Top Things to See at Copenhagen Zoo (Denmark’s Oldest Zoo)

When planning our trip to Copenhagen, one of the first things we always check is whether the city has a zoo. And once we spotted that Copenhagen Zoo (Zoologisk Have København) is home to penguins, it immediately made it onto our bucket list. We’re so glad we decided to visit, because it turned out to be one of the best zoos we’ve ever explored. The experience felt very interactive, the enclosures allowed us to get surprisingly close to the animals, and the overall atmosphere was unforgettable. From penguins and pandas to polar bears, the variety of animals is incredible. Read on to find out why this zoo quickly became one of our favorites and why it deserves a place on your Copenhagen itinerary, too.

Is Copenhagen Zoo Worth Visiting?

For us, the answer is a big yes. The moment we saw the penguins, we were already sold. They were the highlight of our visit and made the whole experience extra special. But what really impressed us was the overall layout of the zoo: it’s easy to explore, thoughtfully designed, and gives you the chance to get surprisingly close to the animals. Additionally, the snack stands were a delightful surprise. We didn’t expect them to be so tasty, but they were the perfect treat in between waddles from one enclosure to the next. All in all, Copenhagen Zoo felt both fun and relaxing, and it quickly became one of our favorite zoos we’ve visited.

Where Is Copenhagen Zoo

📍 Address:  Roskildevej 32, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark

Copenhagen Zoo is located in Frederiksberg, just a short distance from the city center. It sits beautifully between two green oases: Frederiksberg Gardens and Søndermarken, making it the perfect spot to combine nature and wildlife in one visit. We actually waddled around the gardens before heading into the zoo, and it was such a peaceful way to start the day.

How to get to Copenhagen Zoo

There are several easy ways to reach Copenhagen Zoo, depending on how you’d like to travel:

• By Taxi. The simplest way is to take a taxi directly to the zoo. Use the following address: Roskildevej 32, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
• On Foot. If you enjoy walking, you can waddle your way to the zoo. From Copenhagen Central Station, it’s only about 2.7 km (1.7 miles) — a pleasant walk if the weather is nice.
• By Bike. Copenhagen is a biking city, so renting a bike is another great option. You’ll find plenty of rental companies, or you can hop on a Bolt bike for a single ride. Cycling makes it easy and fun to reach the zoo.
• By Public Transport. This was our choice. The easiest option is the bus: take line 7A or 72 to the stop Zoologisk Have (Roskildevej), right by the entrance. Alternatively, you can take the metro to Fasanvej Station, then enjoy a scenic waddle through Frederiksberg Gardens on your way to the zoo, which we highly recommend!

Opening Hours & Entry Times

Copenhagen Zoo (Zoologisk Have København) opens its gates every day at 9:00 am, all year round, so no matter when you visit Copenhagen, you’ll always be able to include it in your plans. The general closing time is 6:00 pm, though hours may be extended during the summer months or for special evening events.

It’s a good idea to arrive earlier in the day, not just to make the most of your ticket, but also because many animals are more active in the morning or later in the afternoon when the weather is cooler. Ticket sales and last entry close about 15 minutes before the official closing time, so don’t leave your visit until the last moment.

Admission & Tickets

• Adults: 249 DKK
• Children (3–11 years): 149 DKK
• Children under 2 years: Free entry
• Plushies: Free entry
• Zoo Tower ticket: 25 DKK (optional)
• Copenhagen Card holders: Entry included

For the latest updates or to buy tickets online and skip the line, visit the official Copenhagen Zoo website.

You can buy tickets online in advance or directly at the counter, with payments accepted by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Dankort) and, in some cases, Danish kroner (DKK) cash.

If you have the Copenhagen Card, as we did, you can stand in the separate queue for people with the Copenhagen Card to be validated.

It’s a separate queue with a friendly employee validating the cards and giving out maps of the zoo. The whole process is speedy and easy.

Exploring Copenhagen Zoo

Already at the entrance, when our Copenhagen Card was checked, we knew this visit was going to be a bliss, and not only because of the penguins. The moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere felt lively and inviting, with plenty to see beyond the animal enclosures. From beautifully designed habitats and historic buildings to themed houses, play areas, and even cozy spots for snacks, the zoo is an experience that blends nature, culture, and relaxation all in one.

Discover the Oldest Zoo in the World: Schönbrunn Zoo in Vienna, Austria

Copenhagen Zoo Tower

Standing right at the entrance, the Zoo Tower is impossible to miss; in fact, it was the very first thing we noticed as we approached the zoo. This striking wooden observation tower rises 43.5 meters (142.7 ft) high and offers sweeping views over both the zoo and the city of Copenhagen.

Built in 1905, it remains one of the tallest wooden observation towers in the world. If you look closely, you’ll see that its base was inspired by the design of the Eiffel Tower, giving it a unique architectural flair. Although we didn’t make it to the top ourselves, we can only imagine that the panorama from above is absolutely worth the climb.

Let’s Waddle Around the Zoo

Let’s explore the animals at Copenhagen Zoo. From the playful penguins that instantly stole our hearts to the mighty polar bears, graceful giraffes, and the famous giant pandas, every part of the zoo has a star waiting to be discovered. The enclosures are thoughtfully designed, allowing you to get surprisingly close to the animals and observe them in a natural setting. Waddling through feels less like a traditional zoo visit and more like stepping into a series of unique little worlds, each with its own character and charm.

Penguins

We have to start with the most obvious reason for our visit, the penguins. The exhibit features Humboldt penguins, complete with a large, deep pool and several rock nests for them to lounge on. This habitat was added as an extension of the Sea Lion Cliffs back in May 2009.

