ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen

ZOOM Erlebniswelt in Gelsenkirchen is a themed zoo that takes you around the world in a day. Across more than 30 hectares in the heart of Germany's Ruhr region, you walk through recreated landscapes of Alaska, Africa and Asia, with almost no visible fences. A boat ride, an underwater sea lion tunnel and a treetop trail make it one of the best family things to do in the Ruhr area.

From post-war zoo to "experience world"

Gelsenkirchen opened its Ruhr Zoo on April 14, 1949, after a building period of just four and a half months; more than 40,000 visitors came over the first Easter holiday. By the 1980s the zoo was outdated and threatened with closure, so in 1996 the city council decided on a complete rebuild. The new themed worlds opened in stages: Alaska in 2005, Africa in 2006 and Asia in 2010. Today the zoo says it keeps around 900 animals of more than 100 species, and German theme-park guide Parkscout's audience award has named it Germany's best zoo many times.

What to see

• Alaska: polar bears, brown bears, wolves, moose and sea lions, which you can watch from a glass underwater tunnel. The "Alaska Ice Adventure" simulates a ride in an igloo on an ice floe.
• Africa: the largest area, with lions, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, chimpanzees, African penguins and hippos. Take the African Queen boat across the lake.
• Asia: a jungle with a treetop walkway five meters up, Amur tigers, red pandas and a tropical house with orangutans and an indoor playground.

Tickets and opening hours

The zoo is open every day of the year (as of October 2026). Through October 29 it is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; from November it opens 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the Africa and Alaska areas closing at 4 p.m. The African Queen boat does not run from November to mid-March.

Summer prices (through October 31) are €23.50 for adults and €15.50 for children aged 4 to 12; from November 1 they drop to €16.50 and €11. Children under 4 are free. Tickets bought at the gate carry a €1 service fee, so buy online. Payment is in euros (EUR).

How to get there

Gelsenkirchen sits between Essen and Dortmund, about 45 minutes by car from Düsseldorf Airport. From Gelsenkirchen Hauptbahnhof, take tram 301 to the stop "ZOOM Erlebniswelt"; regional train RB 43 also stops at "Gelsenkirchen Zoo." Local trains and trams are covered by the Deutschlandticket. Drivers use exit Gelsenkirchen-Bismarck on the A 42; parking costs €7 per day.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, if you want a full day out with kids. Plan five to seven hours to see all three worlds. Paths are mostly unpaved and include slopes, though the zoo is generally accessible and lends wheelchairs (reserve ahead). Dogs on a leash are allowed with their own ticket.

Nearby

• Nordsternpark, a former coal mine turned park with the Hercules sculpture on its tower.
• Veltins-Arena, home stadium of FC Schalke 04.
• Zollverein Coal Mine in Essen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Gasometer Oberhausen, a giant former gas tank used for exhibitions.