Skærup Zoo

Compact, family-run zoo on a Danish farm, where more than 100 species, rare animals and playful petting goats combine with playgrounds and picnic spots.

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Skærup Zoo

Skærup Zoo, just outside Børkop in East Jutland, is a compact, family-run zoo set on an old farm, home to more than 100 animal species. Here you can get unusually close to monkeys, jaguars, takins and many rare species not seen elsewhere in Denmark, then slow down at leafy picnic spots, playgrounds and a lively petting area with goats and sheep. It is an easy, low-stress half-day outing, especially suited to families with children.

A brief summary to Skærup Zoo

Søndermarksvej 102, Børkop, 7080, DK
+4527625382
Visit website
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Mid ranged
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

Plan 3–4 hours to see animals, use the playgrounds and enjoy a picnic; the zoo is compact but invites slow wandering and repeated loops.
Bring a packed lunch if you like simple picnics, then supplement with ice cream, coffee or light snacks from the on-site kiosk or café.
Budget extra for animal feed and any pony rides or special activities on weekends and holidays, as these are paid add-ons.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for farm-style paths that can be uneven or muddy after rain, especially around outdoor paddocks.
Leave dogs at your accommodation; pets are not permitted inside the zoo for animal welfare and safety reasons.

Getting There

Regional train and bus from Vejle

From Vejle, take a regional train towards Børkop or Fredericia and get off at Børkop station; the ride typically takes 8–12 minutes. From the station, use a local bus or taxi to reach the zoo area, which usually adds 10–20 minutes depending on schedule and traffic. A combined one-way journey by train and bus is commonly in the range of 40–70 DKK per adult, with departures running regularly throughout the day.
Car from Vejle and surrounding towns

Driving from Vejle centre to Skærup Zoo generally takes about 15–20 minutes, and from Fredericia around 20–25 minutes, using main regional roads through the countryside. There is on-site parking adjacent to the zoo, usually free of charge, but spaces closest to the entrance can fill on sunny weekends and school holidays, so arrive early in peak season.
Taxi from Børkop or Vejle

A taxi from Børkop to Skærup Zoo typically takes 10–15 minutes, while from Vejle the ride is usually 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Fares vary by company and time of day, but you can expect a one-way price in the region of 150–250 DKK from Børkop and 250–400 DKK from Vejle. Booking ahead is advisable on busy weekend afternoons or during school holidays.

Skærup Zoo location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Hot Weather

Discover more about Skærup Zoo

A countryside zoo on an old Danish farm

Skærup Zoo sits in gently rolling farmland outside Børkop, built around an old property called Kobbelvang. Rather than a grand avenue and monumental entrance, you arrive to a setting that feels almost rural and informal, with paddocks, barns and tree-lined paths fanning out from the central area. The scale is intimate; paths loop in short circuits, and you can comfortably traverse the grounds several times in one visit. The farm origins still shape the atmosphere. Low buildings and wooden fences give a sense of being on a working property rather than in a polished urban park. Sheltered corners, grassy lawns and hedgerows soften the layout, so even when the zoo is busy there are pockets that feel surprisingly calm. The result is a place that feels personal and approachable, more like a large country garden with animals than a conventional city zoo.

Animal encounters up close

For many visitors the standout feature here is how near you can be to the animals. Enclosures are designed so you can observe monkeys, predators and hoofed mammals from short distances, often at eye level. Jaguars prowl behind sturdy barriers, while smaller carnivores and primates move through spaces that bring them within clear view without the distraction of long sightlines. Skærup Zoo houses more than 100 species, including several that are hard to find elsewhere in Denmark. Takins from the eastern Himalayas graze in their paddock, and there is a changing cast of other unusual species that underline the zoo’s focus on diversity. The collection mixes classic zoo favourites with lesser-known animals, encouraging you to move slowly, read signs and compare behaviours rather than racing from star to star.

