Take a trip to the outskirts of the city and visit the Nuremberg Zoo. It is the ideal plan if you are an animal lover, if you are traveling with children or if you feel like taking a break from the urban scene and spend it by nature. It is an oasis of beautiful trees such as oaks and Scots pines.
A historical landmark
The Nuremberg Zoo occupies an area of 67 hectares and is home to 3000 animals and 300 different species. It is one of the largest and most prestigious zoos in Europe, dating back to 1912 when it first opened its doors. Although it wasn't completely active during the two world wars, the city has made sure that it was renovated and reconstructed. By 1960, it was up and running just as new.
The animals
With so many species, you can be certain that there's a lot to see. Watch polar bears splashing in the water, sea lions, dolphins and penguins in the Aqua Park – the dolphins doing tricks it is one the highlights of this section. The dolphin show has been an attraction for 40 years now. The first appearance was in 1971. See giraffes, zebras, bison running freely in the big green landscape. In the Manatee House, you will find dart frogs and red-eyed tree frogs, hopping out from their creeks – these colorful species are typical from Central America. And, you will hear the songs of the blueish small bird known as the red-legged honeycreeper, while the manatees swim in the water. By the Tropic House, discover colorful butterflies, monkeys and tropical plants of all sorts.
The zoo is a huge promoter of conservation programs of endangered animals, working together with associations to protect species that are close to being extinct. The zoo has been designated an EU-conservation area.
Take a tour
The zoo offers guided tours to embrace the surroundings while a guide informs you about the animals and tells you some curious facts about the history of the zoo. It is a great option if you don't feel like walking down the complex without a defined route. You will get to see it all, without having to worry about the timing. Plus, go for a ride in the miniature train. This train is a scale model of the first German railway that drove from Nuremberg to Furth back in 1835.
Keep in mind
The venue opens all-year-round, so no matter in what season you are stopping over, you'll get to admire its beauty. Feeding the animals with outside-food is not allowed. However, there are feeding times accessible for all visitors to feed some of the species with suitable food provided by the zookeepers. In the website, you will find the times and days to fit your visit. As well, look up at what time the Dolphin show is happening to time it on your schedule. It is one of those things that you don't want to miss when visiting the zoo.
