What does admission cost?

The listed standard tickets are €6 for adults, €5 for ages 13–17 and €3 for ages 3–12. Children under three enter free. A family ticket for two adults and two children is €16. Check the zoo’s current tariff before visiting.

Do we need a full day?

No. This small zoo fits comfortably into a shorter family outing. A slow visit gives you time to watch behaviour, return to a quiet enclosure and take a play break.

Can we book a group visit?

Private tours are available by enquiry. School and kindergarten groups should contact the zoo at least six weeks ahead rather than turn up expecting a morning visit.

Illustration

ZooBayern, Germany

Zoo Wasserstern

Visit Zoo Wasserstern for a manageable couple of hours discovering small monkeys, unusual reptiles and underwater life.

Official website

About

Visit Zoo Wasserstern for a manageable couple of hours discovering small monkeys, unusual reptiles and underwater life. This volunteer-run zoo occupies about 1,800 square metres in a former floodplain in Ingolstadt. With such a compact site, you can spend your energy watching animals rather than getting from one distant enclosure to another. Start with the outdoor animals, then slow down again at the aquarium and terrariums.

Common marmosets and cotton-top tamarins make a good first comparison: look at where each wears its white hair. Elsewhere, a spectacled caiman and a Gila monster introduce very different reptile shapes. The aquarium adds freshwater and marine life, while the zoo's conservation-breeding work gives some of its smallest residents a bigger story. These are captive zoo animals; individuals may be resting or out of view. Leave time to revisit a favourite enclosure before the playground or a sit-down on the terrace. Take the ultimate field guide with you: use the Snappit app to identify birds, plants, and animals on your trip.

Wasserstern began in 1908 as an association for aquarium and terrarium enthusiasts. Members developed land beside the Schutter in the 1930s, adding ponds, outdoor terrariums and a clubhouse. The aquarium and reptile interests still shape a visit today. More recently, the zoo joined Citizen Conservation in 2020 to help maintain breeding populations of threatened species, including freshwater fish and amphibians.

What to do here

Give everyone a small observation challenge: find the marmoset's white ear tufts, watch how a raccoon uses its front paws, or compare a macaw's powerful beak with a piranha's mouth. At the aquarium, choose one fish and follow its movements for a minute instead of rushing along the glass.

Children who enjoy questions can try the zoo's paid Zoo-Rallye, with age-adjusted worksheets and a certificate; it normally takes 45–60 minutes. Ask about availability and the current fee. Keeper-commentated feeds add another reason to pause: the regular programme lists 15:00 sessions from Tuesday to Friday, featuring different animals. Check the day's arrangements at the entrance. Private guided visits can also be requested ahead of time.

Seasonal info

The regular closing time is 18:00 from April to October and 17:00 from November to March. Rain usually does not close the zoo; spend longer at the indoor displays, but bring a waterproof for the outdoor sections. Check the homepage for changed hours before travelling.

Accessibility

Most paths are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. There are seats for breaks, and the small grounds keep distances manageable. Contact the zoo first if you need confirmed step-free access to every animal house, an accessible toilet or details for a particular mobility aid.

Don't miss

Monkey comparisons

White ear tufts and a swept-up white crest help distinguish marmosets from cotton-top tamarins.

Reptile watching

Look closely at a spectacled caiman and the textured scales of a Gila monster.

Underwater worlds

Make time for the aquarium and the zoo’s interest in conservation breeding.

Family-sized exploring

Short distances, a playground and terrace make a gentle outing with younger children.

Wildlife and habitats

Look for the white ear tufts, then watch how this small monkey moves along its climbing supports. Keep a little patience in reserve if it disappears from view.

The tall white crest is a useful contrast with the marmoset’s side tufts. Its German name, Lisztäffchen, refers to a resemblance to composer Franz Liszt’s hair.

The ringed tail and dark facial mask are good identification clues. If a raccoon is active, watch its dexterous front paws rather than trying to attract its attention.

Look closely at the bead-like surface of the scales. This venomous lizard is a subject for quiet observation through its enclosure barrier.

If the viewing angle allows, look for the bony ridge between the eyes that gives this caiman its name. A resting animal can be just as interesting to study.

The name refers to the yellow-patterned underside. You may not see it while the toad rests normally; never try to provoke its defensive display.

Watch the fish’s movements and compare its mouth shape with other aquarium residents. Stay back from the glass and let its ordinary behaviour be the attraction.

Compare the blue wings and back with the yellow breast. Its strong beak is adapted to opening hard seeds and nuts; watch without offering food.

Sources and useful links

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Raccoon

Gila Monster

Spectacled Caiman

Blue And Yellow Macaw

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrival

Use Aloisiweg 19, 85049 Ingolstadt. Bus 50 serves the Zoo Wasserstern stop beside the entrance; check the current timetable.

Parking

There are only five spaces directly outside. Cycling or the bus avoids relying on a free space; respect residents and parking restrictions nearby.

Animal feeding

Only use zoo-supplied food for its designated rabbit and guinea-pig feeding activity. Keep your own snacks for people.

Photos

Private photography is allowed. Keep it quiet and avoid disturbing the animals for a better picture.

Food break

Drinks are sold throughout the year and ice cream in summer. Plan a fuller meal separately.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome on a lead, provided they do not disturb the zoo animals.

Frequently asked questions

: The listed standard tickets are €6 for adults, €5 for ages 13–17 and €3 for ages 3–12. Children under three enter free. A family ticket for two adults and two children is €16. Check the zoo’s current tariff before visiting.
: No. This small zoo fits comfortably into a shorter family outing. A slow visit gives you time to watch behaviour, return to a quiet enclosure and take a play break.
: Private tours are available by enquiry. School and kindergarten groups should contact the zoo at least six weeks ahead rather than turn up expecting a morning visit.