Plizio Visual Lab

Givskud Zoo

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

wildlife

Weather…

Givskud Zoo, frequently branded as 'Zootopia', is located in Central Jutland near Billund and was originally founded as a lion park in 1969. Today, it operates as a sprawling safari park where visitors can drive through large, open enclosures either in their own vehicles or on specialized safari buses to see animals roaming freely. The park is most famous for its large pride of lions, allowing guests to drive directly through their territory for an immersive wildlife experience. In addition to iconic African species like white rhinos, giraffes, and zebras, the zoo houses spectacled bears and the largest group of lowland gorillas in Denmark. Another major draw for families is the extensive Dinosaur Park, featuring over 50 life-sized models that tell the story of prehistoric giants. Givskud is deeply committed to educational outreach and participates in numerous international conservation projects to save endangered species. The unique blend of a safari experience, a traditional zoo, and a prehistoric theme park makes Givskud one of Denmark's premier family destinations.

Location: Denmark
Top sights: Lillefrod · Palleshøj · Sejrshøj
Nearby: Legoland Billund (13 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	3	7	11	14	17	17	13	9	5	2
Rain mm	73	57	52	46	56	76	81	89	74	89	77	75

📋 Practical info

📅

Best season

Givskud Safari Park is open from April to October and then shows most animals in the spacious outdoor areas. In summer, the herds are especially active.

🌅

Best time of day

Early morning the animals are freshest and often come close to vehicles. Late afternoon also sees high activity.

📜

Etiquette

In the safari park you must stay in your car - windows may only be opened at certain points. Feeding is strictly forbidden to protect the animals.

🎒

What to bring

Your own car is required for the safari drive; a vehicle with a sunroof or convertible provides the best view. A camera with telephoto lens is well-suited for close-ups.

🧭

Getting there

Givskud Zoo is located in Jutland, about 30 km northwest of Vejle. By car it is easily accessible via highway E45, with ample parking.

🦌

What to expect

Some animals stand far away or lie in the shade - drive slowly and wait at popular spots. Patience is often rewarded with an eye-level encounter.

Geography

Coordinates

55.75000, 9.33000

Facts

The park officially opened on August 12, 1969.
Givskud is home to approximately 700 animals from 70 different species.
The lion enclosure is the largest of its kind in Northern Europe.
The Dinosaur Park features over 50 life-sized prehistoric reconstructions.
The first rhinoceroses arrived at the park in 1970.
The entire zoo facility covers an area of about 120 hectares.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Jelling Monuments6 km · EExplore →

Billund Airport11 km · WExplore →

Legoland Billund13 km · WExplore →

Vejle13 km · EExplore →

Hedensted23 km · EExplore →

Agård Strand26 km · SExplore →

Kolding Logistics Park28 km · SExplore →

Høll29 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

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

Sights in the town Givskud Zoo (3)

Lillefrod 🏺 historical

An archaeological site near Givskud preserving traces of early settlement.

Palleshøj 🏺 historical

A prehistoric burial mound located in the vicinity of Givskud.

Sejrshøj🏺 historical

A historic burial mound that is part of the archaeological landscape near Givskud.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you drive your own car through Givskud Zoo?

Yes, the park is designed as a safari park; you can explore it by car or by safari bus.

Are there dinosaurs there?

Yes, Givskud has Denmark's largest dinosaur park with life-sized models.

How long does a visit take?

You should plan at least 4 to 5 hours to see the safari and the walking areas.

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs are allowed in the car but are not permitted in the walk-through animal enclosures.

Are there playgrounds?

Yes, there are huge play areas and bouncy castles for children of various ages.

Givskud Zoo: where is it located?

Givskud Zoo is located in Denmark.

Givskud Zoo: what is there to see?

Highlights include Lillefrod, Palleshøj, Sejrshøj.

Givskud Zoo: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Givskud Zoo: why is it worth visiting?

Givskud Zoo, frequently branded as 'Zootopia', is located in Central Jutland near Billund and was originally founded as a lion park in 1969.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →

Givskud Zoo

Best time to visit & climate