English

Entry price

• Adults: 23.00 EUR
• Children: EUR 16.00
• Dogs: EUR 4.00

The admission price includes:

• Animal World, including feedings with commentary
• Herberstein Garden Palace, Inc. offers guided tours of the palace (except for groups) on open days at 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
• Gironcoli Museum
• Historic Garden, Sigmund's Garden
• Circular trail through the Feistritzklamm Gorge

Visitor Rules and Regulations (pdf)

Herberstein Animal World

Off we go with a roar!

Whether you're an animal lover, a romantic, a flower enthusiast, or an art fan, there's something for everyone at Herberstein Animal World.

Take a safari through all the continents and see about 700 animals in an environment that's almost like the wild. Discover the big and small secrets of the animal world with your family. The petting zoo lets the youngest visitors touch the animals, leaving them with sparkling eyes.

During the feeding sessions with commentary, you can listen to fascinating stories about our residents and learn unique, exciting, and interesting facts about animal species, their lifestyles, and individual animals. Watching the cheetahs hunt their piece of meat at the prey simulator is a sensational sight. The puma feeding is spectacular; lions devour 5 kg of beef per meal.

The zoo educators have answers to (almost) all questions: Why do zebras have stripes? Why do wolves howl at the moon? Why can siamangs predict the weather? Go from animal lover to animal expert!

Herberstein Garden Palace

Nestled mysteriously within the untamed and enchanting embrace of the Feistritzklamm Gorge lies the Herberstein Garden Palace. This architectural marvel seamlessly blends elements of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, creating an exquisite gem that tells a captivating story of a family legacy spanning more than seven centuries.

Prepare yourself for an exhilarating adventure as you venture into the resplendent, fragrant embrace of the historic rose gardens, where nature's splendor unfolds in all its glory.

Catering

Self-service: Zoo Tavern, Panoramic Tavern
The Simbawelt family restaurant offers regional and seasonal dishes.

Another plus

Dog-friendly excursion destination, great playgrounds for kids, holiday program at the zoo school

School Classes & Groups

We offer guided tours and programs for groups. We look forward to hearing from you at info (at) tierwelt-herberstein.at.

Is the zoo open to visitors year-round?

Yes! The zoo’s peak season runs from mid-March through early November, and it is open every day. During the rest of the year (i.e., the winter season from early November through mid-March), we are open to visitors from Thursday through Sunday and on holidays.

How many entrances does the zoo (“Tierwelt”) have?

In addition to the main entrance, an additional entrance is available at the “Zebra” ticket counter during peak season. In the winter, only the main entrance is open, and the “Zebra” ticket counter is closed.

Are there special business hours during the winter?

During the Christmas holidays and the Styrian semester breaks, we are open every day. Exception: December 25 and January 1. The zoo is always closed on those dates.

What's the parking situation like?

There are three parking areas (approximately 300 parking spaces in total) for passenger cars and a separate bus parking area that can accommodate up to eight buses. Use of the parking areas is free of charge. On weekends with large numbers of visitors, parking attendants will also be on duty.

Are there discounted admission tickets?

For families, there are special rates in the form of family tickets, starting with tickets for a single parent and child. Selected companies offer discounted admission tickets as part of their employee benefit programs. Please contact your employee representative directly for more information.

What benefits does the annual pass offer me?

The annual pass is valid for 365 days—a full year!—beginning on the date of purchase. With the annual pass, you can visit the zoo as often as you like. Starting with your third visit, the pass will pay for itself (based on the regular admission price). As an annual pass holder, you’ll receive our “Tierwelt” newsletter twice a year, featuring exciting stories from the zoo, invitations, and much more. Coupons are available in our online shop.

Are tickets available online?

Yes, in our online store, you can print out an admission ticket from the comfort of your own home or download it to your smartphone. This allows you to go directly to the turnstiles.

I'm a journalist! Can I visit the zoo for free?

Yes. If you show your press card at the ticket counter, we will issue you an admission ticket free of charge.

Are there any special group offers?

Groups of 20 or more people qualify for a group rate. A supporting program—such as guided tours or meals at our restaurants—can also be booked. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have at info (at) tierwelt-herberstein.at.

Are dogs allowed? If so, under what conditions?

Dogs are not only allowed—they are welcome. Dogs must be kept on a short leash. Your dog is not required to wear a muzzle, but muzzles are available for checkout at the cash desk.

Is food sold at the zoo?

Yes. Both the food service and our gift shop are operated by Simbawelt GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Landestiergarten; we run the food service ourselves. In addition to the family restaurant “Simbawelt” (open year-round), our self-service taverns “Zooschenke” and “Panoramaplatzl” are also available to guests during the summer season. There are also numerous drink, snack, and coffee machines scattered throughout the park.

Can I pay without using cash?

Yes. You can use Maestro debit cards at all cash registers, in the restaurant, and in the Simbawelt gift shop to pay without cash. In addition, all major credit cards are accepted.

Is the zoo wheelchair-accessible?

Yes and no! People in wheelchairs can access parts of the zoo without any problems. The main entrance is wheelchair-accessible. From there, you can reach the petting zoo and the Zooschenke, where wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located. The path leading past the pelican pond to the red panda enclosure is also accessible. The remaining paths are not (yet) accessible to people in wheelchairs.

Are handcarts available?

Yes. Carts can be rented for a fee during the Simbawelt shop's business hours. Please note that they are available only when the souvenir shop is open.

Where can I find drinking water at the zoo?

In addition to the two drinking fountains next to the Lion House and the South America House (to be completed in the summer of 2019), drinking water is available in the changing and nursing areas, as well as in the restrooms and toilets at the Zooschenke.

We're coming with a baby and a stroller!

For young families, our diaper-changing and nursing areas provide a quiet space. Most of the paths have been paved with asphalt over the past three years to make it more comfortable to visit the zoo with a stroller.

When does the shuttle train run?

The shuttle train runs from April through September and travels back and forth between the main entrance and the Herberstein Gardens building. The train’s departure times are posted on the sign. Groups also have the option of making a reservation. To do so, please contact our administrative office at info (at) tierwelt-herberstein.at. Please note that the shuttle train’s schedule is subject to change.

What happens to lost items?

All lost items are collected at our lost-and-found office at the cash desk and kept there until the end of the season.

Can I feed the animals?

No. In general, our animals should not be fed. This is because different types of animals require special diets. “Uncontrolled” feeding can harm the animal’s health and make it difficult for our veterinarian to diagnose them.

I'd like to become a sponsor!

There are two different sponsorship packages. We also welcome individual donations. The amounts of these donations go directly toward species conservation and will be used to purchase food for the sponsored animal.