Copenhagen Zoo: Complete Visitor Guide (2026)

TLDR: Copenhagen Zoo is one of Europe's oldest zoos, founded in 1859 in Frederiksberg. Home to over 4,000 animals, it's open 365 days a year.  Highlights include Norman Foster's Elephant House, giant pandas, polar bears in the Arctic Ring, and Tasmanian devils you won't find in any other European zoo.

Copenhagen Zoo doesn't feel like it should be here. Squeezed between Frederiksberg Gardens and Søndermarken, this 11-hectare slice of wildlife sits in one of Copenhagen's most residential neighbourhoods. You're watching polar bears dive underwater while apartment buildings peek over the treeline.

After multiple visits across different seasons, I've figured out what makes this zoo worth the ticket price and what you should know before you go.

What is the story behind Copenhagen Zoo?

Founded in 1859 by ornithologist Niels Kjærbølling, the zoo's original collection was charmingly modest: eagles, chickens, a seal in a bathtub, and a turtle in a bucket. Things have improved. It now houses over 4,000 animals from around 264 species, making it Denmark's most visited zoo with roughly 1.2 million visitors per year.

The architecture rivals the animals. Norman Foster designed the Elephant House. Bjarke Ingels Group created the Panda House, inspired by the yin and yang symbol. The Arctic Ring lets you watch polar bears swim above you through an underwater tunnel.

The Tasmania section is unique in Europe, housing Tasmanian devils gifted to Denmark in 2004 after Crown Prince Frederik married Tasmanian-born Mary Donaldson. The zoo's oldest building still in use dates to 1872, and a 43.5-metre wooden observation tower from 1905 offers city-wide views for 25 DKK.

How much is the Copenhagen Zoo?

Even though it's not free to enter, it's still worth the prize:

• Adult admission is around 249 DKK (roughly €33).
• Children aged 3 and under enter free. 

Buying tickets online is slightly cheaper and skips the queue. The Copenhagen Card includes admission, which is worth considering if you're hitting multiple attractions.

Budget 3-4 hours for a thorough visit. There are restaurants and snack stalls inside, but food prices are high, so packing snacks is smart.

What happened at the Copenhagen Zoo in Denmark?

If you've heard of Copenhagen Zoo internationally, it's probably because of Marius. In February 2014, the zoo euthanised a healthy young giraffe because his genes were already well-represented in the European breeding programme. The zoo performed a public autopsy and fed the meat to its lions.

The backlash was enormous. Other zoos offered to take Marius. Animal rights groups condemned the decision. The zoo's scientific director defended it as standard practice, noting they typically cull 20-30 animals per year for population management.

The incident sparked a global debate about zoo ethics and breeding programmes that remains divisive.

How can I see the elephants outside the zoo?

This is one of Copenhagen's best free experiences. The wall between the zoo and Frederiksberg Gardens was opened up to create a viewing window into the elephant enclosure. You can walk through the park, completely free, and watch the elephants in their nearly one-hectare outdoor area, including a deep pool where they swim.

Head to the upper part of Frederiksberg Gardens, near where the park borders the zoo on the south side. The elephants are usually outside during daytime in warmer months. It's a great stop to combine with exploring the gardens and Frederiksberg Palace on the hill above.

When is the best time to visit Copenhagen Zoo?

The zoo is open every day of the year, typically from 9 or 10 AM to 5 PM depending on the season. Weekday mornings are quietest.

Winter visits are surprisingly good: the zoo is much calmer, some animals are more active in cooler weather, and indoor exhibits like the Tropical Zoo rainforest and Arctic Ring work regardless of temperature.

Check the daily feeding schedule online before you go, as polar bear and hippo feedings are highlights.

Is it worth visiting Copenhagen Zoo?

With kids, it's one of the best things to do in Copenhagen. The Children's Zoo, feeding demonstrations, and Zoofari playground keep younger visitors busy for hours. For adults, the architecture and the Savanna section, where you walk a bridge over giraffes, zebras, and rhinos sharing open space below, are standouts.

The location helps too: combine a zoo visit with Frederiksberg Gardens, the palace, and lunch at a neighbourhood cafe for a full day away from the central tourist trail.

However, it's not free. Keep in mind the price and plan for a long day with loads of things to see and do.

What else should I see near Copenhagen Zoo?

Frederiksberg is filled with great attractions, and you can read our full guide to them all here.

• Frederiksberg Gardens are right next door, free and open year-round. 
• Frederiksberg Palace overlooks the gardens from the hill, with guided tours one Saturday per month. 
• Cisternerne, an underground modern art museum in former water cisterns beneath Søndermarken, is a short walk away. 

The neighbourhood's tree-lined streets along Gammel Kongevej and Frederiksberg Allé are filled with independent shops, bakeries, and excellent restaurants. It's easy to explore with StoryHunt - download the app here.