essentials and branded goods at fixed low prices in Aalborg's largest NORMAL store.
Shaping New Tomorrow Aalborg
1.8 km
Comfort-first menswear engineered for modern life, where Scandinavian design meets advanced fabric innovation.
Weekday
1.8 km
Contemporary fashion hub in Aalborg's shopping district, featuring statement denim and trend-forward basics.
MSCH Copenhagen
1.9 km
A modern Scandinavian womenswear boutique in the heart of Aalborg, blending minimalist design, versatile wardrobe staples and relaxed, downtown shopping vibes.
Napapijri Aalborg
1.9 km
Compact, Nordic-urban clothing store on Aalborg’s Bispensgade, blending Napapijri’s adventure heritage with contemporary city style in a bright, curated space.
Guld&Rod
1.9 km
Indoor flea-market style treasure hunt in central Aalborg, blending vintage charm, everyday bargains and easy second-hand selling under one lively roof.
NORMAL Aalborg - Bispensgade
1.9 km
A lively discount beauty and home store in Aalborg’s main pedestrian street, mixing everyday essentials, global brands and fun impulse buys at low fixed prices.
CHANGE Lingerie
1.9 km
Inclusive lingerie boutique with expert fitting, 90+ sizes, and personalized styling on Aalborg's premier shopping street.
JACK & JONES
1.9 km
Central Aalborg menswear store on lively Bispensgade, known for denim-focused Scandinavian style, casual essentials and easy wardrobe fixes for urban travellers.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Jazzclub Satchmo Aalborg
1.0 km
Volunteer-run jazz club bringing live swing, New Orleans sounds and bluesy nights to atmospheric venues around Aalborg since 1989.
Kontiki Bar
1.6 km
Unpretentious beer hall on Ågade offering inexpensive drinks, local atmosphere, and a relaxed, central Aalborg hangout from midday to late night.
Gl. Aalborg
1.6 km
Classic Danish bar with gaming machines, inexpensive drinks and a cozy, old-school vibe in the heart of Aalborg Centrum’s nightlife streets.
Vingaards Bar
1.6 km
Intimate, old-school bodega bar in central Aalborg, where a big counter, small space and easygoing regulars create a quietly authentic local nightlife stop.
D'Wine Bar
1.7 km
Spanish-inspired wine and tapas bar on Aalborg’s Algade, pouring Iberian wines and cocktails in a candlelit, urban-hygge atmosphere perfect for relaxed evenings.
Susan Sky Blue
1.7 km
A cozy, budget-friendly bar on Aalborg’s Vesterbro, blending Danish hygge, easygoing drinks, and late-night buzz in an intimate neighborhood setting.
London Pub
1.7 km
Classic British-style pub in central Aalborg pouring dozens of beers, ciders and whiskies in a cosy, wood-panelled setting from lunchtime until late.
Quist Wine v/Lene Quist Berggreen
1.7 km
Authentic Italian wines in Aalborg's historic heart, curated by passionate wine experts.
Andy's Jomfru Ane Gade
1.9 km
Straightforward, sociable bar right on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade, ideal for late-night drinks, warm‑ups and bar‑hopping in the city’s party heart.
Sprutten
1.9 km
Laid-back maritime bodega with a fishing-boat bar, pool tables and inexpensive beers in the heart of Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade nightlife street.
Proud Mary Pub Aalborg
1.9 km
Lively pub on Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, mixing classic bar charm, sport on big screens, live music and late-night drinks in the city’s most famous party street.
Under Buret
1.9 km
Two floors of neon-lit energy on Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, mixing laid-back bar vibes downstairs with a DJ-fuelled dance floor and late-night party upstairs.
Douro Wine Bar
1.9 km
Cozy Portuguese wine hideaway in central Aalborg, pairing hand-picked Douro bottles with relaxed tapas, candlelight and unhurried evening conversations.
Zwei Grosse Bierbars Aalborg ApS
1.9 km
High-energy alpine-style beer bar bringing après-ski vibes, big steins and party soundtracks to Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade nightlife strip.
The Old Irish Pub
1.9 km
Big-hearted Irish bar on Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, mixing televised sports, live music and late-night dancing across two bustling floors until dawn.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Scenic
- Family Friendly
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly