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Copenhagen Zoo: Denmark’s Wildlife Wonderland

Copenhagen Zoo in Frederiksberg blends heritage, innovation, and wildlife in stunning habitats, featuring over 250 animal species and world-class conservation initiatives.

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Located in the leafy Frederiksberg district, Copenhagen Zoo is one of Europe’s oldest and most diverse zoos, offering immersive encounters with over 4,000 animals from around the world. Visitors wander lush enclosures, historic pavilions, and modern habitats like the award-winning Elephant House, exploring everything from Arctic tundra to African Savannah, blending conservation, education, and fascination for all ages.

A brief summary to Højbro Plads

  • Højbro Pl., Copenhagen, Indre By, 1200, DK

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends or during school holidays, to enjoy the animal feedings and avoid larger crowds.
  • Check the official programme for daily zookeeper talks and feeding sessions—these offer insightful close-ups and are popular with families.
  • The Elephant House and Panda facility are standouts, but don’t miss the historic wooden observation tower for sweeping views of Frederiksberg.
  • Bringing a picnic is welcome, and there are several scenic spots; or try the zoo’s locally-sourced dining options, which include vegetarian choices.
  • Prams and wheelchairs are available for rent, making the large grounds accessible for all visitors.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the heart of central Copenhagen, regular buses and the S-train network connect you directly to Frederiksberg’s leafy avenues. Disembarking near the grand Frederiksberg Gardens, visitors find the zoo’s entrance just beside this renowned green space. Journeys typically take between 15 and 25 minutes, with a single adult ticket on the city’s integrated system costing from DKK 24. Stations and stops are clearly marked, and services run frequently throughout the day.

  • Walking

    For those staying in the central districts, reaching the zoo is a scenic stroll through historic Frederiksberg, passing palatial architecture and the inviting lawns of Frederiksberg Gardens. It’s around 30–40 minutes on foot from City Hall Square, manageable for most walkers and especially pleasant in warm months.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are plentiful in Copenhagen’s center and provide a comfortable, swift ride to Frederiksberg, usually requiring 10–15 minutes depending on the time of day. Fares typically range from DKK 120–170. Taxi drop-off is convenient near the zoo’s main gate.

  • Driving & Parking

    Visitors arriving by car will find metered street parking surrounding the Frederiksberg Gardens area. Parking is in high demand during weekends and school holidays—rates average DKK 22 per hour. Accessible spaces are available, but arriving early is recommended due to limited spots.

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Discover more about Højbro Plads

Copenhagen Zoo, nestled in the scenic Frederiksberg area of Copenhagen, is far more than a collection of animal enclosures—it’s a tapestry of wildlife heritage, architectural ingenuity, and poignant conservation. Founded in 1859, the zoo is among the oldest in Europe, and over the decades, it has blended its Victorian-era roots with innovative, animal-centered modern designs. The centerpiece is the famed Elephant House, designed by celebrated architect Norman Foster, which places visitors eye-to-eye with majestic Asian elephants in a sunlit, enriching environment. The zoo’s layout is a delight to explore: winding through tranquil gardens, historic aviaries, and immersive biomes, you encounter over 250 species from every continent. Arctic rings bring polar bears into focus, while lions and giraffes bask on the African savannah, and pandas—housed in a spectacular bamboo-themed enclosure—attract crowds from far and wide. Children love the petting areas and themed playgrounds, while adults appreciate the thoughtful exhibits emphasizing endangered species and the crucial role of wildlife conservation. Education pulses at every turn, with regular feeding demonstrations, themed events, and carefully curated interpretive material connecting guests with global biodiversity. Local delicacies and international cuisine are served alongside panoramic views of grazing zebras. Historic buildings—some in whimsical 19th-century architecture—evoke the zoo’s storied past. Whether you’re marveling at snow leopards, following a zookeeper talk, or simply enjoying a picnic in the green oasis, Copenhagen Zoo delivers one of the most complete, entertaining, and enriching animal experiences in Scandinavia.

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