Hellabrunn Zoo

Tierpark Hellabrunn in the Thalkirchen district ranks among Europe's most historically significant zoos and is known far beyond Munich for its pioneering design concept. Set on an expansive site directly along the Isar river, visitors encounter animals from every continent in naturalistic enclosures - a destination that appeals equally to families, animal lovers and nature enthusiasts, and pairs perfectly with a riverside walk.

History of Tierpark Hellabrunn

Hellabrunn opened its gates in 1911, making it one of the first zoos worldwide to consistently group animals by geographic origin rather than zoological classification - a so-called "geo-zoo" concept that is still regarded as groundbreaking for modern zoo design and served as a model for many later zoos. The zoo was initiated by Munich citizens together with the city administration, who found a naturally wooded site with mature trees on the right bank of the Isar in Thalkirchen, ideally suited to open, walk-through enclosures. The facility suffered severe damage during the Second World War, with much of the animal population lost, but was consistently rebuilt and continuously expanded over the following postwar decades. Since its founding, Hellabrunn has grown into one of Germany's most species-rich zoological institutions and actively participates in international breeding programs for endangered species.

Animal World & Highlights

Across roughly 40 hectares of grounds, around 19,000 animals from more than 700 species live today, from elephants and polar bears to giraffes and rare native species such as the Ural owl. The enclosures are consistently organized by continent, so that visitors essentially take a world tour through the animal life of Africa, Asia and the Americas during a single visit. Among the most popular areas are the jungle tent housing elephants and other tropical species, the spacious outdoor enclosures for giraffes and zebras, and the polar animal areas. The mature tree cover and naturalistic design give Hellabrunn more the feel of an expansive landscape park than a conventional zoo, making it especially inviting for long walks on warm days.

Visitor Tips & Getting There

Hellabrunn sits directly on the Isar in southern Munich and is conveniently reached via subway line U3 to Thalkirchen station, from where the main entrance is only a few minutes' walk away. Alternatively, visitors can arrive via the popular Isar cycling and walking path, which leads directly from the city center to the zoo grounds and is especially busy with joggers and cyclists on weekends. Current information on opening hours, admission prices and seasonal events can be found on the zoo's official website, as these can vary by season.

Nearby Attractions

The Isar riverbank invites long walks directly from the zoo grounds upstream toward the city center, passing the naturalized Isar floodplains that have been ecologically restored over recent decades. Walking further north from Hellabrunn eventually leads to the Flaucher, a popular local recreation area among Munich residents with gravel banks for summer bathing. Nymphenburg Palace with its expansive park can also be combined with a short ride on public transport, making an excellent second stop for a nature-focused day out in Munich.

For Families: Activities at the Zoo

Hellabrunn is deliberately designed as a family-friendly zoo, offering not only its large animal enclosures but also a petting area with goats and other approachable domestic breeds, where children can experience animals up close. A small park train runs through parts of the grounds during the summer months and is especially popular with younger visitors. Several playgrounds are scattered across the site, making it easy to extend a zoo visit into a full day out. As a member of international breeding programs for endangered species, Hellabrunn also actively participates in species conservation and regularly informs visitors at its enclosures about the threat status and protection measures for the animals on display, adding an educational dimension alongside the experience itself.

Further Animal Areas & Nature Experience

Beyond its major crowd favorites, Hellabrunn also houses specialized areas such as a primate house with various monkey species, a free-flight aviary where visitors can experience numerous bird species up close without separating barriers, and sections dedicated to rare native species as part of reintroduction projects. The naturalistic landscaping, with mature trees and natural changes in elevation, means that many enclosures feel less like classic zoo displays and more like walkable habitats. This combination of species diversity, educational mission and naturalistic design makes Hellabrunn one of Germany's most ecologically progressive zoos and a place that rewards repeat visits, as different facets of the zoo reveal themselves depending on the season.