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Cologne zoo opening hours | Best time to visit, duation, & more

Today

Open 09:00–18:00

Last Admission

17:30

Cologne Zoo

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Cologne or Koeln Zoo is open daily from 9am - 6pm (March - October) and 9am -5pm (November - February).

Mar 1 TO Oct 31 Timings

Days (Mar 1 TO Oct 31)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday09:00–18:0017:30
Tuesday09:00–18:0017:30
Wednesday09:00–18:0017:30
Thursday (Today)09:00–18:0017:30
Friday09:00–18:0017:30
Saturday09:00–18:0017:30
Sunday09:00–18:0017:30

Nov 1 TO Dec 31 Timings

Days (Nov 1 TO Dec 31)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday09:00–17:0016:30
Tuesday09:00–17:0016:30
Wednesday09:00–17:0016:30
Thursday09:00–17:0016:30
Friday09:00–17:0016:30
Saturday09:00–17:0016:30
Sunday09:00–17:0016:30
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Petting enclosure timings:

  • Saturdays and Sundays: 1:30pm to 5:30pm

Christmas eve and new years' eve timings: 9am - 2pm

Last entry to Koelner zoo is 30 minutes before closing time.

Animal houses close 15 minutes before closing time.

Best time to visit the Cologne Zoo

Weekday vs Weekend

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  • If you're looking for a serene zoo experience, weekdays, particularly Mondays and Tuesdays, are your best bet. These days usually offer a tranquil ambiance with fewer visitors, giving you ample space and time to enjoy the exhibits at your own pace. 
  • Weekends, especially Saturdays, are bustling with families and crowds, leading to longer lines and more hustle and bustle. 

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant
Crowded
Very Crowded
Closed

Peak season vs low season

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  • Spring and summer are the peak seasons, and for good reason. The weather during these months is generally pleasant, with longer daylight hours allowing for extended exploration. You'll also have more opportunities to see animals basking in the sunshine and playing in their outdoor habitats.
  • During the low season, which typically spans late fall to early spring, you'll encounter fewer tourists and may even benefit from discounted admission rates. While the weather might be chillier, the zoo's indoor exhibits provide shelter from the cold, ensuring an enjoyable visit regardless of the season.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season
Moderate Season
Peak Season

How long should you spend at Cologne Zoo?

Koeln zoo

A visit to Cologne Zoological Garnde or Koeln Zoo typically takes around three to four hours, making it a perfect half-day activity. This time frame allows you to leisurely explore the diverse animal exhibits, attend feeding shows, and enjoy the various activities within the zoo. You might want to allocate a full day if you plan to participate in additional activities such as visiting the petting enclosure, seeing an air show, or taking a break at the on-site cafes.

Learn more about Cologne Zoo

Frequently asked questions about Cologne zoo opening hours

It is best to arrive early in the morning when Cologne Zoo opens at 9am to avoid large crowds at Cologne Zoo. This allows you to explore the exhibits before the peak visiting hours around late morning and early afternoon. Weekdays, especially outside school holidays, are also less crowded than weekends.