Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn is in Anif, south of Salzburg, at the foot of Hellbrunn Mountain. Its animal habitats make use of the rocky cliff, giving the walk a setting quite different from a flat city zoo. Look for big cats, brown bears, rhinos, monkeys and birds, including vultures that range freely in the area. A long, straightforward route takes about two to three hours, with more time useful for families. Bus 25 runs from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof; Hellbrunn Palace is nearby.
A zoo shaped by its setting
Salzburg Zoo lies in Anif, south of Salzburg, at the base of Hellbrunn Mountain. The steep cliff forms part of the setting for the animal areas, and the route passes through a landscape of rock and vegetation. The zoo occupies part of the historic Hellbrunn Palace grounds.
A zoological park stood here in 1424, during the period of the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg. That park was discontinued in 1816, after the end of the Archbishopric. The modern zoo opened on the same grounds in 1961.
Animals and habitats
The collection includes animals from Austria and other parts of the world. Big cats, brown bears, rhinos and monkeys are among the larger animals to look for; the zoo also has birds, reptiles and smaller species. Free-ranging vultures are a local feature, and snow leopards and wolves are among the animals named as highlights.
Habitats are arranged with natural surroundings in mind, using the cliff and the varied terrain. The zoo has areas associated with different environments, including forest, steppe and savannah. The setting and the animal collection give the visit variety as you move along the route.
Following the route
The zoo is laid out along a long path, so it is relatively easy to follow without having to choose between a maze of routes. Expect to walk as you make your way between the animal areas. Seating and places to pause are available, and families can use the playgrounds and designated areas where children can interact with animals.
Plan on about two hours for a brisker visit, or around three hours if you are visiting with children and want time to stop. Weekdays can be quieter. In winter, some animals may be less visible outdoors, so the experience can differ from a visit in warmer weather.
Getting there and planning ahead
Bus 25 connects Salzburg Hauptbahnhof with the zoo. Hellbrunn Palace is close by, so the two can be combined in one outing. The zoo also has parking; the parking information advises visitors to validate their ticket at the zoo before leaving. Advance ticket booking is recommended.
The route includes a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are useful. If you are planning a family visit, allow extra time for breaks and the children’s areas. A zoo visit may be less suited to a short Salzburg stop if you are not especially interested in animals or nature.
Preguntas frecuentes
How long do you need at Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn?
Allow about two to three hours. Families may want extra time for the playgrounds and designated animal-interaction areas.
How do you get to Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn from Salzburg?
Take bus 25 from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, or drive to the zoo in Anif.
Can you visit Hellbrunn Palace and the zoo on the same trip?
Yes. The palace is nearby, so you can combine the two visits.
Is Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn suitable for children?
The zoo has playgrounds and designated areas where children can interact with animals. Allow time for walking and stops along the route.
