What is Copenhagen Zoo?
One of Europe's oldest zoos, founded in 1859, on the edge of Frederiksberg Gardens. It's known for its elephant house designed by Norman Foster, its panda house, an Arctic Ring where you walk through a tunnel under the polar bears and seals, and the African savannah with views towards Frederiksberg Palace.
Tickets
Annual card
The Zoo Card costs little more than two visits. Worth it if you live in or will return to Copenhagen.
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How busy is Copenhagen Zoo?
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Go when it’s quiet: see live crowds and the hourly forecast.
How to beat the crowds
- Buy online to skip the ticket desk.
- Arrive at opening on a weekday.
- See the pandas and the Arctic Ring first, the busiest areas.
- Check the feeding and talk times at the entrance.
Highlights
- The Elephant House by Norman Foster.
- The Panda House.
- The Arctic Ring: polar bears and seals swimming overhead.
- The African savannah with giraffes and zebras.
- The Tropical Zoo and the children's zoo.
- The Zoo Tower, an old wooden lookout tower with views over Copenhagen.
Insider tips
- Combine with Frederiksberg Gardens, a lovely free park next door.
- Picnics are allowed, which saves money.
- Copenhagen Card holders get in free: plan the zoo into a card day.
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming the same opening hours all year.
- Visiting on a sunny Saturday in July without arriving at opening.
- Paying for entry when you already have a Copenhagen Card.
History
Founded in 1859, Copenhagen Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Europe. It's spread across both sides of Roskildevej in Frederiksberg, linked by a tunnel. The zoo is known for its architecture as well as its animals: the Elephant House is by Norman Foster, and the Arctic Ring has an underwater tunnel where polar bears swim over your head.
With children
The Children's Zoo has farm animals to stroke, and there are playgrounds and the hill-top Zoo Tower for a view over Copenhagen. Strollers can be rented. Plan around feeding times, posted at the entrance, and the polar bears and elephants, which are favourites. Combine the visit with Frederiksberg Gardens, next door, for a picnic.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings outside the Danish school holidays are quietest, and animals are most active early. In summer, the zoo stays open later, and evenings are calm and pleasant. Sunny weekends bring families from all over Copenhagen. In winter, the zoo is quiet, the polar bears and Arctic animals are at their liveliest, and the Christmas lights event runs in December.
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for Copenhagen Zoo, based on Google’s popular-times data.
Quietest time
Wednesday, 9-11 am
Busiest time
Saturday, 11 am-5 pm
Highlights not to miss
- The Arctic Ring: polar bears and seals, seen from an underwater tunnel.
- The Elephant House: Norman Foster's glass-domed home for the Asian elephant herd.
- The Panda House: giant pandas in a pavilion shaped like the yin and yang symbol.
- The Tropical Zoo: a warm rainforest hall with birds, reptiles and primates.
- The Savanna: giraffes, zebras and rhinos with Frederiksberg's rooftops behind.
A suggested route
Start on the main side with the Arctic Ring and the Elephant House while the animals are active, then walk through the Tropical Zoo and the Panda House. Cross through the tunnel under Roskildevej to the Savanna and the Children's Zoo in the late morning. Climb the Zoo Tower for the view if the weather is clear, and leave time for a picnic or lunch before the afternoon feeding sessions.
Is Copenhagen Zoo worth it?
Yes for families and animal lovers, especially with the Copenhagen Card. The Foster elephant house and the Arctic Ring make it one of Europe's most interesting city zoos.
FAQs
How much is Copenhagen Zoo?
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DKK 249 for adults and DKK 149 for children 3-11. Under 3s are free.
Is Copenhagen Zoo included in the Copenhagen Card?
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Yes, with the Discover and Hop cards.
Is Copenhagen Zoo open every day?
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Yes, every day of the year, with hours that change by month.
How long do you need?
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3-4 hours.
What's the best time to visit?
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Weekday mornings. Check our live crowd tracker for your date.
How old is Copenhagen Zoo?
Heading to Copenhagen Zoo?
See how busy it is right now and the quietest hours for your date, then walk in when the line is short.
Check live crowds →Sources
How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