Polar bear

Another highlight of the Copenhagen Zoo is, without a doubt, the polar bear enclosure. It’s one of the most impressive areas, designed to give you a chance to see these incredible animals both on land and underwater. The large pool with glass walls allows you to watch the polar bears diving and swimming gracefully beneath the surface.

The enclosure itself is spacious and modern, with rocky landscapes and cool water areas that mimic their Arctic habitat. For us, it was a mesmerizing stop, and we found ourselves standing there for quite a while, simply watching the bears play, swim, and interact. It’s not every day you get so close to one of the Arctic’s most iconic animals, and this experience alone makes the zoo worth visiting.

Pandas

Speaking of bears, it’s not the only one getting all the glory. The giant pandas are just as famous and are, without doubt, one of the zoo’s biggest stars. Their custom-built Panda House, designed by the renowned Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), is a notable architectural highlight in its own right. It’s shaped like the yin-yang symbol to reflect balance.

Inside, the habitat is designed to meet the pandas’ needs, featuring both indoor and outdoor areas where you can observe them munching on bamboo, lounging, or simply taking a nap.

The brown bears

Not far from the polar bears, you’ll also find the brown bears. Their enclosure is spacious, with rocky terrain, trees, and a pool that lets them cool off or play. We enjoyed watching them lumber around and interact, sometimes lazily resting in the shade, and at other times digging or splashing in the water. It felt surprisingly close and natural, almost like catching a glimpse of them in the wild. Seeing the contrast between the Arctic white polar bears and these mighty brown bears side by side really showed the diversity the zoo brings together.

Other Animals Around the Zoo

Beyond the bears and penguins, Copenhagen Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from all over the world. We especially loved wandering through the African section, where you can spot giraffes gracefully stretching their necks, zebras grazing, and even camels relaxing in the sun. Lions, rhinos, and hippos also add to the safari-like atmosphere. The layout makes it easy to explore and gives you plenty of chances to see the animals up close. Every turn felt like stepping into a different part of the world, making the zoo a truly global experience.

Indoor Exhibitions

The adventure doesn’t stop outdoors. Copenhagen Zoo also has several indoor exhibitions worth exploring. One of our favorites was the tropical house, where you can wander among colorful butterflies fluttering freely, turtles resting lazily, and exotic fish swimming in vibrant aquariums. The warm, humid atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a rainforest. There are also terrariums with reptiles and amphibians, offering a closer look at species you might never encounter otherwise. It’s a fun contrast to the larger animals outside and a great way to experience a completely different side of the zoo.

The Kangaroos

The kangaroo exhibit was one of the most delightful surprises of our visit. Unlike most enclosures, here you can actually waddle right inside and stroll among the kangaroos themselves. At first, we weren’t sure what to expect; after all, those famous “boxing kangaroo” videos can make them seem a bit intimidating. But the reality was completely different. These kangaroos were incredibly relaxed, mostly lounging in the grass, stretching in the sun, or casually hopping from one shady spot to another. They barely paid any attention to us, which made the whole experience feel calm, safe, and very special. Being able to waddle right through their space added a unique, interactive touch we didn’t find in many other parts of the zoo.

The second part of the zoo

After exploring the first section, we waddled our way to the other part of Copenhagen Zoo, which is connected by an underground passage running beneath Roskildevej. Waddling through this tunnel feels like crossing into a whole new world, and sure enough, more incredible animals await on the other side.

This section of the zoo is home to several of the larger and more exotic enclosures, including elephants, rhinos, and hippos, as well as parts of the African savanna exhibits. The contrast between the two sides of the zoo makes the visit feel even more dynamic, almost like stepping from one continent to another. The passage itself is easy to navigate, well-signposted, and adds a fun sense of transition as you continue your waddle through the zoo.

The visit was great, and together with Tiergarten Schönbrunn in Vienna, it’s on my list of top zoos around the world. There are a lot of rest areas, restaurants, and snack bars (like churros), and you can easily spend the whole day here. I was waddling around, chilling, and enjoying the animals. 

There are even dinosaurs scattered throughout the entire zoo. They are moving and making sounds. 

Facilities & Amenities at Copenhagen Zoo

• • Restaurants & Cafés – several options including casual dining, ice cream stands, and snack bars (churros, hot dogs, sandwiches).
  • Rest areas & picnic spots – benches, green spaces, and quiet corners throughout the zoo.
  • Playgrounds & kids’ areas – fun zones where children can climb, play, and burn energy between animal visits.
  • Gift shops & souvenir kiosks – offering animal-themed gifts, toys, and keepsakes.
  • Restrooms & baby-changing facilities – located across the zoo for convenience.
  • Accessibility – stroller- and wheelchair-friendly paths, with ramps and wide walkways.
  • Indoor houses – including tropical house, reptile house, and butterfly exhibits for rainy or cold days.
  • Educational displays & exhibitions – interactive signs, talks, and seasonal programs.
  • Zoo Tower – wooden observation tower (separate ticket required) for city and zoo views.
  • Direct access to Frederiksberg Gardens – combine two attractions in one visit.

When in Copenhagen, a visit to the zoo is a must. We originally came for the penguins (of course!), but we ended up staying much longer to enjoy all the other amazing animals and experiences the zoo has to offer. It turned into a full-day adventure that was both relaxing and exciting. And the best part? You can easily combine it with a peaceful stroll through the Frederiksberg Gardens or a visit to the intriguing Cisterns, both just a short waddle away.

Put your waddling shoes on and explore Denmark’s Oldest Zoo!

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