Schoenbrunn zoo Vienna – Info & tickets

A visit to this zoo, which was built in 1752 and is therefore the oldest in the world, should not be missed on any trip to Vienna. With its 700 different animal species - including giant pandas, koalas, elephants and lions - a trip to Schönbrunn Zoo is an experience for the whole family. By being embedded in the historical ambience of the Schönbrunn Palace Park, the zoo shows the most modern animal husbandry and provides exceptional insights into the animal world.

How to visit Schoenbrunn Zoo

Visitors can enter Schoenbrunn Zoo with regular tickets or use the Vienna PASS, FLEXI Pass, or Vienna City Card. These passes offer free admission or attractive discounts and allow for a flexible visit without long waiting times.

Schoenbrunn Zoo Opening Hours:

Open daily from 9:00 AM – 365 days a year, including public holidays. Closing times vary seasonally between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM. Ticket offices close 30 minutes before the zoo closes.

What to see at Schoenbrunn Zoo

Panoramabahn – Ride through the Schoenbrunn Palace Gardens

Hop on the sightseeing train that goes through Schönbrunn grounds and up to the Gloriette Hill for a stress-free sightseeing experience. This small train is a great way to get around the vast estate and park and to discover everything there is to see from the seat of your carriage. With nine stops including the Zoo, Obelisk Fountain and Hietzinger Gate you can see everything Schönbrunn has to offer!

Tirolerhof – Farm Experience in the Palace Grounds

Located at the edge of the zoo, the Tirolerhof features a historic farmstead that houses rare and endangered domestic animal breeds. It’s easily accessible via the Transfer-Bahn from the Elephant House. This small train helps visitors overcome the steep climb and is especially convenient for families with strollers. The route also passes by the enclosure of the highly endangered northern bald ibis.

Animal Highlights at Schoenbrunn Zoo

Inside the zoo, you’ll discover over 700 animal species, including fascinating and rare creatures:

•     Giant pandas, a favorite among visitors
•     Elephants in spacious, naturalistic enclosures
•     Polar bears in authentically designed habitats
•     Big cats like lions and tigers roaming their majestic territories
•     Aquariums and tropical houses with exotic fish, reptiles, and amphibians

Attractions in the Schönbrunn Zoo

Rainforest House

The Rainforest House opened for the 250th anniversary of the zoo and within the huge glass house, you’re immersed in the dense, jungle-like habitat of the rainforest as the skies rumble overhead with threatening storms; It provides the complete experience with a wide range of animals and birds to discover; from otters to Asian fairy-bluebirds, dark tiger pythons and plenty of creepy crawlies. If you’re brave enough there’s even a dark bat cave to immerse yourself in, to learn about these nocturnal mammals.

Orang.erie

This world-class orang-utan home is a great exhibit of our fellow mammals. Watch the apes swing from branch to branch up to 11m high as they enjoy their near-natural habitat. Visitors can take their experience to another level if they dine in the adjoining coffee shop where they can overlook the enclosure as if they were really in there with them!

Nature Experience Trail

The Nature Experience Trail is a must-do on your visit to Vienna’s zoo. Allowing you to explore the lush grounds of Schönbrunn Palace, the trail takes you through the park’s natural wildlife, up a tree-top walk for a totally unique perspective at 10m high, and down below passing ponds full of trout, carp and pike. Keep your eyes peeled for woodpeckers and don’t miss the terrariums; home to salamanders, cross adders and even some of Austria’s most poisonous snakes!

Desert Experience House

This exotic botanical 'hot house' was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I to contain his specimens and plants from South Africa and Australia. Its architecture is fin de siecle art nouveau style, but inside this 1904 desert greenhouse is divided into different arid areas like Madagascar and deserts of the Old and New Worlds for a truly authentic desert experience.

This combination of diverse attractions in the park and rich biodiversity in the zoo makes for an unforgettable visit.

Getting to Schoenbrunn Zoo 

Thanks to its central location in the Schoenbrunn Palace park, the zoo is easy to reach:

•     By U-Bahn (underground) line U4, stop “Schönbrunn” – just a short walk to the entrance
•     With the yellow HOP ON HOP OFF buses from Vienna Sightseeing Tours
•     On foot, by tram, or by bike

Tip: With the Vienna City Card, you can travel around Vienna conveniently and affordably using all public transport – making your journey to the zoo even easier.