At a Glance

Salzburg Hellbrunn Zoo is one of Europe’s most charming zoos, distinguished above all by its spectacular scenic backdrop and the naturalistic husbandry of around 150 animal species. Situated directly against the historic rock face of Hellbrunn Mountain and seamlessly integrated into the grounds of Hellbrunn Palace, the zoo is home to approximately 1,500 animals across an area of ​​about 14 hectares. The zoo’s core concept organizes enclosures by continent, with the African open-range exhibit and the South American area ranking among the absolute highlights.

Unique Location and Historic Roots

What makes Salzburg Zoo special is its combination of nature, history, and modern animal care:

• Historic Origins: The zoo traces its roots back to the former archiepiscopal game reserve, established as early as the 17th century under Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus as part of the Hellbrunn Palace complex.
• Rock Face as a Landscape Feature: A striking characteristic is the massive, sheer rock face of Hellbrunn Mountain. It serves not only as an impressive backdrop but also provides a natural habitat for species adept at climbing, such as ibex and chamois.

A Journey Across Continents

The grounds are clearly organized into geographical sections, allowing visitors to embark on a journey of discovery through different worlds:

• Africa: The centerpiece is the expansive African open-range exhibit. Here, white rhinos, zebras, and antelopes share a spacious savanna-like landscape. Right next door are the enclosures for cheetahs and lions.
• South America: This area features tapirs, capybaras, maned wolves, and alpacas. A walk-through tropical house complements the area, housing colorful birds, reptiles, and monkeys.
• Eurasia & Bears: In addition to native ibex and wolverines, the zoo is home to brown bears and endangered snow leopards, for which a specially designed rocky enclosure has been built.
• Australia: Here, visitors encounter kangaroos and distinctive Australian bird species.

Species Conservation, Education, and Experience

Salzburg Zoo is actively involved in international conservation breeding programs (EEPs) aimed at saving endangered animal species.

• Feedings and Guided Tours: Commentary-led feedings take place daily, offering visitors insights into the animals’ behavior and biology. Evening tours during the summer months are particularly popular.
• Accessibility & Families: The paths are flat and well-surfaced, making the zoo highly accessible for strollers and wheelchair users. Additionally, petting zoos and playgrounds invite younger visitors to get involved.

salzburg-zoo.at

+43 662 820176-0

Jan. – Feb., Nov. – Dec.

Apr. – Sep.

March, Oct.

Special opening hours

• Night Zoo (in August): On all Fridays and Saturdays in August, the zoo extends its opening hours for evening visits until 10:00 pm (last admission at 8.30 pm).

• Ticket entrances: The main entrance is open throughout. The side entrance has different or restricted opening hours on weekdays and during inclement weather.

Savings Tips & Additional Offers

• Salzburg Card: The all-inclusive Salzburg Card includes one-time free admission to the zoo.
• Hellbrunn Combination Ticket: Visitors planning to also see the famous Trick Fountains and Hellbrunn Palace can purchase discounted combination tickets on-site.
• Night Zoo (August): On Fridays and Saturdays in August, a small event surcharge applies to the regular ticket price from 5:30 PM (€3.00 for adults / €1.00 for children).

By car

Thanks to its convenient location near the motorway, getting here by car is easy.

Directions

• Via the motorway (A10 Tauernautobahn):
  • Take the Salzburg-Süd (Anif) exit.
  • Follow the signs towards Salzburg City Centre / Hellbrunn.
  • After approximately 2 kilometers, you will reach the entrance to the Zoo/Hellbrunn Palace.
• From Salzburg city centre:
  • Follow Hellbrunner Straße or Alpenstraße heading south out of the city directly to Hellbrunn.

Parking

• Zoo car park: There is a large car park right at the zoo entrance.
• Parking fees: Parking is subject to a fee for zoo visitors. You can have your parking ticket validated for a reduced daily rate when purchasing a zoo ticket or at the ticket office.

By public transport

The zoo is excellently connected to the Salzburg bus network and has its own stop right at the entrance.

• Direct bus route:
  • Trolleybus line 25: Runs from Salzburg Central Station via the city center (e.g., Mirabellplatz or Rathaus stops) directly to the Salzburg Zoo (or Anif Zoo Salzburg) stop.
• Travel time: The journey from the Central Station takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
• Frequency: During the day, the bus generally runs every 15 minutes.
• Additional bus route: Regional bus line 170 (towards Hallein) also stops nearby (at the Anif Schlosswirt / Anif Zoo stop), though it requires a slightly longer walk.