Experience the wild side of Copenhagen at Copenhagen Zoo, one of Denmark’s top family attractions and among the oldest zoos in Europe. Home to more than 4,000 animals from around the globe, this vibrant zoo lets you travel between continents in just one day. Whether you’re marveling at giant pandas, watching polar bears swim, or enjoying a meal with a view of the elephants, Copenhagen Zoo offers an immersive, educational, and entertaining day out for visitors of all ages.
History of Copenhagen Zoo
Founded in 1859 by Danish ornithologist Niels Kjærbølling, Copenhagen Zoo began as a modest collection of birds and small animals in the summer garden of Princess Vilhelmine. The early years focused on showcasing as many species as possible, but as animal welfare standards evolved, the zoo shifted toward creating spacious, naturalistic habitats for its residents.
Notable historical features include the wooden observation tower built in 1905-one of the tallest of its kind in the world-and several preserved 19th-century buildings. Over the decades, the zoo has played a key role in conservation, including efforts to save the European bison from extinction. Today, Copenhagen Zoo is renowned for its blend of heritage, modern architecture, and commitment to animal welfare, drawing more than 1.2 million visitors annually.
Attractions at Copenhagen Zoo
- The Panda House: A highlight for many visitors, the Panda House is a state-of-the-art habitat designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group. Here, you can observe the zoo’s iconic giant pandas up close, and even dine at Bistro Panpan with a view of these gentle giants.
- The Elephant House: Designed by renowned architect Sir Norman Foster, the Elephant House features spacious glass-domed enclosures and a landscaped paddock with a deep pool. The innovative design offers both the elephants and visitors a unique experience, and the paddock opens out to Frederiksberg Gardens.
- The Arctic Ring: Step into the Arctic Ring for an unforgettable encounter with polar bears. This immersive exhibit includes an underwater tunnel, letting you watch the bears swim above and around you. The area also features North Atlantic seabirds, including alcids.
- The Savanna: Experience the African savanna with giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and hippos. The Hippopotamus House, opened in 2007, features walls patterned like hippo skin and allows underwater viewing of these fascinating animals.
- The Nordics: Explore the wildlife of Scandinavia in “The Nordics” section, home to brown bears, wolves, reindeer, musk oxen, snowy owls, and arctic foxes. This area highlights the diversity of northern European fauna.
- Asia: Meet red pandas, Amur leopards, tigers, Malayan tapirs, and Asian elephants in the Asia section, which features naturalistic habitats and educational displays.
- Observation Tower: Climb the 43.5-meter wooden observation tower for panoramic views of the zoo, Frederiksberg Gardens, and the Copenhagen skyline. The tower is a historic landmark and a favorite photo spot.
Things to Do at Copenhagen Zoo
Animal Encounters: Attend daily feeding sessions and keeper talks to learn more about the animals and their care.
Interactive Exhibits: Many areas feature educational displays, touch screens, and activities for kids.
Playgrounds: Several themed play areas are scattered throughout the zoo, perfect for letting younger visitors burn off energy.
Photography: The zoo’s architecture and animal habitats provide fantastic photo opportunities, from close-ups of pandas to sweeping views from the tower.
Dining Experiences: Enjoy meals and snacks at various restaurants and food stalls, some with views of animal enclosures.
Seasonal Events: Look out for special events such as “Zoo Nights” in summer, when the zoo stays open late with music, food, and unique animal experiences.
Copenhagen Zoo – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
How Long to Spend at Copenhagen Zoo
Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the zoo, but families with young children or those who enjoy leisurely meals and playground stops can easily spend half a day or more. With so many animals, exhibits, and activities, it’s easy to make a full day of your visit.
How to Get There
- By Bus: Take bus line 7A from Hovedbanegården (Copenhagen Central Station) to Zoologisk Have. Buses run every 10 minutes, and the journey takes about 12 minutes.
- By Metro: Take the M3 (Cityringen) Metro to Frederiksberg Station. From there, it’s about a 24-minute walk to the zoo.
- By Train: From Copenhagen Central Station, you can take the metro or walk (about 3.3 km, or 40 minutes on foot).
- By Taxi: A taxi from the city center to the zoo covers about 3.2 km and takes approximately 4 minutes, depending on traffic.
- From the Airport: Copenhagen Airport is about 9.8 km from Frederiksberg. Taxis and shuttle services are available for direct trips to the zoo.
- By Bicycle: Copenhagen is a bike-friendly city, and there are bike racks available at the zoo entrance.
- By Car: Parking is available near the zoo, but spaces can fill up quickly during weekends and holidays.
Eateries Nearby Copenhagen Zoo
Copenhagen Zoo offers a variety of dining options both inside and just outside the zoo:
Bistro Panpan: French-Asian inspired bistro located inside the Panda House, offering lunch and dinner with views of the pandas.
Spisehuset FOLK: A cozy, traditional restaurant serving classic Danish dishes such as open sandwiches.
Cakes & Dreams: A delightful spot for pastries, cakes, and coffee within the zoo grounds.
Zoo Bar: Located in central Copenhagen, this lively spot serves everything from burgers to salads and is a great place for a meal or drink after your visit.
Churro Stalls and Snack Stands: Throughout the zoo, you’ll find stands offering churros, ice cream, hot and cold drinks, and other snacks-perfect for a quick treat.
Food Stalls: Various spots around the zoo offer sandwiches, hot dogs, and kid-friendly meals.
Other Attractions Nearby Copenhagen Zoo
Frederiksberg Gardens: Adjacent to the zoo, this expansive park is perfect for a stroll, picnic, or boat ride on the canals.
Frederiksberg Palace: Overlooking the gardens, this Baroque palace is a short walk from the zoo and offers guided tours.
The Cisterns: A unique underground art museum located in Søndermarken Park, just across the road from the zoo.
Carlsberg District: Discover the historic Carlsberg Brewery area with its visitor center, art installations, and trendy eateries.
Værnedamsvej: Known as “Little Paris,” this charming street is filled with cafés, boutiques, and bakeries, just a short walk away.
The Copenhagen Zoo is one of the oldest and most beloved zoos in Europe, located in the heart of Denmark’s capital. Founded in 1859, the Copenhagen Zoo offers visitors a chance to explore a wide variety of animal habitats, from the Arctic cold to the tropical rainforest.
Famous for its stunning Elephant House designed by architect Norman Foster, the Copenhagen Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals representing more than 250 species. It’s a perfect destination for families, animal lovers, and anyone who enjoys learning about wildlife conservation. Whether you’re admiring the lions, watching the playful pandas, or wandering through the wooden savanna, the Copenhagen Zoo promises a memorable and educational experience for all ages.