Copenhagen Zoo

To enjoy Copenhagen Zoo at its best, a bit of forethought goes a long way. Weekends and school holidays often mean bigger crowds, so quieter mornings or weekday afternoons provide more space to wander. Located just west of the City Center, the zoo is easily reached by bus or bike—riding through green Frederiksberg is part of the charm. Tickets are available online and at the entrance, but the line can grow during peak times, especially around popular feeding hours. For families with strollers, seniors with walking aids, and travelers with wheelchairs, most of the grounds remain accessible, although a few older paths can feel uneven.

• Best time to visit: Weekday mornings in May, early June, or September when weather is pleasant and crowds are thinner
• How to get there: Bus 6A stops at the main entrance; bikes can be parked just outside; S-train to Valby station plus a short walk
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly paths and ramps throughout most areas; on-site stroller rentals available
• Average visit duration: Three to five hours for a full experience

Some exhibits at Copenhagen Zoo cannot be missed—both for their animal residents and inventive design. The Elephant House, created by architect Norman Foster, offers elegant, sweeping views of Asian elephants roaming across grassy paddocks. Close by, the Arctic Ring submerges visitors beneath polar bear pools, creating a rare underwater window into their icy world. Tucked between these main attractions, smaller gems like the historic wooden Flamingo Aviary and the Tree-top Walk let visitors linger above or between animal habitats. Throughout, interpretive signs deliver surprising facts and Danish humor in equal measure—reminding everyone that learning here is playful, not formal.

• Key sights or features: The Elephant House, Arctic Ring, Savanna area with giraffes and zebras
• Unique experiences: Zookeeper feeding talks (in Danish and English), petting area with goats, behind-the-scenes tours (book ahead)
• Photo-worthy locations: Elephant pool, panoramic view from Tree-top Walk, flamingos framed by historic aviary
• Cultural or historical facts: Opened in 1859, Copenhagen Zoo is one of Europe’s oldest; its tower offers city views for those willing to climb the steep steps