Schoenbrunn Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn) is an exciting zoo complex on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Schönbrunn Palace grounds. Modern zoo architecture merges with gorgeous 18th-century imperial menagerie buildings dating back to 1752 and the rule of Emperor Franz Stephan. Explore the vast diversity of animal life with exhibits that span from the Amazon rainforest to the icy tundra of the Arctic. Wander around the grand palace grounds, admiring the Versailles-style Baroque architecture of the emperor’s original menagerie.
Enter the zoo grounds and make your way to the central pavilion, which is surrounded by historic enclosures in a wide circle. The ornate Baroque pavilion is set against a backdrop of rolling green lawns and heritage trees. From here, begin your tour of the updated enclosures, which house more than 700 animal species. Meet the zoo’s giant pandas and watch them munching on bamboo. Explore the rainforest house, which combines the jungle with an aquarium to recreate an Amazonian rainforest setting.
The zoo is home to species that are now considered threatened, such as Siberian tigers, orangutans and African elephants. In-house zoologists, veterinarians and keepers work to support the conservation of these species. Learn about these creatures with an informative zookeeper talk or watch the scheduled feeding times. Find out what giant tortoises, Peruvian penguins and koalas eat as you check out the feeding displays.
Pick from one of the zoo’s dining areas to grab a meal or a drink. Try Tyrolean delicacies in the Tirolergarten Tavern or experience Viennese cuisine in the magnificent and central Emperor’s Pavilion. The zoo also has a selection of casual cafés, a buffet, a beer garden and an ice cream parlor, which is located next to the cooling spray of the Neptune Fountain.
Get around the zoo on foot or ride on the Panorama Train for easy access across the 395-acre (160-hectare) palace grounds.
Schoenbrunn Zoo is located within the spacious Schoenbrunn Palace grounds. There is an admission cost to visit the zoo and discounts are available for children, adolescents under 19 and visitors with a disability. The zoo is open daily year-round, with reduced hours during the winter months.
