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Dählhölzli Zoo

4.6
·7k reviews·Bern, Switzerland

A charming, non-commercial zoo with spacious enclosures, a popular petting zoo, and free BBQ areas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
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Wisente

Dählhölzli Zoo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, non-commercial zoo with spacious enclosures, a popular petting zoo, and free BBQ areas.

4.6
(7k reviews)

"A breath of fresh air! Bern Zoo is a wonderful destination for families, genuinely welcoming and low-pressure."

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack a Picnic 🧺

Utilize the free BBQ areas! It's a thoughtful, budget-friendly option praised by visitors .

Patience for Bears 🐻

The bears are a highlight, but they can be elusive. Be patient and observant to spot them!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Bear Park

The Bear Park

Bear enclosures

Watch the majestic bears in their spacious, naturalistic habitat. Patience is key to spotting them!

Vivarium Wonders

Vivarium Wonders

Vivarium building

Explore a fascinating world of reptiles, amphibians, and insects. A perfect escape on cooler days.

Petting Zoo Fun

Petting Zoo Fun

Petting zoo area

Interact with friendly farm animals, including free-roaming goats. A highlight for many visitors!

Tropical House

Tropical House

Tropical house

Warm up and immerse yourself in a lush, vibrant environment filled with exotic plants and animals.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Make the Most of Your Visit

Dählhölzli Zoo is a charming, smaller zoo, perfect for a few hours. Arrive early to enjoy the animals before peak times, especially if you're visiting with kids. Consider packing a picnic to take advantage of the free BBQ areas, a thoughtful touch that saves money and avoids overpriced cafe meals.Reddit

Parking & Accessibility

While the zoo itself is praised for its thoughtful design and animal welfare, parking can be a challenge. Many visitors report having to park far away and walk, which can be difficult for those with mobility issues or young children.Reddit Plan your transport accordingly, perhaps using public transit.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons (weekdays)
Why
Quieter than weekends
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter days
Why
Tropical house is a warm escape
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Kim Jong Un verbrachte Teile seiner Jugend in der Schweiz unter dem Pseudonym "Pak Un" und besuchte dort Schulen wie die International School of Berne und die öffentliche Schule Liebefeld Steinhölzli in Bern. Während dieser Zeit knüpfte er enge Freundschaften, insbesondere mit João Micaelo, einem Mitschüler portugiesischer Herkunft. Sie verband ihre Leidenschaft für Basketball und Videospiele, was...
@azadiius
109.4K likes • 987.6K views

Pack a Picnic 🧺

Utilize the free BBQ areas! It's a thoughtful, budget-friendly option praised by visitors.Reddit

Patience for Bears 🐻

The bears are a highlight, but they can be elusive. Be patient and observant to spot them!

🏆 Die SwissSkills Meisterschaften 2025 sind vorbei: Am Samstagabend wurden in Bern die besten jungen Berufsleute des Landes geehrt. 92 Schweizer Meisterinnen und Meister erhielten Goldmedaillen in ihren Berufen. Unter ihnen auch Hagos (29) aus Dornach SO, der vor acht Jahren aus Eritrea in die Schweiz geflüchtet ist – jetzt gewinnt er den Titel bei den Textilpflegefachleuten. 👉 Über den LInk in de...
@20minuten
9.2K likes • 162K views
Old City of Bern Switzerland 🇨🇭
@asaniamir
7.2K likes • 83.9K views

Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

While not huge, you'll be doing a fair bit of walking. Comfortable footwear is a must.

Check Animal Schedules

Some feeding times or special talks might be available. Check the zoo's website or information boards.

reddit.com

Petting zoo with free-roaming goats?

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack a Picnic 🧺

Utilize the free BBQ areas! It's a thoughtful, budget-friendly option praised by visitors.Reddit

Patience for Bears 🐻

The bears are a highlight, but they can be elusive. Be patient and observant to spot them!

Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

While not huge, you'll be doing a fair bit of walking. Comfortable footwear is a must.

Check Animal Schedules

Some feeding times or special talks might be available. Check the zoo's website or information boards.

