Odense ZOO

Green, riverside zoological gardens in Odense, where manatees, penguins and savannah animals share leafy parkland, treetop walks and playful spaces for all ages.

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Odense Zoo

Odense ZOO is a lush, riverside zoological garden just south of central Odense, home to more than 130 animal species including lions, tigers, giraffes, manatees and penguins. Spread along the banks of the Odense River, the zoo is designed as a journey through global habitats, from African savannah to Antarctic and tropical rainforest, with immersive viewing areas, treetop walkways, creative playgrounds and hands-on encounters that make it a standout family attraction in Denmark.

A brief summary to Odense Zoo

Søndre Blvd. 306, Odense C, Odense C, 5000, DK
+4566111360
Visit website
Duration: 3 to 6 hours
Mid ranged
Mixed
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 9 am-6 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-6 pm
Saturday 9 am-6 pm
Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

Plan 3–5 hours to explore; start with the Oceanium and rainforest areas while energy is high, then move on to the savannah and big cats before finishing at the playgrounds.
Check feeding and keeper-talk schedules in advance and arrive a little early for popular animals like giraffes and penguins, especially in school holidays.
Dress in layers: outdoor paths can be cool or windy, while the rainforest and Oceanium buildings are warm and humid even in winter.
Bring a reusable water bottle and snacks or a picnic to enjoy at designated tables; this helps manage costs in a country where eating out is relatively expensive.
If visiting in summer, aim for a morning arrival to enjoy quieter paths and more active animals before midday and afternoon crowds build up.

Getting There

City bus from central Odense

From Odense city centre, take a local city bus toward the Dalum area; several lines typically reach stops near the zoo in about 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run frequently during the day, with reduced service in the evening and on some holidays. A standard adult ticket within the city usually costs around 20–30 DKK, and tickets can often be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Most buses are low-floor and suitable for prams and wheelchairs, but expect a short, mostly flat walk from the stop to the entrance.
Walking or cycling from central Odense

From the central districts of Odense, walking to the zoo along the riverside green corridor typically takes around 25–35 minutes at a moderate pace. The route follows established paths and is generally flat, making it suitable for most visitors, though surfaces can be damp or icy in winter. Cycling reduces the journey to roughly 10–15 minutes; there are cycle lanes on many streets, and bike parking is available near the entrance. This is a pleasant, no-cost option in good weather and allows you to enjoy the park-like surroundings on the way.
Car or taxi within Odense

Reaching Odense ZOO by car or taxi from most parts of the city usually takes 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic and the starting point. There is free parking for zoo visitors in a lot opposite the main entrance, though spaces can fill up during school holidays and sunny weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is wise. Taxi fares within Odense for such a distance commonly fall in the range of 100–200 DKK one way, varying with time of day and traffic conditions. This option is convenient for families with young children or visitors with limited mobility.

Odense Zoo location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Windy Conditions
Cold Weather
Mild Temperatures
Snow

Discover more about Odense Zoo

A riverside zoo woven into the heart of Odense

Odense ZOO stretches along the green banks of the Odense River, a short distance south of the historic city centre yet surrounded by trees, lawns and flowerbeds. Paths meander between the water and gently sloping enclosures, so you are never far from the sight of boats gliding past or the sound of waterbirds on the river. The zoo feels more like a landscaped park dotted with animal habitats than a conventional urban attraction. This sense of greenery defines the experience. Mature trees create shady pockets in summer, sheltered corners in winter and countless spots to pause on a bench while watching animals or people drift by. Picnic areas, open lawns and playful sculptures reinforce the impression that this is a place to linger as much as to look, with the city’s bustle kept comfortably at bay.

