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Copenhagen Zoo

Meet 4,000+ animals across themed continents at Denmark's most innovative zoo, open year-round with indoor tropical warmth.

4.4

Copenhagen Zoo is one of Denmark's most visited attractions, home to more than 4,000 animals representing over 250 species from around the world. Located in Frederiksberg, the zoo offers year-round experiences across themed zones including the Arctic Ring with polar bears, tropical habitats with sloths and butterflies, and the Savannah with giraffes. Visitors can enjoy feeding demonstrations, interactive activities, multiple dining options, and architectural highlights designed by renowned architects. The zoo operates 365 days a year and emphasizes animal welfare and global conservation efforts.

A brief summary to Copenhagen Zoo

  • Roskildevej 32, Frederiksberg, 2000, DK
  • +4572200200
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2.5 to 6 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, ideally around 10 AM opening time, to experience the zoo with smaller crowds and better animal activity before midday heat or fatigue sets in.
  • Check the zoo's website before visiting for daily feeding times, special demonstrations, and workshop schedules to plan your route and maximize interactive experiences.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes; the zoo is expansive and well-spaced, requiring significant walking to explore all zones and animal habitats thoroughly.
  • Pick up a free map at the entrance to navigate the zoo effectively and ensure you don't miss key attractions like the Panda House, Arctic Ring, and Tropical House.
  • Visit during winter months to experience the Tropical House's warmth and enjoy the zoo's Christmas decorations and festive atmosphere without summer crowds.
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Getting There

  • Public Bus

    Take bus 7A from Copenhagen Central Station directly to Copenhagen Zoo. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes. Buses run frequently throughout the day. Single tickets cost around 24 DKK; Copenhagen Card holders travel free. This is the most convenient public transport option from central Copenhagen.

  • Train and Walk

    Take the S-train or regional train to Frederiksberg Station. From the station, the zoo is approximately 1.5 kilometers away, requiring a 20-25 minute walk through residential Frederiksberg. This option works well if you're already traveling by train in the region. Train tickets vary depending on your starting point within Copenhagen.

  • Bicycle

    Copenhagen's extensive cycling infrastructure makes reaching the zoo by bicycle practical from most central locations. The journey from central Copenhagen takes 20-30 minutes depending on your starting point. Bicycle rental is widely available throughout Copenhagen, typically costing 60-100 DKK per day. The zoo has bicycle parking facilities.

  • Taxi or Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-share services (Uber, local alternatives) operate throughout Copenhagen. From central Copenhagen, expect a 15-25 minute journey depending on traffic, costing approximately 150-250 DKK. This option provides direct access without navigation concerns, though it's more expensive than public transport.

Copenhagen Zoo location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather

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Discover more about Copenhagen Zoo

A World of Animals Across Continents

Copenhagen Zoo houses more than 4,000 animals representing over 250 different species, making it one of Europe's largest and most innovative zoological institutions. The zoo is divided into distinct geographical zones that allow visitors to travel between continents in a single day. The Arctic Ring features polar bears in a specially designed habitat where you can observe them swimming underwater through a tunnel, alongside harbour seals, snowy owls, reindeer, musk oxen, brown bears, arctic foxes, and grey wolves. The Tropical House maintains warm conditions year-round, offering encounters with sloths, crocodiles, snakes, butterflies, armadillos, and free-flying birds. The Savannah zone provides giraffe encounters and expansive views of African wildlife, while Tasmania, Asia, and other themed areas showcase regional biodiversity.

Indoor Comfort and Year-Round Exploration

With over 8,000 square meters of covered indoor areas—equivalent to two football fields—the zoo ensures comfortable exploration regardless of weather. The Tropezoo maintains tropical warmth, allowing visitors to experience equatorial wildlife without getting wet. The Zoolab offers close encounters with insects and smaller creatures, including leafcutter ants and other invertebrates. This extensive indoor infrastructure makes Copenhagen Zoo uniquely accessible during Copenhagen's cold winters and rainy seasons, ensuring engaging experiences throughout the year.

Interactive Experiences and Educational Activities

The zoo provides numerous opportunities for active participation beyond passive observation. Daily feeding demonstrations showcase the black-capped squirrel monkeys, polar bears, chimpanzees, hippos, and mongooses. The Children's Zoo allows young visitors to help care for horses and feed llamas, fostering direct animal interaction. The ZOO Mission program invites visitors to complete fun tasks throughout the zoo, collecting stamps to exchange for iron-on patches. Guided tours offer deeper insights into animal behavior and conservation efforts, while workshops and educational talks occur throughout the day. The zoo's activity booklet system engages children in learning while exploring.

Architectural Innovation and Design Excellence

Copenhagen Zoo showcases remarkable architectural achievements that enhance the visitor experience. The Panda House, designed by renowned architect Bjarke Ingels Group, combines modern design with functional habitat requirements and serves as a dining venue. Norman Foster designed the elephant house, reflecting contemporary zoological architecture. The Hippopotamus House, opened in 2007, features walls patterned like hippo skin, creating visual harmony between structure and inhabitant. The Arctic Ring's innovative design allows underwater viewing of polar bears, while the Zoo Tower, originally built in 1905 and renovated multiple times, stands 43.5 meters above ground with 182 steps leading to panoramic views of Copenhagen and, on clear days, Sweden.

Dining and Culinary Experiences

The zoo offers diverse dining options integrated throughout the grounds. Bistro Panpan at the Panda House serves French dishes with Asian influences, allowing visitors to dine while observing giant pandas. Cakes & Dreams provides pastries and sweet treats. Spisehuset FOLK offers traditional Danish cuisine including open-faced sandwiches in a cozy setting. Kjærbøllings Hus serves family-friendly meals with both hot and cold options. Numerous snack stalls and stands scattered throughout the zoo provide ice cream, hot and cold beverages, and quick refreshments, enabling visitors to enjoy meals among the animals.

Conservation Mission and Global Impact

Copenhagen Zoo, founded in 1859, operates with a strong commitment to animal welfare and endangered species conservation. The zoo participates in international projects ranging from reintroducing endangered amphibians in Denmark to combating illegal rhino poaching in South Africa. Every visitor admission contributes to these global conservation initiatives. The zoo maintains high animal welfare standards and collaborates with international organizations to protect threatened species and their habitats. This conservation focus distinguishes Copenhagen Zoo as an institution dedicated to wildlife protection beyond entertainment.

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