Tierpark Berlin photo
ZooBerlin, DE

Tierpark Berlin

Nestled in the green heart of East Berlin, Tierpark Berlin stands as Europe's largest landscape zoo, a sprawling sanctuary of naturalistic habitats spread across 160 hectares.

About

Nestled in the green heart of East Berlin, Tierpark Berlin stands as Europe's largest landscape zoo, a sprawling sanctuary of naturalistic habitats spread across 160 hectares. More than just an animal park, it is a place where wildlife thrives in environments designed to mimic their native homes, offering visitors an immersive journey across continents. With approximately 7,797 animals from 632 species, the Tierpark combines expansive open spaces with a rich collection of diverse creatures, making it a truly special destination for all ages.

The Tierpark boasts several captivating exhibits, inviting exploration and discovery. Step into the lush Alfred Brehm House, a vibrant rainforest world home to majestic tigers, elusive crocodiles, agile flying foxes, and unique tree kangaroos. The African Savannah provides a breathtaking backdrop for giraffes, zebras, gazelles, and ostriches, with a special giraffe trail allowing eye-level encounters. Explore the Himalayan habitat to spot red pandas, snow leopards, and takins, or wander through the Vari Forest and Lemur Woods for close-up views of playful lemurs. Don't miss Dinoworld, a temporary exhibition featuring life-size, animated dinosaurs until October 2025.

A visit to Tierpark Berlin is an unforgettable experience, combining education, conservation, and recreation. It's a place where you can embark on a global wildlife adventure in a single day, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and the historic Friedrichsfelde Palace. The park's commitment to species conservation, as part of the "Berlin World Wild" program, underscores its dedication to protecting endangered animals and their habitats. Whether observing a polar bear enjoying its enclosure or learning about the intricate lives of rainforest dwellers, Tierpark Berlin offers memorable moments and fosters a deeper connection with the natural world. Enhance your adventure: download the Snappit app to identify the local species you encounter.

Tierpark Berlin was established in 1955, born out of the division of Berlin after World War II. With the famous Berlin Zoological Garden located in West Berlin, East German authorities sought to create a comparable and equally prestigious zoo in the eastern sector of the city. The chosen location was the magnificent parkland surrounding Friedrichsfelde Palace, originally designed by the renowned landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné in the 1820s. Under the stewardship of its founding director, Professor Heinrich Dathe, Tierpark Berlin rapidly developed into Europe's largest landscape animal park. Notable early additions included the Alfred Brehm House, which opened in 1963 and was considered the world's largest animal house at the time, featuring a unique walk-through tropical hall. Following German reunification in 1990, the Tierpark underwent significant modernization and established close cooperation with the Zoo Berlin, enhancing its breeding and conservation programs while preserving its distinct character as a spacious, landscape-oriented zoo.

What to do here

Observe a wide array of animals in their naturalistic enclosures, enjoy daily animal feedings and talks (such as the polar bear talk), and let children play at the water playground or petting zoo. Consider riding the free electric train to navigate the extensive park.

Seasonal info

As an outdoor venue, check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. The park hosts seasonal events like "Weihnachten im Tierpark" (Christmas at Tierpark), which typically requires separate tickets as it occurs outside regular opening hours.

Accessibility

Tierpark Berlin is largely wheelchair accessible, with wide, mostly paved paths and step-free access to many areas. Accessible restrooms are available, including in the Elephant House, Monkey House, and various restaurants. Free manual wheelchairs can be rented with prior reservation via email. Toddler bicycles and scooters (for children up to 15) are permitted, as are handcarts. Designated disabled parking spaces are available at the Schloss entrance.

Don't miss

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Don't miss the Alfred Brehm House for its rainforest ecosystem, the African Savannah with its giraffe trail, the playful lemurs in the Vari Forest and Lemur Woods, and the rare species in the Himalayan habitat. The historic Friedrichsfelde Palace is also worth exploring. For a limited time until October 2025, experience the life-size dinosaurs in Dinoworld.

Wildlife you might spot

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Good to know before you go

Buy Tickets Online

Save time and money by purchasing your admission tickets through the official website before your visit.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

With 160 hectares to explore, you'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is essential.

Utilize the Electric Train

Take advantage of the free electric train service within the park to cover longer distances and rest your feet.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially on weekdays, for fewer crowds and more active animals.

Plan for Weather

As most of the park is outdoors, check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, bringing layers or rain gear if needed.

Consider Public Transport

Especially on weekends and holidays, parking spaces can fill up quickly, so using public transportation (U-Bahn or tram) is often more convenient.

Frequently asked questions

While ticket booths are available at the Tierpark's Bärenschaufenster entrance, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets online. Online tickets are generally cheaper and help reduce waiting times at the entrances, allowing for immediate admission.
To fully experience the park and its various attractions, it is recommended to plan for at least 3 to 4 hours. However, many visitors, especially families, often spend an entire day exploring the 160-hectare grounds.
Yes, Tierpark Berlin is designed to be largely wheelchair accessible. It features wide, mostly paved paths, step-free access to many areas, and accessible restrooms. Free manual wheelchairs are available for rent, though advance reservation via email is recommended.
In general, visitors are not allowed to feed the animals at Tierpark Berlin. Animal keepers provide specific diets tailored to each species' needs, and external feeding can be harmful to the animals' health.
Yes, dogs are allowed in Tierpark Berlin, provided they are kept on a short leash.

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