Tierpark Hellabrunn

Hellabrunn Zoo is a 40-hectare zoological garden on the right bank of the Isar in southern Munich. When it reopened in 1928, it became the world’s first Geo-Zoo: its layout grouped animals by geographic region rather than placing each species in isolation. The design also made extensive use of moats instead of visible cages.

Don't miss

• The Geo-Zoo plan, which groups animals according to their regions of origin.
• Moat-based enclosure design intended to reduce the visual presence of cages.
• The Elephant House, built in 1914 and later renovated between 2011 and 2016.
• The zoo’s own freshwater wells, enabled by the area’s high groundwater table.
• The site’s reconstruction after extensive Allied bombing during the Second World War.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Tierpark Hellabrunn

Cheapest way inMunich Old Town Walking Tour4.6★ · 161 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$26 per personSee dates →Best full dayNeuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Day Tour from Munich4.4★ · 7,468 travelers~11 hoursFree cancellationFrom$86 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleMunich Private Tour with a Local – Highlights & Hidden Gems4.9★ · 518 travelers2-6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$111 per personSee dates →

Getting there

Know before you go

• Hellabrunn became the world’s first Geo-Zoo when it reopened in 1928.
• Architect Emanuel von Seidl designed the original zoo, which opened on 1 August 1911.
• The site draws freshwater from its own wells because of the high local groundwater table.

A bit of history

The zoo opened on 1 August 1911, designed by architect Emanuel von Seidl. It closed in 1922 due to inflation in Germany and reopened on 23 May 1928 as the world's first Geo-Zoo. During World War II, the zoo sustained extensive damage from Allied bombing but reopened in May 1945. In the 1930s, the zoo participated in back-breeding projects to recreate extinct animals such as Heck cattle and the Tarpan.