Description
Tierpark Hagenbeck is a zoo in north-west Hamburg, and one of the most popular destinations of the Hanseatic city. For more than 100 years, it has attracted visitors from all over the world; nowadays it is around 2 millions a year.
Animals from all over the world
The spacious enclosures of the park are home to more than 1,850 animals. From Siberian tiger and Australian forester kangaroos to American bisons, 210 species from all continents are present. Highlights include the Africa Panorama, where flamingoes, zebras, ostriches and lions can be seen against the backdrop of Barbary sheep rocks. The numerous youngs that are born here every year are also very popular.
The polar world
Its polar sea is another special feature of Tierpark Hagenbeck. Inhabitants of North and South Pole live here. You can watch polar bears, fur seals and penguins underwater through big windows. At one of the deepest walrus basins in the world, you get to see the only walruses in Germany. A walk through the polar sea area takes about 1.5 hours.
Animals up close
According to schedule, you can attend show feedings, where the zookeepers not only feed the animals, but also give interesting information about their fostelings, and answer visitors' questions. The giraffes and Asian elephants are even allowed to be fed by visitors. Fresh fruit and vegetables are available at the park. Other opportunities to get closer to the animals are the petting zoo and pony riding.
Historical Information
The history of Tierpark Hagenbeck goes back more than 100 years. In 1907, Carl Hagenbeck opened the first grateless zoo in the world, revolutionising zoo architecture. He created enclosures with no visible barriers, so-called panoramas, which he got patented. Nowadays, this type of enclosure can be found in zoos all over the world. The park is still owned by the Hagenbeck family today. It is the only family-run non-profit zoo in Europe.
In May 2007, for its 100th birthday, the zoo got a new attraction: Tropen-Aquarium Hagenbeck. The tropical aquarium can be visited individually, or along with the Tierpark with a combination ticket.
How to get there
By car
Tierpark Hagenbeck is located in Hamburg's Stellingen district. From motorway A7, take exit HH-Stellingen, then turn right onto Kieler Straße. After 350 metres, turn left onto Sportplatzring. To get to the car park by the front entrance, drive straight on Koppelstraße and turn left onto Lokstedter Grenzstraße to the car park (€ 4 per day). A free P+R is located next to the car park.
To get to car park Gazellenkamp (north entrance), turn left onto Basselweg, then right onto Gazellenkamp. Please note that the north entrance is only open during the summer.
Public transportation
As there is limited space for cars, it is recommended to use public transport. Subway line U2 gets you to Hagenbecks Tierpark. The station is only a few steps away from the main entrance of the zoo. Bus line 181 stops at the north entrance at Gazellenkamp.