IllustrationCome to Schwarzwaldzoo for an unhurried animal-watching morning with room for children to play.
Come to Schwarzwaldzoo for an unhurried animal-watching morning with room for children to play. At the forest edge above Waldkirch’s Stadtrainsee, this small zoo brings together European wildlife, domesticated animals and species from farther afield. Start by asking about the day’s keeper feedings and any closed enclosures, then choose a few animals you especially want to spend time with.
Give the northern bald ibis aviary a proper stop. Its walk-through design, rock wall with nesting recesses and waterfall make it one of the zoo’s distinctive exhibits. Watch from the visitor area and let the birds move around you. The owls reward a different sort of attention: look carefully at their resting places, then compare the great grey owl, snowy owl and Eurasian eagle-owl using the enclosure signs. A quiet animal is still worth watching.
The lynx enclosure, Alpine ibex and Vietnamese sika deer add larger mammals to the visit; llamas and alpacas give children a good reason to look twice at animals they might otherwise confuse. These are animals in human care. Seeing a lynx here is a chance to study the species up close, rather than an indication that you should expect one on a nearby woodland walk.
Keep the pace flexible. The Spielarena gives energetic children a break from looking and listening, while the petting enclosure beside it can be a highlight when access is allowed. The nearby lake makes a simple extension after the zoo, without committing the family to another long walk. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.
The zoo celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2017. Since the start of 2013, the Freundeskreis Schwarzwaldzoo association has operated it, and a new entrance building opened in March 2014. Volunteer work remains part of its story, from renewing enclosures to supporting events and educational activities.
Use the zoo paths to link the ibis aviary, owl exhibits, lynx and hoofed animals, with the Spielarena wherever a break fits your family. This is a suggested set of stops, so follow the current zoo plan for their order. The site has about 1 km of tarmacked paths in total, on a hillside; that figure describes the path network, rather than a measured, level circular trail.
Try a small observation game: each person chooses one animal, watches quietly for a minute and describes what it actually did. At the owls, compare faces and feather patterns. At the ibex and sika deer, use the signs to explore the difference between horns and antlers. At the llamas and alpacas, look for differences in ears, faces and coats before reading the names. Keep cameras on your side of barriers and leave resting animals undisturbed.
Ask staff which keeper feeding you can watch that day. For the petting enclosure, check access first: the zoo can close it to protect sheep and their lambs. When it is open, close both gates carefully and stay close to young children, as the goats and sheep may crowd around visitors. Follow the zoo’s feeding signs and staff instructions; keep your own snacks away from the animals. Groups can enquire in advance about guided visits, treasure hunts and children’s birthday activities.
The published 2026 season runs from 21 February to 30 November. Through 31 October, hours are 09:00–18:00 with last admission at 17:00; in November they are 09:00–17:00, last admission 16:00. Advent-weekend openings are only being planned, so confirm before making a winter trip. Weather and special events can change access or hours. Check the zoo’s current notices before leaving, especially after snow or severe weather. Petting-enclosure access is subject to animal-care needs, so leave room for another activity if it is closed.
Expect uphill and downhill walking on tarmacked paths. Waldkirch’s accessibility map marks the zoo as not barrier-free. If you use a wheelchair or walking aid, call 07681 8961 before travelling to discuss a workable visit, current path conditions and toilet access. There is a designated disabled parking space near the entrance. For pushchairs, factor the hills into your plans and take breaks; a baby carrier may be easier for some families. The zoo advertises handcarts for children, but pulling one uphill still takes effort: ask about availability before relying on one.
A walk-through enclosure with a rock wall, nesting recesses and waterfall.
Compare great grey owls, snowy owls and Eurasian eagle-owls at their labelled exhibits.
Slow down at the lynx, then look for Alpine ibex and Vietnamese sika deer.
Build in the Spielarena and, when open, the adjoining petting enclosure.
Choose the ibis aviary, owl exhibits and lynx as your first priorities, fit in the hoofed animals and take a Spielarena break when needed. Follow the current zoo plan for the walking order and revisit a favourite enclosure if time allows.
Ask the zoo about a workable route for your wheelchair, walking aid or pushchair before committing to the visit.
At the llama and alpaca exhibits, each person names a visible difference before checking the signs. Keep guesses friendly: noticing carefully matters more than getting every answer right.
Pick an owl or lynx, stay still for a minute and then describe only what happened: an eye opened, a head turned, or nothing changed. Draw the animal in the posture you actually saw.
If the forecast makes a hillside zoo walk unappealing, consider Waldkirch’s Elztalmuseum for mechanical musical instruments and local history. Check its own opening days, admission and accessibility before setting off.
Pause inside the permitted visitor area and watch one bird at a time. The rock wall and waterfall help you pick a patient viewing spot without following the birds around.
Scan the whole enclosure before deciding the lynx is out of sight. If it is resting, return later instead of calling to it; a quiet stop gives you time to notice small movements.
Use the sign to find the right owl, then compare its face and feather pattern with the other owl species. A still bird makes a good subject for a careful sketch.
Look patiently from the public path and compare the visible feather markings between birds if more than one is in view. Keep clear of any temporary nesting-season barrier.
Find the enclosure label first, then examine the outline of the head and the resting posture. Keep voices low and let the owl remain undisturbed.
Watch how the animals place their feet as they move. Use the enclosure information to discuss horns, then compare with the sika deer later in the visit.
Look across the enclosure slowly before counting the animals you can see. Read the name on the sign: these are Vietnamese sika deer, so the precise identity is worth noticing.
Compare the llama’s ears and face with the alpaca’s. Let children describe what they see before checking the signs; stay behind the barrier even if an animal approaches.
Make this the second half of a llama-and-alpaca comparison. Look at face shape, coat and ears, and try a drawing without needing the animal to pose.
Ask where the axolotl display is and whether it is on view. Watch through the glass without tapping, and compare its movements with those of the birds and mammals outside.
Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.
Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.
Arrive by train
Use Waldkirch station, then follow Adenauerstraße, Freie Straße and Goethestraße towards Stadtrainsee. The zoo suggests about 10 minutes on foot; allow longer with small children. Check your train on the day.
Parking
The entrance is at Am Buchenbühl 8a. Spaces immediately outside are limited; use the signed parking around Stadtrainsee or the end of Goethestraße when necessary. Keep residents’ driveways clear.
Food break
The snack van by the Spielarena operates on weekends, public holidays and during holidays, with seasonal hours. An entrance kiosk also sells drinks and ice cream. Bring water and a fallback snack.
Before buying tickets
Check the current family-ticket options and whether your accommodation’s guest card qualifies for a discount or free admission. Card benefits depend on the issuing region and card type.
With a dog
Dogs must stay on a lead and cannot enter animal houses. Pick up after them; waste bags are available at the ticket desk.
Watch respectfully
Keep a little distance, avoid tapping or calling animals over, and give other families space at viewing points. Follow any temporary barrier or enclosure notice.
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
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Florida, US
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You might spot Wood Duck, Duck, and Canada Goose.
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Michigan, US
You might spot African Lion, Komodo Dragon, and Brown Bear.
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Take the discovery with you
Identify the wildlife you spot, learn as you go, and keep a collection of the adventure.
