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Weltvogelpark Walsrode
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Animal habitat
The Weltvogelpark Walsrode in the Lüneburg Heath is the largest bird park in the world, both in terms of species diversity and its 24-hectare area. Founded in 1962, it is currently home to approximately 4,000 birds from over 650 different species across all continents. The facility is renowned for its spacious free-flight halls, walk-through enclosures, and botanically elaborate park landscape featuring thousands of flowers and shrubs. Highlights include daily flight shows on one of Europe's largest open-air stages, as well as penguin and pelican feedings. Beyond showcasing birds, the park is actively involved in international breeding programs for endangered species and environmental education. Weltvogelpark serves as an internationally significant center for ornithology and is a popular destination for nature observers and families.
- Location: Lower Saxony, Germany
- Top sights: Walsrode Bird Park · Bockwindmühle · St. Maria vom heiligen Rosenkranz
- Nearby: Bad Fallingbostel (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 72 | 54 | 51 | 40 | 57 | 66 | 82 | 71 | 56 | 63 | 64 | 71 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
From April to October the bird park gives the full experience with most walk-through aviaries and shows. In winter, many tropical bird houses are open, but outdoor areas are limited.
Best time of day
The early morning after opening is good, as birds are most active with singing and feeding. Feeding shows usually take place in the morning - exact times are posted on site.
Etiquette
Do not feed the birds with outside food - this may cause digestive issues. Stay on paths and do not enter restricted areas to avoid disturbing the animals.
What to bring
Binoculars with good magnification are highly recommended for spotting small or distant bird species in the large aviaries. Comfortable shoes are important as the park covers a large area with many walking paths.
Getting there
Weltvogelpark is located near Walsrode in Lower Saxony, about 60 km north of Hanover. By car it is accessible via the A27 motorway; there is a large car park. Train to Walsrode then bus is also possible.
What to expect
The park is huge - plan at least four to six hours to see everything, and use the route maps at the entrance. Birds in walk-through aviaries can be shy - quiet behaviour and patience yield the best sightings.
Geography
Facts
- Largest bird park in the world covering 24 hectares
- Founded in 1962 by the merchant Fritz Geschke
- Home to approx. 4,000 birds from more than 650 species
- The flight show arena has a capacity for 5,000 spectators
- Maintains one of the world's largest collections of rare birds
- Features an interactive learning center for environmental education
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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 Weltvogelpark Walsrode (9)
Heidemuseum Rischmannshof🏛 museum
Heidemuseum Rischmannshof is an open-air museum in Walsrode.
🌐 heidemuseum-walsrode.de🕒 We-Sa 10:00-12:30, 13:00-17:00; Su, PH 13:00-17:00
St. Johannis-der-Täufer
St. Johannis-der-Täufer is a church in Walsrode, Germany.
Walsrode Abbey⛪ monastery
The monastery grounds are open daily until 6:00 pm (in winter until dusk).
Hünenburg
Hünenburg is a former castle near Walsrode, Germany.
Hügelgräberfeld Lohheide
Hügelgräberfeld Lohheide is a prehistoric burial site in the municipality of Walsrode.
Bismarckdenkmal Walsrode
A massive fire column Bismarck monument, part of the Bismarck monuments built between 1898 and 1914.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How large is the Walsrode World Bird Park?
At 24 hectares, it is the largest bird park in the world.
When do the flight shows take place?
Shows usually take place twice daily; times are posted at the entrance.
Are there other animals too?
The focus is almost exclusively on birds, but there are some kangaroos.
Is the park accessible?
Yes, almost all paths and halls are easily accessible for wheelchairs.
Do tickets need to be bought in advance?
Not mandatory, but online tickets are often cheaper and save waiting time.
Weltvogelpark Walsrode: where is it located?
Weltvogelpark Walsrode is located in Lower Saxony, Germany.
Weltvogelpark Walsrode: what is there to see?
Highlights include Walsrode Bird Park, Bockwindmühle, St. Maria vom heiligen Rosenkranz.
Weltvogelpark Walsrode: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Weltvogelpark Walsrode: why is it worth visiting?
The Weltvogelpark Walsrode in the Lüneburg Heath is the largest bird park in the world, both in terms of species diversity and its 24-hectare area.
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