Consider Public Transport :bus:

Parking can be difficult. Public transport is a convenient alternative to avoid parking hassles.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Dählhölzli Zoo is widely loved for its beautiful grounds, well-cared-for animals in spacious enclosures, and a refreshingly non-commercial atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the thoughtful amenities like free BBQ areas and the engaging petting zoo, making it a great family outing. However, the significant challenge with parking can detract from the overall experience for some.

"Our favourite zoo in the whole country! Greenery is beautiful and variety of animals is great, taken that a lot of them come from the same climate zone. Tropical house is also fun for cold winter days - you really get to warm up while watching animals. Kids love it!"

Marta Joss

"Loved this little zoo, especially the vivarium. Feed the seals was awesome. Its not huge (probably only a few hours to get through it). The arctic fox and leopard were out and fun to see as well!"

Matthew Arrington

"A small but very nice zoo, where the animals have large enclosures, making it fun to spot them, for both kids and adults. The main highlights are the bears, but you have to be patient and they will eventually appear."

Arnaud Devred

What People Like

Beautiful greenery and spacious enclosures
Non-commercial, low-pressure atmosphere
Free BBQ areas and picnic spots

What People Dislike

Limited and distant parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The zoo is accessible by public transport. Tram lines 6, 7, 8, and 9 stop nearby. If driving, be aware that parking can be limited and you may need to walk a considerable distance.Reddit

Parking is available but often fills up quickly, and some visitors have reported having to park far away and walk for 25 minutes.Reddit It's recommended to check for nearby paid parking options or opt for public transport.

Several tram lines serve the area around Dählhölzli Zoo, including lines 6, 7, 8, and 9. This is often a more convenient option than dealing with parking challenges.Reddit

Yes, cycling is a great option. There are usually bike racks available, and it's a pleasant way to arrive, especially if you're coming from within Bern.

The zoo itself has well-maintained paths, but the parking situation can be a significant hurdle for those with mobility issues.Reddit Public transport stops are generally accessible.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Dählhölzli Zoo website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.

Ticket prices are generally reasonable for a zoo. Check the official website for current admission fees for adults, children, and concessions.

While not always explicitly stated, many zoos offer online ticket purchasing for convenience. It's worth checking the Dählhölzli Zoo website to see if this option is available to save time.

Dählhölzli Zoo often offers various ticket options, including family passes or discounts for students and seniors. Inquire at the ticket counter or check their website.

Dählhölzli Zoo is described as a smaller, charming zoo, perfect for a few hours of exploration rather than a full day.Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Key highlights include the Bear Park, the Vivarium with its reptiles and amphibians, a popular petting zoo with free-roaming goats,Reddit and the immersive Tropical House.

Absolutely! The petting zoo is a huge hit with kids. The zoo's layout and animal enclosures are designed to be engaging for younger visitors.

Feeding the animals is generally restricted to specific areas like the petting zoo, where you can purchase food. Always follow zoo guidelines regarding animal feeding.

The zoo is designed for easy viewing, with spacious enclosures. Patience is often rewarded, especially for spotting animals like the bears.Reddit

It can get busy, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Weekday mornings are generally the least crowded times to visit.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a restaurant and cafe. However, a standout feature is the free BBQ area where visitors can cook their own food, a thoughtful touch that's highly appreciated.Reddit

Absolutely! Dählhölzli Zoo is known for being welcoming to picnics. You can utilize the free BBQ facilities or find designated picnic spots.Reddit

Besides the cafe and restaurant, the free BBQ area is a major draw. This allows visitors to enjoy a meal without the pressure of buying expensive food from the zoo.Reddit

While specific menus can change, most zoo cafes and restaurants offer a range of options. Bringing your own picnic provides the most control over dietary needs.

The zoo actively encourages visitors to bring their own food and use the free BBQ facilities, suggesting that purchasing food on-site might be pricier.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Bear Park offers dramatic shots, the Tropical House provides lush backdrops, and the spacious enclosures allow for great animal portraits. The petting zoo is also a fun spot for candid shots.

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or filming may require special permits. Always check the zoo's official guidelines.

