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Burgers' Zoo

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Burgers' Zoo (Netherlands)

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Burgers' Zoo in Arnhem is one of the most innovative and frequently visited zoos in the Netherlands. Established in 1913 by Johan Burgers, the zoo gained international fame for its large-scale, naturalistic ecosystems known as 'Eco-displays'. The most famous of these include Burgers' Bush, a 1.5-hectare tropical rainforest housed under glass, and Burgers' Desert, a realistic indoor rock desert. Another highlight is Burgers' Ocean, a massive aquarium complex featuring a coral reef and various shark species. The zoo emphasizes animal welfare and immersive education, allowing visitors to walk directly through simulated habitats. Burgers' Zoo is also deeply committed to global conservation, notably managing its own nature reserve in Belize. By combining technological innovation with biological expertise, the zoo has set global standards for modern zoological exhibition and animal care for decades.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C2351013171918151163
Rain mm746055395959778058646876

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
Open year-round, but the covered rainforest and desert areas are especially attractive in bad weather. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor areas like the Safari Park.
🌅
Best time of day
Early morning sees the most activity in the ecosystem halls as feeding times are often in the morning. Afternoon is good for large animal enclosures when they bask in the sun.
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Etiquette
Feeding is prohibited - animals' special diets are precisely balanced. Stay on paths and do not touch any animals or plants in the themed worlds.
🎒
What to bring
Binoculars are useful for spotting birds in the rainforest or aviaries. Comfortable, waterproof shoes are advantageous as some areas like the mangroves can be wet.
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Getting there
Burgers' Zoo is located in Arnhem, well accessible by car via the A12 or by train. Buses run directly from Arnhem central station to the zoo.
🦌
What to expect
The themed worlds are vast; allow at least half a day to see everything. Some animals, like those in the rainforest, can be well hidden - worth attending a feeding demonstration.

Geography

Coordinates
52.01670, 5.91670

Facts

  • Burgers' Zoo was founded on March 30, 1913, in 's-Heerenberg
  • Burgers' Bush opened in 1988 and covers 15,000 square meters
  • The Burgers' Ocean complex holds approximately 8 million liters of water
  • The zoo spans a total area of 45 hectares
  • Burgers' Desert is the largest indoor desert ecosystem in Europe
  • The zoo moved to its current location in Arnhem in 1923

Explore nearby

Notable places around

ArnhemArnhem4 km · SExplore →
Velp Hill RidgeVelp Hill Ridge4 km · SEExplore →
De Uilenhorst National ParkDe Uilenhorst National Park4 km · NEExplore →
WestervoortWestervoort7 km · SEExplore →
Oosterbeek HillOosterbeek Hill7 km · SWExplore →
PosbankPosbank8 km · EExplore →
Veluwezoom MoraineVeluwezoom Moraine9 km · EExplore →
HuissenHuissen9 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Burgers' Zoo (10)

Boerderij

A farm in the open-air museum, showing historical Dutch agriculture and animal husbandry.

Oldambtster Boerderij

A traditional farm from the Oldambt region, with living and working quarters under one roof.

Landarbeiderswoning

A farm laborer's house, furnished as around 1900, with simple furniture and tools.

Galgenberg

A wooded hill in the zoo, offering a view over the grounds and animal enclosures.

Kruidentuin

A herb garden with native and exotic plants, used for medicine and cooking.

Nederlands Openluchtmuseum

An open-air museum with historic buildings, crafts, and everyday Dutch culture.

Standerdmolen

A wooden post mill in Arnhem, grinding grain and open to visitors.

Paltrokmolen

An octagonal wooden windmill, originally used for sawing timber.

Poldermolen

A small windmill for draining polders, with a wooden scoop wheel.

Waterberg

A wooded hill in the zoo, providing habitat for birds and small animals.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Burgers' Zoo?
The zoo is famous for its huge covered ecosystems like the 'Bush'.
Is there a desert there?
Yes, Burgers' Desert is a huge indoor rock desert.
Can you see sharks there?
Yes, in Burgers' Ocean there is a huge coral reef aquarium with sharks.
Where is the zoo located?
It is located in Arnhem, near the Openluchtmuseum.
Is the zoo worth visiting in the rain?
Yes, since many areas are covered, it is great for bad weather.
Burgers' Zoo: where is it located?
Burgers' Zoo is located in Gelderland, Netherlands.
Burgers' Zoo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Boerderij, Oldambtster Boerderij, Landarbeiderswoning.
Burgers' Zoo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Burgers' Zoo: why is it worth visiting?
Burgers' Zoo in Arnhem is one of the most innovative and frequently visited zoos in the Netherlands.
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