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Goldau Nature and Animal Park

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Goldau Nature and Animal Park (Switzerland)

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The Goldau Nature and Animal Park in the Canton of Schwyz is situated in a dramatic landscape formed by the massive Goldau landslide of 1806. Established in 1925, the park now covers approximately 42 hectares amidst giant boulders and lush forest. It specializes in the husbandry and protection of European wildlife, providing homes for brown bears, wolves, lynxes, and European bison. A distinctive feature of the park is the extensive free-roaming zone where visitors can interact with and feed sika deer and mouflon. The natural backdrop of massive rocks provides the animals with authentic hiding spots and habitats that closely mimic the wild. The park also serves as a significant center for environmental education and participates in various international breeding programs for endangered species. Located at the base of Mount Rigi, it is a premier destination for those seeking to understand and appreciate Switzerland's natural heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-4-415101416151172-3
Rain mm10181102107163176173190124110103106

📋 Practical info

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Best season
Goldau Nature and Animal Park is best visited in spring and summer when animals are active outside. Autumn has beautiful foliage but less animal activity.
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Best time of day
Early morning and late afternoon animals are especially lively as it is cooler. Feeding times often offer good opportunities to observe them up close.
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Etiquette
Feeding animals is prohibited throughout the park to protect their health. Please stay on the paths and keep distance from the animals.
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What to bring
Binoculars are helpful for observing in the large enclosures. Comfortable shoes are recommended as the park lies on a former landslide area and can be uneven.
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Getting there
The park is located at the foot of Rigi, in the municipality of Goldau in Schwyz canton. It is accessible by train via Goldau station, just a few minutes' walk away.
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What to expect
As the park mimics natural habitats, animals can hide well. Visit enclosures multiple times or wait a while in one spot.

Geography

Coordinates
47.04560, 8.55220

Facts

  • The park was established in 1925 on the site of the landslide.
  • The total area of the facility is approximately 42 hectares.
  • The Goldau landslide occurred on September 2, 1806.
  • More than 100 different animal species are housed in the park.
  • The free-roaming zone covers a significant portion of the grounds.
  • The park is located at an elevation of about 510 meters.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

ArthArth3 km · NWExplore →
RigiRigi5 km · WExplore →
Morgarten BattlefieldMorgarten Battlefield6 km · NEExplore →
VitznauVitznau6 km · SWExplore →
IngenbohlIngenbohl8 km · SEExplore →
SchwyzSchwyz8 km · EExplore →
WeggisWeggis9 km · WExplore →
KüssnachtKüssnacht10 km · NWExplore →

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 Goldau Nature and Animal Park (10)

J. Waldesbühl

Gallery in Goldau Animal Park featuring rotating art exhibitions by regional artists.

Wildschweine

Enclosure for wild boar in Goldau Animal Park, foraging in the forest.

Iltis

Observation spot for the elusive polecat, a nocturnal mustelid in the park.

Bartgeier

Aviary for bearded vultures in Goldau Animal Park, part of a breeding program.

Sacred Heart Church

Church in Goldau, canton of Schwyz, built in the neo-Gothic style.

Voliere

Large free-flight aviary in Goldau Animal Park with native and exotic birds.

Bergsturzmuseum🏛 museum

Museum in Goldau, municipality of Arth, documenting the 1806 landslide.

Tierpark Goldau

Zoological park in Goldau featuring animals from the Alps and Europe.

Kimmelstiftung für Postgeschichte Museum Bauernhof🏛 museum

Museum of postal history housed in a farmhouse in Goldau.

Bärenfenster

Viewpoint in Goldau Animal Park overlooking the bear enclosure.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What animals live in Goldau?
Mainly native wildlife such as bears, wolves, deer, and mouflons.
Is feeding deer allowed?
Yes, special feed can be purchased in the park for the free-roaming zone.
What is special about the terrain?
The park is located in a massive landslide area with imposing rock boulders.
Is the park suitable for families?
Yes, it is one of the most popular Swiss animal parks for children.
How do I reach the park by train?
The Arth-Goldau train station is only a few minutes' walk from the entrance.
Goldau Nature and Animal Park: where is it located?
Goldau Nature and Animal Park is located in Switzerland.
Goldau Nature and Animal Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include J. Waldesbühl, Wildschweine, Iltis.
Goldau Nature and Animal Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Goldau Nature and Animal Park: why is it worth visiting?
The Goldau Nature and Animal Park in the Canton of Schwyz is situated in a dramatic landscape formed by the massive Goldau landslide of 1806.
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History & landmarks

Sankt Gallen — Goldau Nature and Animal Park (Switzerland)
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A major city in Eastern Switzerland famous for its UNESCO-listed Abbey District.