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Hellabrunn Zoo Munich

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Hellabrunn Zoo Munich (Germany)

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Hellabrunn Zoo in Munich was founded in 1911 and is considered the world's first 'Geo-Zoo'. In the extensive park grounds on the banks of the Isar, animals are housed according to their continents of origin to replicate natural communities. The facility covers 40 hectares within the Isarauen landscape conservation area and is characterized by its old growth of trees. The historic elephant house from 1914, with its striking dome, is a protected architectural monument and has been extensively renovated. Hellabrunn is heavily involved in species conservation and is known for its successful breeding of Przewalski's horses. Visitors can explore various parts of the world, such as Africa or the polar regions, on circular paths while enjoying animal observations in a park-like atmosphere. The combination of historic architecture and a modern zoological concept makes the zoo one of Bavaria's most popular excursion destinations.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-10481317181813940
Rain mm7659696812313713413992776267

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Hellabrunn Zoo in Munich is a sprawling geo-zoo that is entirely walkable. Animals are housed in enclosures arranged by continent.
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Typical hours
The zoo is typically open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, winter 9 am to 5 pm. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the zoo, flash is not allowed in indoor areas. The naturalistic enclosures provide great shots without distracting bars.
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Time needed
A visit takes on average three to five hours. If you want to see all enclosures and the Polarium, plan a full day.
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Combine with
Combine your zoo visit with nearby Hellabrunn Animal Park or the Munich Botanical Garden. Nymphenburg Palace and the English Garden are also not far.
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Getting there
The zoo is located in Munich's Thalkirchen district, well reachable by U-Bahn (U3, Thalkirchen station) or bus. Paid parking is available.
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Insider tip
Visit the zoo in the morning when animals are most active. An audio guide provides interesting background information about each enclosure.

Geography

Coordinates
48.09390, 11.54980

Facts

  • Founded on August 1, 1911.
  • The world's first Geo-Zoo since 1928.
  • The elephant house features a self-supporting concrete dome.
  • Houses approximately 18,500 animals across 740 species.
  • Located entirely within the Isarauen landscape conservation area.
  • Successful breeding station for Przewalski's horses.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Deutsches Museum MunichDeutsches Museum Munich5 km · NEExplore →
📍Berg am Laim7 km · NEExplore →
Munich – BMW & SiemensMunich – BMW & Siemens7 km · NEExplore →
Nymphenburg PalaceNymphenburg Palace8 km · NWExplore →
Munich Olympic ParkMunich Olympic Park9 km · NExplore →
📍Haar14 km · EExplore →
📍Germering14 km · WExplore →
Allianz ArenaAllianz Arena15 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Hellabrunn Zoo Munich (10)

Steg an der Marienklause

Narrow footbridge over the Isar river near Marienklause, offering views of the water and floodplain.

♿

Marienklause

Church building in Munich, Upper Bavaria, Germany. Small sacred structure by the Isar river.

Hellabrunn Arena

Open area in Hellabrunn Zoo, used for events and animal presentations.

Tierpark Hellabrunn

Zoo in Munich, organized by continent, featuring hippos and polar bears.

🕒 Apr-Oct: 09:00-18:00; Nov-Mar: 09:00-17:00♿💶

Geschützte Pflanzen

Section in the zoo with rare and protected plant species, providing information on conservation.

Wallfahrtskirche St. Anna

Pilgrimage church in Harlaching, Munich, baroque building with an onion dome tower.

Isarsurfer

Standing wave in the Isar river, popular with surfers and spectators on the bank.

Gierlinger Park🌳 park

Park in Thalkirchen-Obersendling-Forstenried-Fürstenried-Solln, green space with old trees.

Giraffengehege

Viewpoint in Hellabrunn Zoo overlooking the giraffe enclosure and the animals.

Thalkirchner Brücke

Bridge in Munich, crossing the Isar river, connecting Thalkirchen and Sendling districts.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Geo-Zoo concept?
In Hellabrunn, animals are arranged by their home continents rather than by species.
Where is the zoo located in Munich?
It is located in the Isar floodplains nature reserve in the Thalkirchen district.
How much time should I plan for the visit?
You should plan at least 4 hours to explore the extensive park grounds at a relaxed pace.
Is there parking available on site?
There are two large parking lots (P1 at the Isar entrance, P2 at the Flamingo entrance), but they are paid.
Is picnicking allowed in the zoo?
Yes, there are numerous designated areas and lawns where you can consume your own food.
Hellabrunn Zoo Munich: where is it located?
Hellabrunn Zoo Munich is located in Bavaria, Germany.
Hellabrunn Zoo Munich: what is there to see?
Highlights include Steg an der Marienklause, Marienklause, Hellabrunn Arena.
Hellabrunn Zoo Munich: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Hellabrunn Zoo Munich: why is it worth visiting?
Hellabrunn Zoo in Munich was founded in 1911 and is considered the world's first 'Geo-Zoo'.
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