Playgrounds, petting animals and slow family time

Children are especially well catered for. Near the animal areas you find playgrounds suited to different ages, with climbing structures and space to burn off energy between enclosures. Their placement means adults can still glimpse nearby animals while kids play, keeping the zoo experience continuous rather than segmented. Close to the entrance, a petting zone brings you face to face with goats and sheep, which you can feed using special pellets bought on site. Hooves on wooden platforms, gentle bleats and the earthy smell of hay create a classic farmyard mood. On weekends, holidays and public holidays, extra activities such as pony rides or keeper-led presentations add structure to the day, turning a simple walk around the park into a fuller programme.

Food breaks and leafy corners to linger

Skærup Zoo is set up for long, relaxed pauses. Picnic tables are scattered throughout the grounds, often shaded by trees or tucked beside animal paddocks. You are welcome to bring your own food, and there is also a kiosk and small café area selling simple meals, snacks, drinks and ice cream. Many families base themselves at one table and radiate out on short animal-viewing forays. The overall pace is unhurried. Without long distances between exhibits, time naturally expands for observation: watching monkeys negotiate branches, jaguars settle into a patch of sun, or hoofed animals sharing a hayrack. It is easy to spend an hour simply alternating between a bench, an enclosure window and a playground without feeling you are missing anything essential.

Conservation, rarity and accessibility

Behind the informal feel lies a clear emphasis on animal care and awareness. A notable proportion of the collection consists of species not commonly seen in other Danish zoos, and the park participates in efforts to maintain populations of threatened animals. Informational boards next to many enclosures outline habitats, behaviours and conservation status in straightforward language. Accessibility is woven into the design: the paths are mostly level and suitable for wheelchairs and prams, and the zoo recognises companion cards for visitors who need assistance. Dogs are not allowed, protecting both animals and guests. With its modest size and clear routes, Skærup Zoo works well as a manageable half-day visit that leaves time for other East Jutland sights, while still offering enough layers of detail to reward a slower, more curious exploration.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Vejle Vindmølle

7.8 km

Historic windmill turned art gallery with panoramic city views and rotating contemporary exhibitions.

VisitVejle

8.3 km

Explore Andelstrappen and Fortællegyngestolen in Odense: A fusion of nature's beauty and rich literary heritage.

The Midgård Well

8.7 km

A coiled Norse serpent, a quiet city fountain and a whole mythic world wrapped into one small corner of central Vejle.

Fredericia Vold

12.9 km

Northern Europe's best-preserved fortress ramparts, where 370 years of Danish military history meets urban parkland.

Troldborg Ring

16.2 km

Iron Age refuge fortress on a wooded hilltop, where grassy ramparts, “Devil’s Valley” slopes and wide views over Vejle Ådal bring deep Danish history to life.

Kolding St.

17.8 km

The compact rail and bus hub that delivers you straight into Kolding’s mix of castle-topped history, cobbled streets and fjord-side modern design.

Milling Hotel Saxildhus

17.9 km

Neo-Gothic English church set by Copenhagen’s Churchill Park and Kastellet, famed for its stained-glass windows, flint architecture, and tranquil atmosphere.

Villa Gertrud - Bed & Breakfast

18.1 km

St Alban’s Church is Copenhagen’s only Anglican church—an elegant Neo-Gothic landmark in Churchill Park, celebrated for its English architectural charm and tranquil location.

Saint Nicolas Church

18.1 km

Kolding’s oldest church, where medieval roots, Renaissance artistry, and daily parish life meet under a red-brick neo‑Gothic tower.

Borchs Gård

18.2 km

A vividly painted Renaissance townhouse from 1595, Borchs Gård brings Kolding’s mercantile past to life on the edge of lively Akseltorv square.

Old Cemetery

18.6 km

Discover St Alban's Church, Copenhagen's striking English Gothic landmark, nestled by Kastellet and Churchill Park, uniting Nordic and British heritage in a serene riverside setting.

Saint Michaels Church

18.7 km

A modest 19th-century Catholic red-brick church in central Kolding, offering quiet reflection, intimate architecture and a glimpse of Denmark’s Catholic life.

