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Schönbrunn Zoo
Schönbrunn Zoo in Vienna is the world's oldest continuously operating zoo, established in 1752 by Emperor Francis I Stephen of Lorraine. Located within the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. The original Baroque architecture, centered around the imperial breakfast pavilion, remains the historical heart of the facility today. Over the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the zoo evolved into a modern scientific institution globally recognized for its conservation efforts. It gained significant fame for the successful natural breeding of giant pandas and its focus on endangered species. Covering 17 hectares, the zoo houses approximately 700 animal species in enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitats, blending imperial history with contemporary zoology.
- Location: Vienna, Austria
- Top sights: Tiergarten Schönbrunn · Elephant Park · Rattenhaus
- Nearby: Perchtoldsdorf (8 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 | -2 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 19 | 21 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 43 | 38 | 46 | 41 | 85 | 91 | 88 | 87 | 79 | 54 | 45 | 43 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Founded on July 31, 1752, as an imperial menagerie.
- First zoo in the world to achieve natural giant panda breeding in 2007.
- The historic Palm House on the grounds was opened in 1882.
- The total area of the zoo covers approximately 17 hectares.
- Home to more than 8,000 animals from around 700 different species.
- Voted multiple times as the best zoo in Europe by international experts.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Schönbrunn Zoo (10)
Robbenfenster
Viewing window into the seal pool at Schönbrunn Zoo.
Burrowing parrot
Enclosure for burrowing parrots at Schönbrunn Zoo.
Japanischer Garten
Japanese style garden in Schönbrunn Palace park, Vienna.
Nisga'a Luugathl Kalikaaksim Lisims
Monument at Schönbrunn Zoo, a totem pole.
Desert House
House at Schönbrunn Zoo, displays desert animals.
Leopoldikapelle
Chapel on the grounds of Schönbrunn Zoo.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is the Schönbrunn Zoo the oldest zoo in the world?
Are there giant pandas in the zoo?
Can you watch the animal feedings?
Is the zoo wheelchair accessible?
How long does a visit to the zoo take?
Schönbrunn Zoo: where is it located?
Schönbrunn Zoo: what is there to see?
Schönbrunn Zoo: when is the best time to visit?
Schönbrunn Zoo: why is it worth visiting?




























