The Berlin Zoo (in German: Zoologischer Garten Berlin) is the oldest zoo in Germany, its origins dating back to 1844. The first animals appeared in the garden thanks to the generosity of King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia.
Located in the Tiergarten Park, the zoo attracts 3 million visitors every year to see the giant panda and other animals. The Berlin Zoo is distinguished by its multitude of different animal species, some of which are rarely seen when visiting other European zoos. More than 19,000 animals live here and in the adjoining aquarium, including some 1,400 species.
The Berlin Zoo is divided into 3 areas.
- the main area where most of the enclosures are located
- a small area on the other side of the Landwehrkanal, which can be reached by a small bridge,
- the aquarium.
You should allow at least 3 to 5 hours for your visit to the zoo. You can enter the zoo through two gates: Löwentor (lion gate) and Elefantentor (elephant gate).
We will not always be able to see all the animals. They can hide and camouflage easily. If you like a particular species, it is worth coming back to the next part of the day, perhaps you will stumble upon your favorite animal.
The multitude of animal species at Berlin Zoo makes it hard to get bored. The rare giant panda, elephants, rhinos, bears, hundreds of birds and monkeys.
Birds
Berlin Zoo is home to many rare and exotic bird species. The most interesting specimens can be found in the special pavilion “World of Birds”. It is divided into sections: Africa, Australia, Asia and free flight, where we can walk ourselves among the small birds.
Aquarium
An independent part of the Berlin Zoo is the three-story aquarium, which is subject to a separate ticket. The ticket can be bought together with the zoo ticket or directly at the aquarium ticket office. Just remember that when you leave the aquarium building, you must return to the zoo and not leave the park.
The aquarium itself is definitely worth a visit and we can easily spend up to 90 minutes there. The term aquarium, by the way, is not very accurate: the marine creatures (fish, jellyfish and other underwater creatures) occupy only the first floor, while the next two floors are filled with animals that in other zoos would occupy their own pavilions.
On the upper floors we will see, among others, crocodiles, snakes, frogs and various species of worms.
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How to get to the zoo
The Berlin Zoo is open all week, but the opening hours are reduced during the winter season. It is best to check the official website for opening days and times. The ticket office opens at 9 am, just like the zoo. In high season, the zoo closes around 6:00 pm 6:30 pm, in low season at 4:30 pm.
If you want to avoid waiting in line to buy your ticket, you can do it online in advance on the zoo’s website. When purchasing your ticket, ask yourself if you would prefer to enter only the zoo or also the aquarium, as there is a combined ticket option.
Entrance fee: adult (+ 16 years): 17,50 €, child: 9 €, children under 4 years free
Entrance fee with admission to the aquarium: adult (+ 16 years): € 23.50, child: € 12
https://www.zoo-berlin.de/
Hardenbergplatz 8, 10787 Berlin
https://g.page/zoo-berlin-1844