A telephoto lens is useful for capturing animals in their enclosures. A wide-angle lens can be great for the Tropical House and general zoo scenery. A good phone camera is also sufficient for most visitors.

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and more active animals. Weekdays also mean fewer people in your shots.

Drone usage is almost certainly prohibited within zoo grounds for the safety and well-being of the animals and visitors. Always adhere to local regulations.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dählhölzli Zoo is a fantastic destination for families, offering a welcoming and engaging experience. The petting zoo with free-roaming goats is a guaranteed hit, allowing children to interact closely with friendly farm animals.Reddit The zoo's thoughtful design means animals are often visible in spacious enclosures, keeping young minds captivated.

One of the most appreciated aspects for families is the zoo's low-pressure environment. Unlike many attractions, it doesn't push commercialism, and the availability of free BBQ areas makes it easy and affordable to enjoy a picnic lunch.Reddit This thoughtful approach ensures a stress-free outing. Just be mindful of the parking situation; consider public transport or arrive very early to secure a spot closer to the entrance.

🚶 Budget Travelers

Dählhölzli Zoo is a great option for budget-conscious travelers. The free BBQ facilities are a major advantage, allowing you to significantly cut down on food expenses by bringing your own picnic.Reddit This is a refreshing alternative to overpriced zoo cafes.

While there's an admission fee, the zoo offers a good value for the experience. It's a smaller zoo, meaning you can see most of it in a few hours, making it a perfect half-day activity that doesn't require a full day's budget. Opting for public transport over driving can also save on parking fees and fuel costs.

❤️ Couples & Nature Lovers

For couples seeking a relaxed and scenic outing, Dählhölzli Zoo offers a charming escape. The zoo's beautiful greenery and the spacious, naturalistic enclosures create a peaceful atmosphere perfect for a leisurely stroll. It's a place where you can appreciate the animals without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by crowds.

The Vivarium provides an intriguing indoor experience, ideal for a change of pace, while the Bear Park offers a chance to observe impressive wildlife in a more natural setting. The zoo's commitment to a low-pressure, non-commercial environment allows for genuine connection with nature and each other.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Dählhölzli Zoo Experience: More Than Just Animals

Dählhölzli Zoo is celebrated not just for its diverse animal collection, but for its thoughtful approach to visitor experience. Unlike many attractions, it avoids aggressive commercialization, offering a refreshing, low-pressure environment.Reddit This means no constant upsells, optional gift shops, and a notable absence of noisy coin-operated rides that often distract from the natural experience.

The zoo's commitment to visitor comfort extends to its dining options. The presence of free BBQ areas is a standout feature, allowing families to prepare their own meals and enjoy a picnic without feeling pressured to buy expensive food.Reddit This, combined with spacious and well-designed animal enclosures that prioritize animal welfare, creates a harmonious atmosphere for both guests and residents.

Visitors frequently praise the zoo for its beautiful greenery and the variety of animals, many of which are suited to similar climate zones. The Tropical House, in particular, is a beloved spot for its immersive, warm environment, making it a perfect destination even on colder days. It's this blend of ethical animal care, visitor-centric amenities, and natural beauty that makes Dählhölzli Zoo a favorite.

Navigating Dählhölzli Zoo: Practicalities and Tips

When planning your visit to Dählhölzli Zoo, it's essential to consider the practicalities, especially regarding transport and parking. While the zoo itself is a manageable size, often described as perfect for a few hours of exploration,Reddit the surrounding infrastructure can present challenges. Many visitors have noted that parking is scarce and often requires a significant walk, which can be tiring for children or those with mobility issues.Reddit

To circumvent potential parking woes, utilizing Bern's efficient public transport system is highly recommended. Tram lines 6, 7, 8, and 9 provide convenient access to the zoo's vicinity, making the journey smoother and more predictable. Once inside, comfortable footwear is a must, as you'll be exploring the various enclosures and exhibits.

For those looking to maximize their visit, arriving early on weekdays is the best strategy to avoid crowds and enjoy more active animals. Remember to check the zoo's schedule for any feeding times or special talks that might enhance your experience. The emphasis on a relaxed, non-commercial atmosphere means you can truly focus on enjoying the animals and the natural surroundings.

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