Kolding Besættelsestidssamling

19.2 km

Baroque splendor and royal tradition meet at Fredensborg Palace, Denmark's living royal residence set amid magnificent gardens and lakeside landscapes.

Kolding Valgmenighed

20.2 km

Experience the serene beauty and cross-cultural history of St Alban’s Church—a Gothic Revival gem nestled next to Kastellet and Churchill Park in the heart of Copenhagen.

Gomonkey - Kolding

20.8 km

St Alban’s Church in Copenhagen blends English Gothic beauty, serene parkland, and a unique Anglo-Danish history—creating an evocative experience by the city’s lakes.

Unmissable attractions to see

Sønderskoven

6.7 km

Urban forest, nature playground and mountain bike hotspot on Vejle’s southern edge, offering easy everyday escapes, dog walks and family-friendly outdoor fun.

Albuen Strand

7.4 km

Sheltered city beach on Vejle Fjord, blending child‑friendly shallows, practical facilities and tranquil fjord views just moments from the heart of Vejle.

Skyttehus molen

7.5 km

A small pier on Vejle Fjord where Skyttehushaven’s lawns meet open water, offering quiet views, simple fjord access and a relaxed pause by the city’s shoreline.

Tyrelodspynten

7.6 km

Compact hilltop park and neighborhood viewpoint where Vejle, its valley and Vejle Fjord unfold in a broad panorama above the trees of Sønderskoven.

Vejle Havn Mole

7.7 km

A sleek fjordside pier framed by yachts, bold waterfront architecture and open sky, Vejle Havn Mole blends modern Danish design with calm, everyday harbor life.

Vejle Kunstforening

7.8 km

Contemporary art in a historic 19th‑century windmill, where changing exhibitions and intimate spaces bring Vejle’s creative scene into a unique circular gallery.

Skyttehushaven

7.8 km

Historic fjordside gardens turned modern playscape, where flowering lawns, concerts and a stone beach frame wide views of Vejle Fjord and the wave-shaped Bølgen.

Papegøjehuset

7.8 km

A modest but atmospheric roadside pause where Vejle’s forested slopes meet the calm waters of the fjord, ideal as a quiet stop on hikes and scenic drives.

Pedersholm

8.0 km

Historic manor and leafy woodland on the edge of Vejle, where quiet paths, old trees and a stately façade create a gentle green pause between town and countryside.

Hertjes Park

8.1 km

Encounter wild deer in a free forest sanctuary just minutes from Vejle's city center.

Deer Park Vejle

8.1 km

Walk freely among 2,000 wild deer in an ancient UNESCO forest where nature and history intertwine.

Kunsthal Vejle

8.3 km

Artist-run contemporary art on Banegårdspladsen, transforming Vejle’s busy station square into a free, around-the-clock urban gallery for local and international voices.

Gorilla Park Vejle

8.3 km

Tree-to-tree obstacle courses, sweeping zip lines and a giant forest swing turn Nørreskoven’s canopy into an adrenaline-fuelled playground near Vejle.

Økolariet

8.3 km

Hands‑on climate, nature and sustainability center in central Vejle, with immersive exhibits, a rooftop garden and free admission for all ages.

Anno Dom 1913

8.4 km

Compact yet characterful, Anno Dom 1913 is Vejle’s early 20th‑century fountain monument anchoring historic Kirketorvet with stone, water, and quiet civic pride.

Essential places to dine

Treetop Restaurant

5.6 km

Fine Nordic dining in a glass-walled woodland pavilion above Vejle Fjord, where local produce, open fire and forest views turn dinner into a nature-framed occasion.

Restaurant ved Åen

7.8 km

Cosy Danish lunch restaurant in central Vejle, pairing classic smørrebrød and hearty frokostretter with an inviting covered terrace right beside the river.

Restaurant Lyst

7.8 km

Avant-garde Nordic tasting menus in Olafur Eliasson’s Fjordenhus, where local ingredients, waterways and architecture merge into a single immersive dining experience.

Skyttehuset

7.9 km

A light-filled fjordside restaurant and event house in Vejle, where classic Danish lunch meets scenic gardens, forest edges and wide views over Vejle Fjord.

