Hagenbeck Zoo

Tierpark Hagenbeck in Hamburg is one of the most historic zoos in the world. Opened in 1907 by animal dealer Carl Hagenbeck, it was the first zoo to show animals in open, bar-free enclosures, a concept later copied around the globe. Today its rocky panoramas, Asian temples and old trees, plus a tropical aquarium next door, make it one of the top things to do in Hamburg, especially for families.

Where it is and how to get there

The zoo is in the Stellingen district in northwest Hamburg, at Lokstedter Grenzstraße 2. Hamburg is about 1 hour 45 minutes from Berlin by ICE train. From the city center, take subway line U2 straight to the Hagenbecks Tierpark station; the main entrance is right at the exit. From Hamburg Airport, take the S-Bahn into the city and change to the U2. Local transit is covered by the Deutschlandticket.

Drivers reach the zoo via the A 7 highway (exit Stellingen), but there are only a limited number of paid parking spaces nearby, so the zoo itself recommends public transit.

A zoo without bars

Carl Hagenbeck's family began trading animals in Hamburg's St. Pauli district in 1863. On May 7, 1907, he opened the park on its current site, replacing cages with hidden moats and artificial rock landscapes. These layered panoramas make predators and prey appear to share one landscape. The zoo is still owned by the Hagenbeck family, and the entire park has been a protected monument since 1997. It covers about 19 hectares with roughly 1,400 animals of 140 species.

What you will see

• The Africa Panorama, with flamingos in front of dramatic artificial rocks
• The Arctic Ocean area, opened in 2012, with walruses, polar bears and penguins
• A herd of Asian elephants; on weekends and holidays visitors can watch them being fed from 11 a.m.
• A Nepalese pagoda temple, a gilded Thai pavilion and a Japanese pond with a red bridge
• The restored Art Nouveau gate from 1907, rebuilt and reopened on August 27, 2026

The Tropical Aquarium, opened in 2007, is a separate two-hour walk through more than 8,000 square meters featuring crocodiles, sharks and lemurs.

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026, according to the official website:

• Zoo: daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October 24, 2026; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from October 25. Ticket desks close one hour before closing.
• Tropical Aquarium: daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. year-round.
• Zoo: adults €29, children aged 4 to 16 €19. Aquarium: adults €25, children €17. Combined ticket: €45 / €33.
• Family ticket for the zoo (two adults, two children): €79.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes. Its historic design sets it apart from modern zoos, and the setting is beautiful in spring and fall. Plan three to four hours for the zoo, or a full day with the aquarium, which is perfect on rainy Hamburg days. Dogs are not allowed, and strollers must be left outside the aquarium, where baby carriers can be borrowed. Paths in the zoo are largely suitable for wheelchairs, and wheelchairs can be borrowed if you call ahead. Check the daily schedule of keeper talks and feedings, such as the fur seals in the morning and the crocodiles or sharks in the aquarium, and pick up the free site map at the entrance.