Tiergarten Schoenbrunn Accessibility Guide

Overview

Tiergarten Schoenbrunn is the world's oldest zoo, founded in 1752 as the imperial menagerie within the grounds of Schoenbrunn Palace. It is home to over 700 animal species across 17 hectares of landscaped parkland in Vienna's 13th district. The zoo is largely barrier-free, with most areas reachable by wheelchair or pushchair. However, some sections have steep slopes, and the Tirolerhof area sits on a hill. The zoo offers free wheelchair loan at all three entrances and has accessible toilets in four locations. Disabled visitors receive reduced admission at 15.50 EUR instead of the standard 27 EUR adult price.

Getting There

• U-Bahn: Hietzing station (U4) has elevator access. From the station, follow signs to Schoenbrunn Palace and the zoo. The walk from the station to the Hietzing zoo entrance is about 10 minutes on flat, paved paths through the palace grounds.
• Tram: Lines 10, 58, and 60 stop at Hietzing. The tram stops have level boarding platforms.
• Bus: Route 56B stops near the Neptun entrance.
• Accessible parking: Disabled parking spaces are available at the Seckendorff-Gudent Weg car park, which also has an electric vehicle charging point.

Wheelchair Accessibility

• The zoo is largely barrier-free. Most main paths are paved and connect all major animal houses and enclosures.
• Free wheelchairs can be borrowed at all three entrances (Hietzing, Neptun, and Tirolergarten). Reserve in advance by calling 01/8779294-219.
• The path down from the Tirolergarten entrance is very steep and is not suitable for wheelchair users. If arriving from that direction, use the tree-top path instead (may be closed in bad weather).
• Some uphill sections near the Tirolerhof are challenging for manual wheelchair users. Consider bringing a companion or using a power wheelchair for these areas.
• The Rainforest House, Elephant House, and most modern enclosures are step-free with wide doorways.
• Indoor areas like the aquarium can get crowded at peak times, making navigation in a wheelchair more difficult.

Accessible Toilets

Accessible toilets are available at four locations within the zoo:

• ORANG.erie restaurant (central area)
• Elephant House
• Rainforest House
• Tirolerhof area

The accessible toilets at the Hietzing and Neptun entrances require a Euro-Key, which you can borrow from the ticket offices at those entrances.

Tips for Visitors

• Disabled visitors pay 15.50 EUR instead of the standard 27 EUR adult admission. Show your disability ID at the ticket counter.
• Special guided tours for people with disabilities can be booked by emailing [email protected].
• Plan at least 3 to 4 hours. The zoo is large, and rolling between all enclosures covers significant distance.
• The ORANG.erie is the main restaurant, centrally located with step-free access and movable seating. Several smaller kiosks are also spread throughout the zoo.
• Weekday mornings are quietest. Weekend afternoons are the most crowded, especially in the indoor exhibits.
• Combine your visit with Schoenbrunn Palace, which is adjacent. A combined ticket is available and saves money if you plan to visit both.
• In summer, shaded rest areas along the tree-lined paths provide relief from heat. Water fountains are available at several locations.
• The zoo map is available in multiple languages at the entrance. Ask staff to highlight the accessible routes and step-free animal houses.
• Feeding times are posted daily at the entrance and on the website. Popular sessions include penguin feeding and elephant feeding. These draw large crowds, so arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
• The Panorama Train offers a guided ride through the zoo grounds and is accessible for some wheelchair users. Ask at the entrance about boarding options.
• The zoo is open every day of the year, including public holidays. Winter visits are quieter but some outdoor animals may be in their indoor enclosures.
• Vienna City Card holders receive a discount on admission. Check the current discount amount on the zoo website.