Restaurant Remouladen

7.9 km

Refined Nordic cuisine by the harbour, where Danish ingredients and fine craftsmanship create unforgettable meals.

Restaurant Flammen

8.0 km

All-you-can-eat grill buffet with 15 meats and 50 salads in a warmly decorated Vejle institution since 2011.

Cafe Vivaldi Vejle

8.3 km

Lively riverside café in central Vejle, serving generous brunches, pizzas and casual classics from late morning to evening in bright, modern surroundings.

Restaurant Toscana v/Araz Tofek

8.3 km

Bright Italian dining in Vejle's central square with Mediterranean cuisine and curated wines.

Cafe Velvet

8.3 km

Casual, all-day café in the heart of Vejle, known for generous brunch plates, comfort-food classics and a relaxed, central meeting-point atmosphere.

Bistecca

8.4 km

Modern Italian bistro and steakhouse in Vejle’s ToRVEhallerne, pairing fresh pasta, dry-aged steaks and a whisky bar in a stylish, lounge-like setting.

Jacobsen - Danish Eating House

8.4 km

Hearty Danish classics with a modern twist, served in a historic 1848 townhouse on Vejle’s church square with cosy dining rooms and extensive take-away.

OASIA - sushi & wok

8.4 km

Fresh-made sushi and wok cuisine in central Vejle's premier hotel dining destination.

Nara Sushi

8.4 km

Casual all‑you‑can‑eat sushi on Dæmningen in central Vejle, with tablet ordering, plenty of seating over two floors and a broad menu of rolls, skewers and warm bites.

No 14 Vinbar

8.5 km

Spanish wines and tapas in an intimate historic courtyard setting, where expertise meets warmth.

Madindustrien

8.5 km

Seasonal Danish cooking and “honest meals” served in a cosy courtyard restaurant that doubles as a relaxed banquet venue in the heart of Vejle.

Central Vejle’s go-to women’s fashion store for trend-focused denim, dresses and everyday styles in a bright, modern high-street setting.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Vores Bar

6.0 km

Down-to-earth neighborhood pub in Vindinggård Center, where darts, billiards and cold beer bring Vejle locals together in a simple, social setting.

Klausen Bar

7.9 km

Unpretentious Danish bodega-style bar in central Vejle, offering inexpensive drinks, karaoke nights and a cosy local atmosphere from noon till late on select days.

Lumskebugten Vejle

8.2 km

Authentic Danish bodega where maritime charm, live music, and genuine hospitality create unforgettable evenings.

Lucky's Sports-bar

8.2 km

Lively sports hub in central Vejle, blending big-screen action, shuffleboard and arcade fun with a relaxed pub atmosphere and late-night bar energy.

Sømærket v/Margit Østergaard Nielsen

8.3 km

Smoky, old-school brown bar by Vejle’s harbor, pouring inexpensive beers in a lively, no-frills atmosphere that feels more local living room than lounge.

Zwei Grosse Bier Bar Vejle A/S

8.4 km

High-energy Alpine after-ski bar in the heart of Vejle, serving big beers, loud party hits and late-night antics on Dæmningen’s busy nightlife strip.

BarMix Vejle

8.4 km

Late‑night energy, chart hits and a mature party crowd in the heart of Vejle’s nightlife strip on Dæmningen.

Tartan Pub

8.4 km

Vejle's legendary Scottish pub since 1975—dance, drink, and connect in authentic Celtic charm.

The Old Irish Pub

8.5 km

Lively Irish-themed bar and late-night discotheque bringing music, pints and party vibes to central Vejle’s Dæmningen street.

Mi Bar

8.5 km

Vejle's premier cocktail bar crafting quality drinks in a welcoming weekend atmosphere.

The Knee-high bar

8.5 km

Vejle's beloved underground bar where low ceilings and high spirits create unforgettable nights.

Charly's Pub

8.5 km

Cozy, live-music–driven pub in the heart of Vejle, pouring special beers and cocktails for an adult crowd in a relaxed, late-opening, party-friendly setting.

