Jyllands Park Zoo
Family-focused countryside zoo near Herning, blending close-up animal encounters with big playgrounds, tivoli rides and wide green spaces for a relaxed full-day outing.
Set in the countryside near Videbæk in West Jutland, Jyllands Park Zoo is a family-focused animal park and mini amusement area with around 350 animals from more than 70 species. Children can get close to goats, farm animals and selected exotics, help feed animals during keeper presentations, and burn off energy in large playgrounds, bouncy castles and a small tivoli zone with rides and a zoo train. Picnic spots, benches and casual food options make it an easy full-day outing.
A brief summary to Jyllands Park Zoo
- Haunstrupvej 13, Videbaek, 6920, DK
- +4597166120
- Visit website
- Duration: 3 to 7 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Arrive at opening time in high summer if you want quieter paths around the most popular animals and shorter queues for the zoo train and tivoli rides.
- Pack a picnic and blanket to make use of the many benches and grassy areas, but still plan a budget for ice cream or snacks from on-site kiosks.
- Bring sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate layers; much of the experience is outdoors, and you will easily walk several kilometres over the day.
- Families with small children can rent trolleys or strollers at the entrance, which makes navigating the large grounds and carrying gear much easier.
- Check the daily schedule for animal feedings and keeper talks when you enter so you can plan your route to catch a few varied presentations.
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
Getting There
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Car from Herning
From Herning city centre, driving to Jyllands Park Zoo typically takes about 15–20 minutes. The route uses main regional roads with straightforward navigation and is suitable for all standard vehicles. There is free parking on-site, including dedicated spaces close to the entrance for guests with reduced mobility, so driving is usually the most convenient option for families carrying prams, picnic gear and spare clothes.
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Car from Aarhus
Travelling from Aarhus to the zoo by car usually takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The journey follows major highways across Jutland before continuing on regional roads toward Videbæk. Fuel is the main cost, which for a typical mid-sized car will add roughly 120–200 DKK for a return trip depending on consumption. The final approach is on well-maintained country roads, and parking at the zoo is free but can be busy during peak school-holiday days.
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Public transport via Herning
Reaching the zoo by public transport involves a train or long-distance bus to Herning followed by a regional bus toward Videbæk or Haunstrup, and then a walk from the nearest stop. The total journey time from larger Jutland towns is often 1.5–3 hours each way, including transfers. Combined train and bus tickets within this part of Denmark typically fall in the 80–220 DKK range per adult each way, depending on distance and discounts. Services are less frequent on weekends and outside summer, so checking current timetables and allowing generous transfer time is essential.
Jyllands Park Zoo location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Jyllands Park Zoo
A countryside zoo with a playful West Jutland spirit
Jyllands Park Zoo sits in gently rolling farmland near the village of Haunstrup, about 10 km from Herning, and feels more like a sprawling country park than a city attraction. Lawns, trees and lakes frame the paths, with animal enclosures, play areas and small amusement rides threaded between open green spaces. The atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried, inviting you to slow down and make a day of it rather than race from exhibit to exhibit. Established in 1969, the zoo has grown organically over decades, adding new species, playgrounds and activity zones while keeping a homely, informal character. Instead of towering concrete, you see low buildings, wooden fences and picnic lawns, with plenty of places to sit. It is very much designed around families who want to linger, play and enjoy the outdoors as much as the animals themselves.Animals from all over the world within arm’s reach
The zoo is home to roughly 350 animals representing more than 70 species from several continents. You move from paddocks with classic savannah residents like lions and giraffes to areas with camels, zebras and antelopes, then on to smaller habitats for monkeys, lemurs, reptiles and colorful birds. There are also terrariums and indoor spaces for frogs and other small rainforest creatures that add a different, more intimate scale to the experience. A key part of the zoo’s appeal is how close you can get to many of the residents. Certain enclosures allow supervised feeding with approved food, and some paddocks are designed so that curious goats or llamas may wander up to the fence. Scheduled feeding times and short presentations with keepers bring extra insight into behaviour, diet and conservation stories, and are usually timed to spread interest throughout the day.Playgrounds, tivoli rides and a giant bouncy castle
Beyond the animals, Jyllands Park Zoo doubles as a large outdoor playland. Scattered across the grounds are multiple playgrounds with swings, sandboxes, climbing frames and small playhouses that form a miniature village. Children can shuttle between slides and theme play areas while adults relax on benches or at picnic tables within easy view. A separate tivoli-style corner adds more adrenaline for younger visitors, with small carousels, mini cars and other gentle rides. A zoo train circles part of the park, giving tired legs a break and offering a fun overview of the layout. On the lake, simple boats provide another short diversion on busy summer days. The star, though, is the huge bouncy castle – almost 700 square metres of inflatable fun where kids can jump, tumble and burn off any remaining energy.Practical comforts for an easy full-day visit
