Poing Wildlife Park

Located near Munich in a picturesque corner of Germany, Poing Wildlife Park (Wildpark Poing) is a unique wildlife sanctuary. This is not just a zoo in the traditional sense, but a vast forest area of 570,000 square meters where conditions have been created for the inhabitants that are as close as possible to their natural environment. Here, you can immerse yourself in the world of wildlife and observe animals in their familiar surroundings while walking along a 4-kilometer trail.

The park specializes in the fauna of Central Europe, particularly Bavaria. During a walk along its shady paths, you will encounter red deer, wolves, lynx, brown bears, wild boars, and many species of birds. A special feature of the park is that many animals, such as fallow deer and mouflons, roam freely throughout the territory and fearlessly approach visitors in the hope of receiving a treat.

The park grounds consist of a dense, resinous forest that provides cool shade on a hot day and creates a special atmosphere of unity with nature. In addition to animal observation, spectacular bird of prey shows are held daily (except Fridays on non-public holidays), demonstrating the birds' hunting skills. For younger guests, there is a large playground and a petting zoo with domestic animals, making Poing Wildlife Park an ideal destination for family recreation.

To plan your visit, check ticket prices, the bird of prey show schedule, and other up-to-date information, it is recommended to visit the official Poing Wildlife Park website. All the main ways to contact the park administration are collected in the table below.

At Poing Wildlife Park, visitors can do more than just look at animals from afar—they can truly interact with them. Walking through the picturesque forest-park zone, you will encounter many inhabitants roaming freely. One of the main highlights is the opportunity to feed some of them. Special feed can be purchased at the ticket office, which brings great joy to both children and adults, allowing for a close connection with the friendly animals.

The park's main attraction, which draws large crowds, is the bird of prey show. These captivating demonstrations are held daily, except for certain holidays. On weekdays (Monday to Thursday), shows take place at 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM, and on weekends and holidays at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. During the demonstration, the birds show off their free flight, and notably, if they have no desire to return to their aviaries, they can remain free, which emphasizes the respectful treatment of animals in the park.

For children, the park has created an entire land of adventure—an impressive playground. It has everything for active recreation: slides of various steepness, climbing nets, water play areas, a pirate ship, and even a Western-style town. While the children are occupied with games and exploration, parents can relax comfortably in the nearby biergarten (beer garden), enjoying drinks while keeping an eye on their little ones.

Poing Wildlife Park is located in the suburb of the same name to the east of Munich, making it easily accessible for visitors by both public transport and private car. Thanks to convenient transport links, the journey from the city center won't take long, allowing you to quickly swap the hustle and bustle of the city for the tranquility of the wild.

The most convenient way to reach the park by public transport is to use the S-Bahn suburban train. You will need the S2 line, heading towards Erding or Markt Schwaben, to the "Poing" station. The journey from Munich's Ostbahnhof station takes about 20 minutes, and from the central Marienplatz square, it takes approximately 25–30 minutes. From the Poing station, the entrance to the wildlife park is a 20–25 minute walk. Alternatively, you can take local buses that stop closer to the park, such as the "Poing, Schwabener Straße" stop. It is recommended to check the current schedule on the Munich transport company's website before your trip.

If you are traveling by car, reaching the wildlife park is also straightforward. Follow the A94 motorway to the Poing exit. For navigation, use the address: Osterfeldweg 20, 85586 Poing. Parking for visitors is provided near the park. Alternatively, you can order a taxi or use ride-sharing services, which is especially convenient for families with small children or large groups.

The history of Poing Wildlife Park began in 1959 when it was founded as a private initiative. However, it only opened to visitors in 1970, after eleven years of meticulous preparation of the grounds. From the very beginning, its concept differed from traditional zoos: instead of cages and cramped enclosures, they created spacious conditions as close to natural as possible for the wildlife inhabitants. This idea formed the basis of the park's unique character.

Thanks to its location, Poing quickly gained popularity, becoming the closest rural wildlife park to Munich. For residents of the metropolis, it has become a favorite place for relaxation and connecting with nature. Since its opening, the park has established itself as one of the must-visit locations in the region, where whole families come to take a break from the city bustle and learn about the fauna of Germany.

The main fact defining the unique nature of the park is its philosophy—a focus on local animal species kept in conditions that mimic their natural habitat. This approach not only ensures the comfort of the animals themselves but also gives visitors the opportunity to observe them in a familiar environment. The success of this concept is confirmed by prestigious awards, including the Bavarian Medal for Environmental Protection, which highlights the park's importance in preserving the region's nature.

To fully enjoy your visit to Poing Wildlife Park and get to know all its inhabitants without rushing, it is recommended to plan for about 4 hours. This time is usually sufficient to leisurely walk through the entire park grounds, observe the animals in their spacious enclosures, and perhaps catch one of the spectacular bird of prey shows. Visitors note that this duration allows for a full immersion in the wildlife atmosphere near Munich.

If you are planning a trip with children, be prepared for the visit to take even longer. The park grounds in Germany feature a large playground that is extremely popular with young guests and can keep them occupied for a long time. Considering also the time spent feeding the animals—some of which can be found roaming freely along the paths—and a short break for a picnic, a stroll through Poing Wildlife Park can easily turn into an exciting half-day adventure.

Poing Wildlife Park welcomes guests every day of the week, as it is open to visitors year-round. Opening hours vary depending on the season. During the summer period, from April 1 to November 1, entry to the park is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. In the winter season, from November 2 to March 31, you can enter the grounds from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is important to note that these are the entry times; you can leave the park through a special turnstile later, up until dusk.

Advance ticket booking is not mandatory, as they can be purchased directly on-site at the ticket office. However, to save time and avoid queues, especially on weekends and holidays, the park administration recommends buying tickets in advance from the online shop on the official website. This is a convenient way to plan your visit and head straight out for a walk in this amazing corner of wildlife.

Visiting Poing Wildlife Park is a wonderful opportunity to experience the nature of Bavaria, but your journey through the Munich area doesn't have to end there. Exploring nearby attractions will allow you to dive deeper into the culture and diversity of this region of Germany and gain even more vivid impressions.

From exciting bird-of-prey demonstrations to modern shopping centers, there are interesting places for every taste near the park. This is a great chance to complement your day with new discoveries without straying far from your main route.