The Cat And Barrel

8.7 km

A warmly lit craft beer pub in central Vejle, blending British-style coziness, Danish microbrews, sports on screen and lively quiz and karaoke nights.

Ølstuen

8.8 km

Authentic Danish pub where locals gather for affordable beer, genuine conversation, and timeless community spirit.

Marys Pub

8.9 km

Cosy, no-frills neighbourhood pub in central Vejle, pouring affordable beers and easygoing Danish hospitality from late morning until late at night.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

NOX Network Ltd.

4.3 km

Small-city Danish nightclub in Vejle with a central dance floor, upbeat chart music, and a straightforward, late-night party atmosphere.

temabar APS 23-05

8.5 km

Tropical vibes and late-night dancing in Vejle's energetic weekend hotspot.

Tucan Swinger & wellness Club

9.0 km

Adults-only swinger and wellness retreat in rural Jutland, blending erotic exploration, spa comforts and themed rooms in a discreet, rules-based environment.

AHA Livestage

13.4 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.

Pitstop

17.9 km

Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.

Mørks Kælder

18.0 km

Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.

Discoteque Tordenskiold

18.1 km

Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.

Koldingtivet Engen

18.3 km

Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.

Horsens New Style Dance Club

24.3 km

Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.

Fishi

27.2 km

Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.

PDD

28.7 km

Compact, no-frills nightclub on Lindvigsvej in Horsens, offering late-night dancing, simple drinks and an intimate, local-party atmosphere on weekends.

Oskar hossman

29.3 km

Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Horsens, where pulsing beats, colourful lights and a sociable crowd define the city’s after-hours heartbeat.

Sölibat Natklub

29.7 km

Late-night, no-frills clubbing in central Horsens, where loud music, simple drinks and a compact dance floor create an unapologetically local party vibe.

Scandic Opus Horsens

30.8 km

A contemporary Scandinavian hotel in Horsens with spa, dining, and panoramic city-to-nature views—an elegant gateway to both urban and outdoor experiences.

Crazy Daisy Vejen

33.9 km

High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover Skærup Zoo with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Skærup Zoo

A brief summary to Skærup Zoo

Local tips

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

Getting There

Regional train and bus from Vejle

Car from Vejle and surrounding towns

Taxi from Børkop or Vejle

Skærup Zoo location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Skærup Zoo

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Skærup Zoo

A countryside zoo on an old Danish farm

Animal encounters up close

Playgrounds, petting animals and slow family time

Food breaks and leafy corners to linger

Conservation, rarity and accessibility

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Vejle Vindmølle

VisitVejle

The Midgård Well

Fredericia Vold

Troldborg Ring

Kolding St.

Milling Hotel Saxildhus

Villa Gertrud - Bed & Breakfast

Saint Nicolas Church

Borchs Gård

Old Cemetery

Saint Michaels Church

Kolding Besættelsestidssamling

Kolding Valgmenighed

Gomonkey - Kolding

Unmissable attractions to see

Sønderskoven

Albuen Strand

Skyttehus molen

Tyrelodspynten

Vejle Havn Mole

Vejle Kunstforening

Skyttehushaven

Papegøjehuset

Pedersholm

Hertjes Park

Deer Park Vejle

Kunsthal Vejle

Gorilla Park Vejle

Økolariet

Anno Dom 1913

Essential places to dine

Treetop Restaurant

Restaurant ved Åen

Restaurant Lyst

Skyttehuset

Restaurant Remouladen

Restaurant Flammen

Cafe Vivaldi Vejle

Restaurant Toscana v/Araz Tofek

Cafe Velvet

Bistecca

Jacobsen - Danish Eating House

OASIA - sushi & wok

Nara Sushi

No 14 Vinbar

Madindustrien

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

dansk Vejle

Gourmet Outlet

Bryggen

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Kop & Kande

Kas'mir Vejle

Normal

Søstrene Grene, Vejle

Gavehuset/Per Dam Nielsen

Fair Trade Butik Salam

Noa Noa

The Body Shop