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Salzburg Zoo

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

wildlife

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Salzburg Zoo, located on the southern outskirts of the city in Hellbrunn, has a tradition spanning centuries, as the grounds were used as archiepiscopal hunting reserves as early as 1612. In its modern form, the zoo was opened in 1961 and is characterized by the unique integration of enclosures into the steep rock face of the Hellbrunn Mountain. Covering an area of approximately 14 hectares, the facility houses around 1,500 animals from about 140 different species, strictly following the geo-zoo concept. Visitors wander through various continental zones, from the local Alpine world to the African savannah and the rainforests of South America. The zoo is particularly renowned for its success in the husbandry and breeding of southern white rhinoceroses and snow leopards. As a modern educational institution, the zoo places great emphasis on species conservation programs and ecological interconnections, where the natural design of the habitats provides retreats for animals and authentic insights for visitors.

Location: Salzburg, Austria
Top sights: Binturong · White-Handed Gibbon · Red panda
Nearby: Salzburg (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-1	-1	4	9	13	17	19	18	14	9	4	0
Rain mm	92	72	84	72	136	158	146	153	113	90	69	79

📋 Practical info

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Best season

Salzburg Zoo in the Hellbrunn rock arena is open year-round, but spring and summer are convenient when most animals are active in outdoor enclosures. In winter tropical species are housed in heated buildings, so a visit is worthwhile even in cold weather.

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Best time of day

In the morning animals are particularly active after the night's rest and visitor numbers are lower. Feeding times vary but often occur late morning, providing a good opportunity for observations.

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Etiquette

Please do not feed the animals, as the food is often unsuitable and can cause allergies or digestive issues. Keep distance from enclosures and follow the signs, especially for animals with offspring.

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What to bring

Comfortable shoes are recommended as the zoo is on a hill with inclines and many paths to cover. Binoculars can be useful for better viewing animals in the back of enclosures or in aviaries.

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Getting there

Salzburg Zoo is easily reachable by public transport; bus line 25 stops directly at the zoo entrance. Parking is available but limited, especially on weekends and holidays, so traveling by bus or train is recommended.

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What to expect

Some animals hide in their shelters or dense vegetation, so it may take a while to spot them. On hot days many species retreat to cool corners - a second walk at a different time of day can yield new sightings.

Geography

Coordinates

47.75530, 13.06190

Facts

The grounds served as an archiepiscopal hunting enclosure since 1612.
The modern zoo was officially opened in the year 1961.
The facility covers an area of approximately 14 hectares at Hellbrunn Mountain.
Around 140 different animal species with 1,500 animals are kept here.
The zoo is internationally famous for the breeding of white rhinoceroses.
The enclosures are built directly against a natural, steep rock face.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Hellbrunn Palace<1 km · NExplore →

Hohensalzburg Fortress5 km · NExplore →

Wals-Siezenheim7 km · NWExplore →

Hallein8 km · SExplore →

📍Freilassing11 km · NWExplore →

Salzach11 km · NWExplore →

📍Bad Reichenhall14 km · WExplore →

Berchtesgaden15 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Salzburg Zoo (10)

Binturong

Binturong at Hellbrunn Zoo, also known as bearcat.

White-Handed Gibbon

White-handed gibbon at Hellbrunn Zoo, a primate species.

Red panda

Red panda at Hellbrunn Zoo, also called the lesser panda.

Watzmannblick

Viewpoint overlooking the Watzmann mountain in Salzburg.

Hellbrunner Berg

Mountain in the city of Salzburg, Austria.

Volkskunde Museum Monatsschlössl Hellbrunn🏛 museum

Building in Salzburg, Austria, a folklore museum.

Begehbare Vogelvoliere

Walk-in aviary at Hellbrunn Zoo with budgerigars and diamond doves.

Zoo Hellbrunn

Zoo in Austria, animal park in Salzburg.

Stadtaussicht

Viewpoint overlooking the city of Salzburg.

Schloss Hellbrunn🏛 museum

Château in Salzburg, Austria, a manor house.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the Night Zoos at Salzburg Zoo?

In August, the zoo stays open until 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Where is the best place to park at the zoo?

There are free parking spaces directly in front of the zoo and at Hellbrunn Palace.

How much is the admission?

Adults pay about 12 euros; there are reduced prices for children and families.

Is Salzburg Zoo wheelchair accessible?

Yes, almost all paths are level and easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.

Are there combo tickets with Hellbrunn?

Yes, a combination ticket is available for the zoo and the Hellbrunn trick fountains.

Salzburg Zoo: where is it located?

Salzburg Zoo is located in Salzburg, Austria.

Salzburg Zoo: what is there to see?

Highlights include Binturong, White-Handed Gibbon, Red panda.

Salzburg Zoo: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Salzburg Zoo: why is it worth visiting?

Salzburg Zoo, located on the southern outskirts of the city in Hellbrunn, has a tradition spanning centuries, as the grounds were used as archiepiscopal hunting reserves as early as 1612.

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