Journey across continents in a single visit

The zoo is laid out as a sequence of themed zones that echo different parts of the world, allowing you to step from the African savannah to the Antarctic coast or a South American jungle in a few minutes. On the savannah, zebras and giraffes share open vistas that evoke wide grasslands, while big cats such as lions and tigers are given rocky viewpoints and climbing structures that showcase their agility. Elsewhere, primate islands, lemur spaces and chimpanzee areas emphasize social behavior, with elevated walkways giving views into their daily lives. Aviaries and smaller exhibits introduce colourful birds and reptiles, contrasting with the larger, more dramatic enclosures. Throughout, viewing platforms, glass panels and tunnels are designed to bring you close to the animals without interrupting the overall landscape.

Tropical rainforest and the Oceanium

One of the most distinctive parts of Odense ZOO is the Oceanium and adjacent rainforest environments. Inside, warm, humid air and dense planting recreate a slice of tropical South America, where manatees glide slowly through deep pools and capybaras share space with birds and other aquatic life. Elevated paths and underwater viewing windows allow you to watch these gentle giants from above and below the surface. Nearby, penguin pools and cold-water exhibits form a striking contrast, with sleek birds torpedoing through the water behind glass as you follow them from different angles. Caimans, turtles and fish anchor the freshwater side of the complex, helping tie the river outside to the watery worlds inside. The combination of sound, temperature and close-up views makes this area particularly immersive, especially on colder Danish days.

Playgrounds among the treetops

Beyond the animal habitats, Odense ZOO devotes a significant part of its grounds to play and exploration. A treetop walkway threads through the canopy for around a couple of hundred metres, turning the visit into a mild adventure as you move along suspended paths and platforms with views over the zoo and the river. Interpretive stations along the route mix trivia, nature facts and playful challenges, encouraging children and adults to look more closely at the surrounding environment. At ground level, several playgrounds cater to different ages, from simple sand and climbing areas to more elaborate structures inspired by animals and habitats. These zones create natural breaks between more intense viewing, and they help make a full day at the zoo comfortable for families with younger children who need time to run, swing and explore on their own terms.

Encounters, feeds and quiet learning

Throughout the year, scheduled feedings and keeper talks add a layer of interpretation to the visit. While times vary by season, the focus tends to fall on charismatic species such as giraffes, penguins and big cats. In some cases, pre-booked experiences allow you to step even closer, feeding giraffes from specially arranged platforms or watching training sessions that support animal care. Signage across the zoo emphasizes species information, conservation status and stories from the wild, placing the animals within their broader ecosystems. As a certified "Green Attraction", Odense ZOO also highlights its environmental initiatives, from waste sorting and energy use to support for conservation projects, integrating sustainability messages into the fabric of the visit rather than treating them as an add-on.

A year-round attraction in the Danish climate

Odense ZOO is designed to function in all seasons, with indoor houses, sheltered viewpoints and cafés providing respite from wind, rain or cold. Winter visits bring a calmer atmosphere and special seasonal decorations, while summer tends to showcase the outdoor habitats at their most vibrant, with foliage in full leaf and animals often more active in the long light. Food outlets and kiosks, whose opening hours vary through the year, offer everything from quick snacks and coffee to more substantial meals, often with views of enclosures or the river. Whether you stay a few hours or most of the day, the combination of animal encounters, green surroundings and layered experiences ensures that the zoo works as both a focused visit and a relaxed urban nature escape.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Det gamle vandtårn

1.7 km

A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.

visit

2.2 km

Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen

2.2 km

A delicate paper boat turned gleaming sculpture, Papirbåden floats on Odense’s Fairytale Garden lake, quietly celebrating H.C. Andersen’s “Steadfast Tin Soldier.”

Oceania

2.2 km

A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.

EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)

2.5 km

Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.

Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren

2.7 km

A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.

Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren

Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej

2.7 km

Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.

Odense St.

2.8 km

Central rail and bus hub of Funen, Odense Station links Denmark’s mainlines with the city’s historic heart, light rail and cultural sights in one integrated complex.

TheDoorOdense

3.9 km

Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.

Fredens Kirke

4.2 km

Explore Denmark's rich maritime heritage in an award-winning museum set within a historic dry dock in Helsingør.

Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense

6.1 km

Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.

Sortehusene

9.4 km

Historic black houses preserving working-class resilience on Odense's waterfront.

Sanderumgaard v/Erik Vind

10.5 km

Discover Sanderumgaard, Funen’s enchanting Romantic-era landscape park: a blend of historic estate, poetic gardens, and serene lakes just beyond Odense.

Besættelsesmuseum Fyn... Besættelsesmuseum Fyn er kun åben den første søndag i måneden fra kl 11 til 15.

10.9 km

An immersive, architecturally acclaimed underground museum in Helsingør, bringing Denmark’s rich maritime history to life beside the legendary Kronborg Castle.

Besættelsesmuseum Fyn... Besættelsesmuseum Fyn er kun åben den første søndag i måneden fra kl 11 til 15.

Rolfshøj

12.9 km

A quiet Neolithic long barrow in the fields near Ferritslev Fyn, where a simple stone chamber and grassy mound bring Funen’s prehistoric past close at hand.

Unmissable attractions to see

Bøgetoppen i Odense Zoo

0.1 km

A gentle treetop adventure above Odense Zoo, Bøgetoppen lets you wander through the beech canopy, combining forest views, local nature stories and family-friendly fun.

Odense Dyrskueplads

0.6 km

Odense’s flexible fairground, where quiet open fields transform into bustling arenas for Det Fynske Dyrskue, major concerts and large outdoor events.

Fyns Militærhistoriske Museum

0.9 km

Compact military museum in Odense’s former barracks, tracing 400 years of Funen’s soldiers, resistance and overseas missions through objects, stories and uniforms.

Marie-Kilden

1.4 km

A small historic spring hidden in Odense’s riverside green belt, Marie-Kilden offers a quiet glimpse of parish history and folklore amid trees, paths and gentle birdsong.

The Funen Village

1.5 km

Step into a living Funen countryside village of thatched farms, mills, orchards and heritage animals, where 18th- and 19th-century rural Denmark comes vividly to life.

Munke Mose Park

1.5 km

Lakes, lawns and fairytales along Odense River, Munke Mose Park is the city’s easygoing green refuge for picnics, play and riverside wandering.

Parsonage

1.5 km

Experience authentic 18th-century Danish village life through restored buildings, costumed interpreters, and hands-on traditional crafts.

Gerthasminde

1.6 km

A hidden royal villa set amidst the enchanting palace gardens of Marselisborg in Aarhus, where Danish history and tranquil beauty harmoniously meet.

Munke Mose

1.7 km

Central Odense’s riverside wetland park where fairy-tale sculptures, grand old trees and easygoing outdoor life meet along the gentle Odense River.

Brickworks

1.7 km

A small creative brick studio in southern Odense where Danish design spirit meets hands-on LEGO-style imagination in a low-key, family-friendly setting.

The Sea Horse

1.7 km

A powerful Andersen-inspired sea horse and mermaid burst from the Odense River, marking a poetic gateway between city streets and leafy Munke Mose park.

Funen Opera

1.7 km

An intimate Danish chamber opera beside Odense’s parkland, where classic works and bold new productions unfold just a few metres from your seat.

Bispens lysthus

1.8 km

A tiny red timber pavilion on stilts above Odense Å, Bispens Lysthus blends riverside calm, ecclesiastical history and postcard-perfect charm in the city’s green heart.

Pantheonsfrisen

1.9 km

A striking Don John mural turning an ordinary Odense side street into a memorable canvas of symbols, stories and contemporary Nordic street art.

Tidens Samling

2.0 km

Hands-on time travel through 20th‑century Danish homes, fashion and design inside Odense’s historic Brandts Klædefabrik complex.

Premium South American steaks and gourmet burgers in the heart of historic Odense.

Scandinavian-style sneaker boutique in central Odense, blending clean design, curated streetwear and sought-after footwear drops on lively Vestergade.