The zoo is designed for visitors to stay several hours, and facilities reflect that. Numerous benches and covered spots make it easy to unpack a picnic or enjoy snacks bought on-site. Simple food stands and cafés offer family-friendly meals, drinks and treats during the main season, while kiosks near the amusement area keep queues short at peak times. Trash bins and information boards help keep the grounds tidy and easy to navigate. Families with small children can rent trolleys and strollers, making it less of a challenge to move around the park with bags, blankets and tired toddlers. The grounds are generally flat, with wide paths and step-free access to most viewing points, which also benefits wheelchair users and older visitors. Dogs on leads are allowed, adding to the casual, park-like feeling for many local guests.A seasonal outing in the Danish fresh air
Jyllands Park Zoo operates a defined season, opening in spring and running through the warmer months, when outdoor enclosures, playgrounds and the tivoli rides can be fully enjoyed. On sunny days, the experience feels like a full countryside escape, with long light hours inviting leisurely strolls and repeated visits to favourite animals. Even on cooler or overcast days, the combination of animals, sheltered areas and active play makes it a viable outing as long as you dress for the conditions. Because it sits in open countryside rather than in a dense town centre, the zoo pairs naturally with broader exploration of West Jutland. It works well as a central focus for a family day trip, surrounded by fields and big skies that underline how different it feels from urban zoos. For many visitors, that sense of space, combined with close animal encounters and abundant play, is what defines a day at Jyllands Park Zoo.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Herning City Hotel
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Mindesten for H.Pontoppidan
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Ilva
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Bølling Lake
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Kroghs Bænk
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Duedal Bjerg
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Unmissable attractions to see
Haunstrup Brunkulslejer
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Snejbjerg Mini Saab Museum
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Kløvertorvet, Snejbjerg
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MCH Messecenter Herning
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Herning Rocker
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Knudmose
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Former bog turned green playground on Herning’s edge, where a man-made hill, dog forest and winding trails offer easy everyday escapes into light, air and open space.
P-plads, Knudmosebjerget
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Jens Vejmands gravsted
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Tekstilmuseet
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Park
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Lau Tune Møller
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Frilandsmuseet Herning
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Lokalhistorisk Arkiv I Herning
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Fermaten
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Fuglsang Lake
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Essential places to dine
Restaurant domæne - Gourmet restaurant Herning
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A Hereford Beefstouw, BOXEN
9.4 km
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Luxus Restaurant v/Gril Take Away I Herning
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Relaxed neighborhood grill and pizza spot in Tjørring, blending casual eat‑in comfort with efficient takeaway for families, locals and hungry travellers.
Fru Kristof
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Unpretentious chicken and grill bar on Herning’s Islandsvej, serving generous portions of classic Danish fast food for a quick, inexpensive daytime bite.
Ibolicious Kebab
10.8 km
Casual Turkish-style kebab and shawarma in homemade bread, served fast and budget-friendly on a lively central street in downtown Herning.
Singapore Kitchen Pizza & Grill
10.8 km
Asian-inspired pizza and casual dining in the heart of Herning
Møllegrillen Herning
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Coffee City Karma
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Authentic Turkish döner and fresh Italian pizza in the heart of Herning, open late.
Lones Køkken
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No‑frills, central Herning grill and pizza house serving big portions, fast comfort food and late‑night bites on lively Bredgade.
SushiArt Herning
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Backyard Burger
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Brasseriet
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Herning Kebab House
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Tap Del Bar
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Brdr. Price Herning
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Danmission Op Shop
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Garnshoppen
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A cozy, color-filled yarn shop in central Herning, where Nordic fibers, patterns and personal advice inspire knitters and crocheters of every level.
Uhrskov Vinhandel
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botex Herning
10.9 km
Specialist curtain and home-textile store on Herning’s main street, offering Scandinavian-style window solutions, bedding and rugs with personal, practical advice.
Dampkongen
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Denmark's trusted vaporizer specialist with expert guidance and secure online shopping.
Rikki Vanggaard
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Design HUB
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Dalgashus
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Normal
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Mappstore (Herning City)
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Ma-Griff
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Pillayar Stores
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Jydepotten A/S
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Curated women's fashion from leading brands in the heart of Herning's main street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Heidi's Bier Bar
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City-cafeen
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Scenic
- Casual
- Unique
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
