Tiergehege am Gifizsee

Imagine a cozy green oasis where the silence is broken only by the bleating of goats and the rustling of leaves. The Gifiz Animal Enclosure is a municipal mini-zoo in the city of Offenburg, which occupies an impressive area of 10,500 square meters. This location in Germany has long been a favorite spot for family walks thanks to its warm atmosphere and the opportunity to see farm animals in a natural environment.

Animal Enclosure at Gifiz Lake. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The facility is home to more than 50 residents, including Scottish Galloway cattle, donkeys, Merino sheep, and playful pygmy goats. The animals are kept in spacious open enclosures surrounded by fruit trees and vibrant flowers. The main feature of this place is its accessibility and openness: entry is absolutely free all year round.

Visitors value this corner for the chance to escape the city bustle while walking along well-kept paths next to the sparkling surface of the lake. It is not just a zoo, but an important community space that maintains traditions of eco-friendly farming and respect for nature.

If you need to clarify information before your visit or contact the administration, you can use the following contact details:

Please note that it is best to check the official website of the city's technical services for the most up-to-date information before your trip.

The main entertainment here is, of course, observing the lives of the residents. You can see Galloway cattle strolling gracefully or watch Miniature Shetland ponies at play. The enclosures with pygmy goats are particularly fun, as they are always happy to receive attention from visitors. If you're lucky, you might catch the feeding process or animal care in action, such as sheep shearing or pony hoof cleaning.

For those who prefer a quiet rest, the enclosure offers excellent conditions for picnics on the grass and slow walks under the shade of the trees. The fresh air and proximity to the water create ideal conditions for relaxation. Children will be delighted by the chance to see newborn lambs or donkey foals, which often appear here in the spring.

Those wishing to make a contribution can consider animal sponsorship. For a small annual fee, you will receive a nameplate by your ward's enclosure and an official certificate. This is a great way to feel involved in the life of this wonderful natural corner and to support local farmers in their hard work.

Getting to this natural spot is easy. The Gifiz Animal Enclosure is located in the Uffhofen district at Platanenallee, 77656 Offenburg. If you plan to travel by car, the drive from the city center takes just a few minutes, and free parking is provided right at the entrance.

For those who prefer public transport, city buses serving the Uffhofen district are a good option. You can also take a taxi or enjoy a pleasant bike ride from the city center through the green belts. The entire site is fully accessible for people with disabilities and visitors with strollers.

This place has a rich history: the Gifiz Animal Enclosure has been delighting residents and guests for more than 40 years. Interestingly, the first enclosures and stables were built through the joint efforts of city services and members of the Christian Youth Village. Today, the facility is carefully maintained by the Technical Services of Offenburg (TBO).

A special role in the life of the enclosure is played by the keeper Fritz Hartmann, who has dedicated three decades to caring for the local residents. Thanks to his work, the animals feel right at home here. For example, Boer goats, originally from South Africa, live perfectly alongside Scottish cattle, creating a unique ecosystem right within the city limits.

In recent years, an active sponsorship program has been developed, allowing anyone to contribute to the care of the animals. This helps cover the significant costs of feed and annual infrastructure repairs, keeping the enclosure a free public space. The animals here are accustomed to people and often become the stars of family photo shoots.

For a thorough tour of all the enclosures and getting to know the inhabitants, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. This is enough time to stroll leisurely along the paths, take photos, and admire the views of the water.

If you are visiting with the whole family or plan to have a small picnic on the shore, it is worth setting aside about 3 hours. The surroundings of Lake Gifiz are perfect for a long rest, so many guests prefer to spend half a day here, combining a visit to the animals with active outdoor games.

The territory around the lake and the outdoor observation zones are accessible for visiting at almost any time. However, for those who want to catch the staff and get official information, specific hours apply: from Monday to Thursday, the enclosure is open from 08:00 to 16:00 (with a short break at midday), and on Friday until 13:00.

On weekends, official services may not be working, but the area itself remains open for walks. It is recommended to check the schedule on the official website before your visit, as opening hours may change depending on the season or maintenance work.

After a stroll by the lake and meeting the animals, you can continue exploring the city. The surrounding area offers many interesting locations, from historical monuments to modern leisure complexes, which will harmoniously complement your Offenburg itinerary.

A walk to the historic city center takes about 20–25 minutes, where you can find cozy cafes and shops.