English

Entry price

• Adults: EUR 19,50
• Children: EUR 9,50
• Dogs: EUR 3,00

The entry price includes:

• Animal World including feedings with commentary
• Herberstein Garden Palace inc. guided tour of palace (except groups) on open days at 12, 13, 14 and 15 o'clock
• Gironcoli Museum
• Historic garden, Sigmund’s garden
• Circular path through the Feistritzklamm gorge

Visitor Rules and Regulations (pdf)

Herberstein Animal World

Off we go with a roar!

Whether you're an animal lover, romantic, flower enthusiast, or art fan, there is something for every taste at the Herberstein Animal World.

Take a safari through all the continents and see about 700 animals almost like in the wild. Discover the great and small secrets of the animal world with your family. The petting zoo lets the littlest visitors touch animals, leaving them with shining eyes.

At the feedings with commentary, you can listen to interesting stories about our inhabitants and find out unique, exciting, and interesting information about animal species, ways of living, 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 weaves together the threads of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, crafting an exquisite gem that narrates a captivating tale of a familial legacy spanning over 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 unfurls 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 children's playgrounds, holiday programme at the zoo school

School Classes & Groups

We offer guided tours and programmes for groups. We look forward to your inquiry at info (at) tierwelt-herberstein.at.

Is the zoo open to visitors year-round?

Yes! The zoo’s peak season lasts from the middle of March until the beginning of November and is open every day. During the rest of the year (i.e., the winter season from the beginning of November until mid-March), we are open for our guests from Thursday to Sundays and on holidays.

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

Besides the main entrance, during the peak season an additional entrance is available at the “Zebra” cash desk. In the winter, only the main entrance is open and the “Zebra” cash desk 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: 25 December and 1 January. The zoo is always closed on those dates.

How is the parking situation?

There are three parking areas (approx. 300 parking places overall) for personal cars and a separate bus parking area for up to eight buses. Use of the parking areas is free of charge. On weekends with lots of visitors, parking area attendants will also be on duty.

Are there discounted entry tickets?

For families, there are special rates in the form of family tickets, beginning with single parent and child. Selected companies offer discounted entry tickets as part of their works agreements. Please inquire directly from your works council office.

What advantages does the annual pass offer me?

The annual pass is valid for 365 days – an entire year! – beginning with the date of purchase. With the annual pass, you can visit the zoo as often as you like. Starting with the third visit, the pass will pay for itself (calculated from the normal rate). As an annual pass holder, you will receive our “Tierwelt” newspaper twice a year, with exciting stories from the zoo, invitations, and much more. Coupons are available in our online shop.

Are tickets available online?

Yes, in our online shop you can print out an entry ticket in the comfort of your own home, or load it onto your smartphone. This allows you to go directly to the turnstiles.

I am a journalist! Can I visit the zoo for free?

Yes. If you present your press card at the cash desk, we will issue you an entry ticket at no charge.

Are there special group offers?

Groups of 20 people or more enjoy a group rate. A framework programme in the form of tours or meals in our restaurants can be booked in addition. We would be glad to answer your questions 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. You dog is not obligated to wear a muzzle, but muzzles can be checked out from the cash desk.

Is food sold in the zoo?

Yes. The catering as well as our souvenir shop is run by Simbawelt GmbH, a 100% subsidiary of the Landestiergarten; we operate the catering ourselves. In addition to the family restaurant “Simbawelt” (open year round), our self-service taverns “Zooschenke” and “Panoramaplatzl” are also available for 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 may use Maestro bank cards at all cash registers, in the restaurant and in the Simbawelt souvenir shop to pay without cash. Furthermore, all major credit cards are accepted.

Is the zoo wheelchair-accessible?

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

Are handcarts available?

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

Where is drinking water located in the zoo?

Besides the two drinking fountains next to the lion house and the South America house (to be completed during summer 2019), there is drinking water in the changing and nursing areas, as well as in the sanitary facilities and toilets at the Zooschenke.

We are coming with a baby and a pram!

For young families, our changing and nursing areas offer a retreat. Most of the paths have been covered with asphalt during the last three years, to make it more comfortable to visit the zoo with a pram.

When does the pickup train run?

The pickup train runs from April to September and travels back and forth between the main entrance and the building for the Herberstein gardens. The departure times for the train are posted on the sign. Groups also have the option of making a reservation. To do so, please contact our secretarial pool at info (at) tierwelt-herberstein.at. Please be aware that the times for the pickup train can vary.

What happens to lost objects?

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

Can I feed the animals?

No. Our animals may not generally be fed. This is because different types of animals require special diets. “Uncontrolled” feeding can damage the health of the animal and make it difficult for our vet to diagnose them.

I would like to become a sponsor!

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