Copenhagen Zoo

Copenhagen Zoo is one of the oldest and most visited attractions not only in Copenhagen but in all of Denmark. Founded in 1859 by ornithologist Niels Kjærbølling, this zoological garden has a rich history and today is home to more than 4,000 animals from around the world. Situated between the picturesque Frederiksberg and Søndermarken parks, it is a true green oasis, popular with both tourists and locals.

The zoo is famous for its focus on creating conditions that as closely as possible resemble the animals' natural habitats. Here, you can embark on a journey across different continents: from the African savannah with giraffes and rhinos to the "Arctic Ring," where you can watch polar bears through an underwater tunnel. Additionally, the zoo is known for its architectural landmarks, such as the modern elephant pavilion and the panda house, designed by renowned architects.

One of the zoo's iconic features is the 43-meter wooden observation tower, built in 1905. Climbing it, visitors can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the parks and the city's rooftops. This place offers more than just animal observation; it provides a complete leisure experience for the whole family, including children's play areas and cozy cafes.

Thanks to its rich animal collection, historical significance, and beautiful grounds, Copenhagen Zoo remains a must-see on the itinerary of anyone visiting the Danish capital who is interested in the world of wildlife.

When planning a visit to Copenhagen Zoo, it is useful to have current contact details at hand to check opening hours or other details. All the necessary information for contacting the zoo administration is provided below.

To get the most out of your visit to Copenhagen Zoo, it is worth planning your day in advance. Start your journey by exploring the themed zones: head to the "African savannah" to see giraffes and rhinos, and then immerse yourself in the world of the "Arctic Ring." Here, you can watch polar bears playing through a unique underwater tunnel. Don't miss a visit to the famous giant pandas, for whom a separate pavilion has been created.

Make your visit more interactive by taking part in one of the educational programs or guided tours. Be sure to check the schedule to catch the demonstration feedings of animals like chimpanzees, hippos, or polar bears. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the habits of the zoo's inhabitants from their keepers. If you are traveling with children, stop by the Children’s Zoo (Børnezoo), where little ones can pet and interact with domestic animals like goats.

Don't forget to climb the historic 43-meter observation tower — it offers a magnificent panoramic view of the zoo itself and the surrounding parks. For rest and a snack, there are several cafes and snack bars on the grounds where you can recharge. After a busy day at the zoo, it’s nice to take a stroll through the picturesque Frederiksberg and Søndermarken parks located right next door.

Getting to Copenhagen Zoo is quite easy thanks to the city's well-developed public transport system. This is one of the most convenient and popular ways. Bus route 7A stops right at the main entrance of the zoo, while route 4A stops at the nearest intersection, just a stone's throw from the entrance. You can also use the metro: the nearest stations are Fasanvej (lines M1, M2) and Frederiksberg Allé (line M3), from which you can walk for about 15-20 minutes or change to a bus.

If you prefer traveling by rail, the nearest S-train station is Valby. From there, the zoo is about a 15-minute walk, where you can enjoy views of the Frederiksberg district. This walk can be a pleasant part of your day in its own right. For those who enjoy active recreation, cycling is an excellent option — there are numerous bicycle parking facilities near the entrance.

For those who value comfort and are traveling with family or a large group, a taxi is always an option. The ride from the center of Copenhagen takes just a few minutes. If you are traveling by car, the zoo is located at Roskildevej 32, and there are several parking areas nearby.

The history of Copenhagen Zoo dates back to 1859, when it was founded by ornithologist Niels Kjærbølling. This makes it one of the oldest zoological gardens in Europe. In its early years, the zoo sought to present as wide a variety of animals as possible to visitors. However, over time, the policy changed: the main focus shifted to creating high-quality, spacious living conditions for the inhabitants, which has become a priority for this famous zoo in Denmark.

The zoo's history also contains some unusual chapters that reflect the spirit of their era. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, as in some other European zoos, exhibitions were held here demonstrating the daily life of people from different cultures. For example, in 1901, visitors could observe the daily life of a group of Indians for whom special dwellings had been built. Such events seem controversial today, but they are an integral part of the past of Copenhagen Zoo.

Among the zoo's many inhabitants, there have been some real record-breakers. One of the most notable long-livers was a male slow worm — a small legless lizard. It lived in captivity for a total of 54 years, from 1892 to 1946, which is an absolute record for the lifespan of lizards. This amazing fact highlights the long traditions of animal care that exist at Copenhagen Zoo.

To fully experience Copenhagen Zoo, it is recommended to allocate between four and six hours. This time is usually enough to leisurely explore the entire grounds, see the main exhibits, and enjoy the atmosphere of this green oasis in Copenhagen. In half a day, you can visit both the open-air enclosures and indoor pavilions without feeling rushed.

This amount of time will allow you not only to observe the lives of more than 4,000 animals but also to appreciate unique architectural solutions, such as the Elephant House and the giant panda pavilion. Additionally, keep in mind that the duration of your visit may vary depending on your interests. If you plan to attend demonstration feedings, listen to keeper talks, or climb the historic observation tower, it is better to set aside an extra hour. Families with children may also need more time to visit the play and petting areas.

Copenhagen Zoo is open to visitors all year round, but its opening hours may vary depending on the season. Generally, the zoo is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but during the summer months and school holidays, the closing time may be extended to 6:00 PM or even 8:00 PM. Given this flexibility, it is highly recommended to check current information on opening hours on the zoo's official website just before your visit.

To avoid queues, especially during the peak tourist season or on weekends, it is sensible to buy tickets online in advance. This will allow you to go straight to the entrance and save time for exploring the wonderful world of animals at one of Europe's oldest zoos. Special reservations for individual visits are not usually required, but purchasing a ticket online will make your visit to the Copenhagen Zoo more comfortable.

Visiting Copenhagen Zoo is an exciting adventure in itself, but exploring the surrounding area can make your day even more fulfilling and interesting. The zoo is located in the vibrant and attraction-rich district of Frederiksberg, making it easy to combine a visit to the animal world with exploring other iconic landmarks of Copenhagen.

A walk through the nearby parks, visiting museums, or relaxing in one of the local cafes will give you a fuller picture of life in this part of the Danish capital. Below is a list of interesting places located in the immediate vicinity of the zoo that can complement your itinerary.