Questions & Answers About the Herberstein Wildlife Park

Is the zoo open to visitors year-round?

Yes! The zoo's peak season runs from mid-March through early November, and it's open daily. The rest of the time—that is, during the winter season from early November through mid-March—we're open to our guests from Thursday through Sunday, as well as on holidays.

More information about opening hours

How many entrances does the animal kingdom have?

During the peak season, there is an additional entrance next to the main entrance called “Kassa Zebra.” In the winter, only the main entrance is open; “Kassa Zebra” is closed. Is there one in the winter?

Special opening hours?

We are open daily during the Christmas break and the Styrian semester break. Exception: December 25 and January 1. The zoo is always closed on these days.

What about parking?

There are 3 parking lots (with a total of approximately 300 parking spaces) for cars, as well as a separate bus parking lot that can accommodate up to 8 buses. Parking is free of charge. On weekends, when visitor traffic is heavy, parking attendants are on duty.

Are there discounted tickets?

Special rates are available for families in the form of family passes, starting with a single adult and one child. Discounted tickets are available through a works council agreement with select companies. Please contact your works council office directly for more information.

More information about admission prices

What are the benefits of the annual pass?

The annual pass is valid for 365 days a year starting from the date of purchase—that’s a full year! With the annual pass, you can visit the zoo as often as you’d like. It pays for itself after just three visits (based on the standard admission rate). As an annual pass holder, you’ll receive our “Tierwelt” newsletter twice a year, featuring exciting stories from the zoo, invitations, and much more. Gift certificates are available in our online shop.

Are online tickets available?

Yes, in our online store, you can conveniently print out a ticket at home or download it to your smartphone. This allows you to go straight through the turnstile.

More information about how to get your online ticket

I'm a journalist! Do I get free admission to the zoo?

Yes, upon presentation of a press pass at the ticket counter, we will issue a free admission ticket.

Are there any special offers for groups?

Group rates are available for groups of 20 or more. You can also book additional activities, such as guided tours or meals at our restaurants. We welcome inquiries at info (at) tierwelt-herberstein. at.
 

Are dogs allowed? If so, under what conditions?

Dogs are not only allowed but are most warmly welcome. Dogs must be kept on a short leash. Muzzles are not required, but they can be borrowed at the register as a courtesy.

More information about the dogs at Tierwelt Herberstein

Are there any dining options at the zoo?

Yes, both the food and beverage facilities and the souvenir shop are operated by Simbawelt GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Landestiergarten; we therefore run the food and beverage operations ourselves. In addition to the Simbawelt family restaurant (open year-round), our self-service eateries, Zooschenke and Panoramaplatzl, are also available to guests during the summer season. There are also numerous beverage, snack, and coffee vending machines scattered throughout the park.

Can I pay without cash?

Yes, cashless payment using a Maestro debit card is accepted at all cash registers, in the restaurants, and at the Simbawelt souvenir shop. In addition, all major credit cards are accepted.

Is the zoo accessible?

Yes and no! Some areas of the zoo are easily accessible to wheelchair users. There is barrier-free access via the main entrance. From there, you can reach the petting zoo and the zoo café, where barrier-free restrooms are also available. The path past the pelican pond to the red panda enclosure is also suitable. The rest of the trail network is not (yet) suitable for wheelchair users.

Are handcarts available?

Yes, during Simbawelt Shop hours, you can rent step ladders for a fee. Please note that these are only available during the souvenir shop's hours of operation.

Where can I find drinking water at the zoo?

In addition to the two drinking fountains at the Lion House and the South American House (to be completed in summer 2019), drinking water is also available in the baby-changing and nursing hut as well as in the restroom area near the zoo café.

We're coming with our baby and stroller!

Our diaper-changing and nursing hut offers a quiet retreat for families with young children. Most of the paths have been paved over the past 3 years to make visits to the zoo with strollers even more comfortable.

When does the scenic train leave?

The scenic train runs from April through September and operates between the main entrance and Herberstein Garden Castle (round trip). Train departure times are posted on the bulletin board. Groups also have the option of making an exclusive advance reservation. To do so, please contact our office at info (at) tierwelt-herberstein. at. Please note that the sightseeing train schedule may vary as a result.

What happens to lost items?

All lost items are collected at our lost and found office at the ticket window and will be kept there until the end of the season.
 

Is it okay to feed the animals?

No, feeding our animals is generally not permitted. The reason for this is that there is a specific feeding plan for each animal species. “Uncontrolled” feeding can be harmful to the animal’s health and thus also make it more difficult for our veterinarian to make a diagnosis.
 

I'd like to work with animals. Where can I apply?

All job postings can be found at www.tierwelt-herberstein.at/jobs
 

I'd like to become a sponsor!

We offer two different sponsorship packages. We also welcome individual donations. The funds go directly toward species conservation and are used to cover the sponsorship animal's food costs.

More information about the sponsorships

I'm coming in my electric car!

Two Energie Steiermark electric vehicle charging stations are located in the parking lot (across from the Zebra ticket office) and are available for use during our business hours, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Charging stations for bicycles are also available.