Located in the beautiful Wolski Forest outside the city, Krakow Zoo is a popular destination for families, animal lovers and tourists. Covering an area of 20 hectares, a visit to the zoo is a great experience with more than 1,400 animals from almost 300 species, including some rare and endangered species.
Getting to Krakow Zoo
Krakow Zoo (Ogrod Zoologiczny w Krakowie) is located in Wolski Forest (Las Wolski), about 4 km west of Krakow’s city center (Old Town). The zoo can be reached by public transport, including buses on line 137, which stop at the entrance to Wolski Forest. However, you may have to change buses from the center. For those driving, there is a paid parking lot nearby.
Shuttle buses are also available. You can book these online, including hotel pick-up and an entrance ticket for the zoo: Click here to book
Opening times, entrance prices and tickets for Krakow Zoo
Opening times: The zoo is open seven days a week all year round. Opening times vary slightly depending on the season, they are longer in summer and shorter in winter. According to our information, the zoo’s opening times in 2024 are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in summer and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in winter.
Entrance tickets: Entrance prices are affordable. There are discounts for children, students and seniors. Families can also benefit from special family packages. Adults pay just under 10 euros for entry. There are also parking fees. It is very easy to arrive by shuttle bus, which includes pick-up from your hotel in Krakow and entrance. You can book this online on this website
The zoo has a number of facilities, including a restaurant, snack bar, souvenir shop and playground. There are also benches and picnic areas for those who want to bring their own food. Good toilets. Prices are generally much cheaper in the zoo’s restaurants than in comparable zoos in Germany.
Key Attractions at Krakow Zoo
Big Cats and Other Predators
One of the most interesting attractions at the zoo is the big cat section, which includes lions, tigers and leopards, for example. These majestic animals can be observed in large and modern enclosures that replicate their natural habitat. The daily feedings, where visitors can observe these predators up close, are very popular among zoo visitors.
Monkeys
Another highlight is the primate section, which is home to various primates, lemurs and monkeys. The zoo is particularly famous for its chimpanzees and orangutans, whose social interactions and playful behavior visitors can observe.
Birds
Bird lovers will enjoy the amazing aviaries that house exotic birds from all over the world. Colorful parrots, flamingos, owls and peacocks roam freely here, providing great bird watching for the eye and camera.
Elephants and Giraffes
The zoo’s big animals, such as elephants and giraffes, are always a big attraction. The Giraffe House allows visitors to get up close and personal with these gentle giants, while the elephant enclosure is an impressive experience for both the animals and spectators.
Rare Animals
The Krakow Zoo is actively involved in species conservation and is also involved in breeding endangered animals. For example, key residents of the zoo include the endangered snow leopards, pygmy hippos and Przewalski’s horses.
Petting Zoo for Children
For younger visitors, the Children’s Zoo at Krakow Zoo offers a great experience, where they can feed and pet small animals such as goats, rabbits and ponies. This area is very popular with families with young children.
Reptiles
The Reptile House is home to a variety of snakes, lizards and turtles, offering an insight into the interesting world of cold-blooded animals. Particularly popular at Krakow Zoo are the large pythons (snakes) and the colorful, venomous species found in the world’s rainforests.
Aquariums
The aquarium is home to a variety of freshwater fish and marine animals, including exotic fish, amphibians and invertebrates. The colorful and diverse exhibits make for a calming and educational part of the visit.
Shuttle buses are available to the zoo. These can be booked online including hotel pickup and zoo entrance ticket: Click here to book
Events at Krakow Zoo
Throughout the year, Krakow Zoo organizes a number of events to enhance the experience for visitors. Seasonal festivals such as “Zoo at Night” offer a unique opportunity to experience the zoo from a new perspective. These events often include additional lectures, feedings and special events for children.
History of Krakow Zoo
Krakow Zoo was founded in 1929 and has grown considerably over the decades. The zoo has its roots in the former animal park of the Wawel Royal Castle, which dates back to the Middle Ages. Today, the zoo is dedicated to the protection and education of wild animals.
Krakow Zoo is a great place to spend a day surrounded by nature and wildlife. Whether you visit with your family or alone, the zoo offers a peaceful place in the forest outside the city of Krakow. Krakow Zoo is one of the top attractions in the city for us.