Basement tequila shots, loud beats and a young crowd turn this Odense city‑centre bar into a compact late‑night party zone on weekend nights.

The Boat House

2.1 km

A cozy, spirits-focused bar in central Odense, famed for its extensive whisky shelves, creative cocktails and laid-back themed evenings in soft, lounge-like surroundings.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Dansebar Odense

2.2 km

Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.

The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus

2.4 km

Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.

Boogie Dance Café

2.4 km

Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.

BUTCHERS Odense

2.5 km

High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.

Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club

5.1 km

Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.

Muzirkus

26.6 km

Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.

KJ's bodel

27.3 km

Laid‑back local nightspot on Nyborg’s main square, mixing simple drinks, sociable bar chatter and a compact dance floor in an unpretentious setting.

Crazy Daisy Svendborg

38.6 km

Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.

AHA Livestage

44.0 km

Intimate live music and cocktail-driven nightlife in the heart of Fredericia, where high-quality sound and curated events turn selected evenings into standout parties.

Ærø Golf Klub

46.7 km

Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.

Falkecenter Samsø ApS

50.0 km

Witness awe-inspiring live falconry shows and get up close with eagles, owls, and hawks at Samsø’s premier raptor center, blending living heritage with wilderness spectacle.

Vinkapellet Samsø

51.0 km

Experience the finest organic and natural wines at Vinkapellet Samsø, a cozy haven for wine enthusiasts in the heart of Brundby.

Samsø Island Distillery

52.4 km

Experience authentic Danish craftsmanship at Samsø Island Distillery, where local botanicals and sustainable practices fuse to create distinctive gin and aquavit on scenic Samsø.

Ræven

52.5 km

Island spirit and Danish hospitality await at Ræven, Samsø—a cozy neighborhood bar with local brews, lively evenings, and a real taste of authentic island life.

Garagen

53.3 km

Garagen is Samsø’s beloved island bar, famed for live music, a rustic woodland setting, and its welcoming, laid-back vibe—a true hub for locals and travelers alike.

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Odense ZOO

A brief summary to Odense Zoo

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

City bus from central Odense

Walking or cycling from central Odense

Car or taxi within Odense

Odense Zoo location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Odense Zoo

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Odense Zoo

A riverside zoo woven into the heart of Odense

Journey across continents in a single visit

Tropical rainforest and the Oceanium

Playgrounds among the treetops

Encounters, feeds and quiet learning

A year-round attraction in the Danish climate

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Det gamle vandtårn

visit

Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen

Oceania

EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)

Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren

Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej

Odense St.

TheDoorOdense

Fredens Kirke

Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense

Sortehusene

Sanderumgaard v/Erik Vind

Besættelsesmuseum Fyn... Besættelsesmuseum Fyn er kun åben den første søndag i måneden fra kl 11 til 15.

Rolfshøj

Unmissable attractions to see

Bøgetoppen i Odense Zoo

Odense Dyrskueplads

Fyns Militærhistoriske Museum

Marie-Kilden

The Funen Village

Munke Mose Park

Parsonage

Gerthasminde

Munke Mose

Brickworks

The Sea Horse

Funen Opera

Bispens lysthus

Pantheonsfrisen

Tidens Samling

Essential places to dine

Restaurant Bondestuen

Restaurant Wienerstuen

Restaurant Carlslund

Restaurant Knudsens Gaard

Sortebro Kro

Café Cuckoo's Nest

Mona Lisa

Kong Volmer Odense

Pasfall

Marcello's

The Burger Odense

Vår

Marcantonio Trattoria - Pizzeria

Olivia Brasserie - Restaurant Odense

Salinaz Odense

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

StiLia ApS

Bohemian Wonders

All About Kids

Underground

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Bog & idé - Odense C

Moby Disc

Tryde Andrés - Wunderwear - Odense C

Dr. Adams

Summerbird

Hunkemöller Danmark A/S