Zoo Heidelberg: Neckarsteig

## Heidelberg Zoo: practical guide for planning a visit (Tiergartenstraße 3)

Heidelberg Zoo (Zoo Heidelberg) is located at Tiergartenstraße 3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. Heidelberg

To help you skim fast, here are two in-post internal links:
– Jump to: Opening hours
– Jump to: Tickets, discounts, and the “conservation euro”

## Quick facts you can rely on
– Address: Tiergartenstraße 3, 69120 Heidelberg. Heidelberg
– Coordinates (as published by the zoo): 49.4152°N, 8.6634°E. Heidelberg
– Open every day: the zoo states it is open 365 days a year. Heidelberg
– Phone: +49 6221 58450-00. Heidelberg

## Opening hours

Heidelberg Zoo publishes seasonal hours:
– April–September: 09:00–19:00
– March & October: 09:00–18:00
– November–February: 09:00–17:00 Heidelberg

Important operational details that matter in real life:
– Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
– Animal houses and the exhibition also close 30 minutes before the zoo closes.
– Dec 24 and Dec 31: the zoo closes at 13:00. Heidelberg

Outdated-data flag: hours can change for special events, construction, or weather. The zoo’s own page is the source of truth—re-check shortly before you go. Heidelberg

## Tickets, discounts, and the “conservation euro”

The zoo states you can buy tickets at the on-site ticket office, or via its online shop. Heidelberg

### Conservation contribution (how it works)
The zoo says the ticket price includes a voluntary “Artenschutz-Euro” (conservation euro); you can opt out by telling the cashier. Heidelberg

### Published ticket prices (examples from the zoo’s current price table)
The zoo publishes separate low season and main season price tables, including:
– Low season (01.11.2025–28.02.2026): adult €13.00; child/youth (3 to under 18) €6.50; reduced adult €10.50; family small-group cards also listed. Heidelberg
– Main season (01.03.2026–31.10.2026): adult €16.00; child/youth (3 to under 18) €8.00; reduced adult €13.00; family small-group cards also listed. Heidelberg

### Accessibility and free-entry rules (as published)
The zoo lists reduced pricing for (with proof) students, school pupils, and adults with disabilities from 50 GdB; it also lists free-entry rules including one companion for some visitors where applicable (details depend on documentation). Heidelberg

Inclusivity note: eligibility depends on the documentation standard used in Germany (e.g., GdB and the “B” marker). If you’re visiting from abroad, plan to ask the ticket office what proof they accept. Heidelberg

Outdated-data flag: prices are time-bound (the zoo’s page includes date ranges). Treat any reposted numbers elsewhere as unreliable—verify on the zoo page before you go. Heidelberg

## Getting there: public transport, driving, and parking (with real costs)
### By public transport
The zoo specifies bus stops for arrivals:
– Coming from Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof (main station): “Medizinische Klinik/Chirurgie/Zoo”
– In the opposite direction: “Zoo” Heidelberg

### By car (high-level route guidance)
The zoo’s directions (summary) reference:
– A5 to Autobahnkreuz Heidelberg → A656 toward Heidelberg → follow signs to the zoo; the zoo is in the Neuenheimer Feld area on the far side of the Neckar. Heidelberg

### Parking: the details most guides skip
The zoo publishes unusually specific parking info:
– Zoo parking garage has a max entrance height of 2.0 m and supports EC card payment. Heidelberg
– If you park there, you can discount (“rabattieren”) your parking ticket at the zoo cashier for a reduced visitor tariff. Heidelberg

Zoo parking garage tariffs (published):
– Up to 1 hour: €3.00 (normal) / €1.20 (zoo visitor)
– Up to 2 hours: €3.00 / €2.40
– Up to 3 hours: €4.70 / €3.60
– Up to 4 hours: €6.40 / €3.60
– Up to 5 hours: €8.10 / €3.60
– Up to 6 hours: €9.80 / €4.80
– Over 6 hours: €10.00 + €1.20 per additional hour
– Day ticket: €10.00
– Lost ticket: €20.00 Heidelberg

If your vehicle is over 2.0 m high (or you’re on a bus), the zoo lists alternatives including short-term drop-off (max 30 minutes) and additional bus/height-unrestricted parking options nearby. Heidelberg

Outdated-data flag: parking tariffs can change; re-check the zoo’s parking page near your visit date. Heidelberg

## Visiting with kids: play areas, water play, wagons, and practical rules
A lot of zoo writeups just say “family-friendly.” Heidelberg Zoo publishes specifics.

### Playgrounds and water play
The zoo states there are multiple play opportunities (climbing towers, slides, swings). It also mentions:
– A water play area near the predator house (Raubtierhaus)
– A fountain by the play ship for cooling off in hot weather
– A large playground near the zoo exit featuring a play ship called “Arche Noah” with a maze-like interior (passages leading to different play chambers). Heidelberg

### Wagons and lockers
– Wagon rental (Bollerwagen): available at the ticket office for a €3.50 rental fee plus a deposit; no reservations. Heidelberg
– Lockers: require a €1 coin as a deposit. Heidelberg

### On-site mobility rules (good to know before you arrive)
The zoo states that bringing bicycles, scooters, skates, skateboards, etc. is not allowed for safety and animal welfare reasons, with exceptions for wheelchairs, strollers, and wagons. Heidelberg

### Toilets and changing facilities
The zoo states toilets (including changing options) can be found in multiple spots including:
– The predator house,
– Near the zoo entrance,
– By the large playground,
– In the Explo Halle. Heidelberg

## Education and conservation: what’s documented (not vibes)
### Zoo Academy (education department)
Heidelberg Marketing describes the zoo’s Zoo Academy as an education department offering a range of events (e.g., workshops, vacation programs, tours). Marketing

### Conservation link: WAPCA
West African Primate Conservation Action (WAPCA) states it was founded in 2001 by Heidelberg Zoo and later established as a local NGO in Ghana (2007), which Heidelberg Zoo continues to manage.

## Accessibility of information (useful for planning)
The zoo’s website footer links to “Leichte Sprache” (easy language) and “Gebärdensprache” (sign language) options. Heidelberg

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