Glad Zoo, Lintrup

A cosy animal park in the South Jutland countryside

Glad Zoo sits on the edge of Lintrup, surrounded by gentle fields and low Danish skies, feeling more like a rural homestead than a traditional big‑city zoo. Paths loop through lawns, shelterbelts and flower borders, with animal enclosures woven into the landscape. Instead of towering concrete and steel, you find low wooden fences, open paddocks and modest houses where animals rest or shelter from the weather. The scale is human and manageable: you can stroll the whole park without rushing, pausing wherever something catches your eye. That intimacy makes it particularly welcoming for younger children and anyone who prefers a quieter, more down‑to‑earth setting to roam among animals.

Meeting the park’s mix of species

Around 70 species live here, ranging from familiar farmyard characters to more exotic residents. In the paddocks you might watch goats jostling for snacks, alpacas blinking from under their shaggy fringes or kangaroos stretching in the grass. Enclosures for smaller mammals and reptiles invite closer inspection, revealing patterned snakes, curious lizards and small primates. Birdlife is another key strand, with colorful parrots, owls and other species adding movement and sound to the park. At set times there are animal presentations and a bird show, usually held in Danish, where keepers introduce individual animals, talk about their behavior and demonstrate natural abilities such as flight and problem‑solving.

Playgrounds, gardens and time to unwind

Between the enclosures the park deliberately leaves space for play and rest. A nature‑themed playground and big bouncy cushions encourage children to burn off energy, climb and balance. Benches are dotted along the paths, so adults can pause while youngsters continue exploring safely within sight. Gardens are a surprise highlight: a small but carefully tended flower garden and several leafy terraces offer a softer, more contemplative corner of the zoo. These areas double as picnic spots, with tables and seating where you can unpack a simple lunch or snack. On fine days the mix of flowers, birdsong and distant animal calls makes the park feel more like a country garden than a conventional attraction.

Cafés, picnics and overnight stays

Food is kept straightforward and family‑oriented. A small café near the entrance serves hot and cold drinks along with light meals and treats during opening hours. If you prefer, you can bring your own food and make use of the designated picnic areas, or head to the grill hut overlooking the South American pampas‑style enclosure to cook a casual meal in a scenic setting. For those who want to stretch the experience, the zoo offers a simple shelter inside the grounds where you can spend the night with animal sounds as your backdrop. Basic facilities and the rustic setting make it feel like a small adventure, especially for children. Nearby holiday homes and group accommodation in the surrounding region give further options for multi‑day stays in the Jutland countryside.

Seasonal rhythms and practical details

Glad Zoo operates seasonally, typically opening from early spring to late autumn with hours that extend into the early evening in high summer. Days here tend to follow a gentle rhythm: quieter mornings, livelier midday periods when families arrive, and softer afternoons as visitors drift towards the café and playgrounds. Paths are mostly level and unhurried, though natural surfaces mean that very heavy rain can leave some areas soft underfoot. Dogs on leads are welcome, which adds to the casual, park‑like feel. With its compact size, family focus and relaxed rural atmosphere, the zoo is easiest to enjoy as a half‑day or leisurely day out rather than a packed, high‑intensity visit.