Switzerland is a great destination for anyone who is on a quest for a truly unforgettable experience.
The bedrock of many of the world’s most breathtaking zoos and aquariums, Switzerland provides its visitors with vivid exhibits and outstanding educational opportunities.
When it comes to presenting its visitors with family-friendly attractions and authentic animal habitats, Swiss zoos and aquariums rank among the best in the world.
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Zoos & Aquariums in Switzerland
1. Servion Zoo
Set just minutes away from Lausanne, Switzerland, the Servion Zoo routinely entertains hundreds of families daily.
The Servion Zoo is home to several exotic animals, including tigers, lions, bears, and even wolves.
In addition to the zoo is an aquarium called the Tropiquarium.
There are three main areas within the Tropiquarium:
- An Aviary
- A restaurant
- A penguin pool
For this reason, Servion Zoo is part of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
In the summer, the Servion Zoo opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m.
Winter hours are just one hour shorter, with a 6 p.m. closing time.
2. Tropiquarium
The Tropiquarium, which is a part of the Servion Zoo, features tropical flora, reptiles, and endangered species.
In fact, the Tropiquarium specializes in the conservation of endangered species.
As a result, visitors can expect to see several rare species in their natural, comfortable habitats.
Moreover, some of the main attractions of the Tropiquarium include giant tortoises, Siamese crocodiles, an aviary of birds, and even African penguins.
Thus, a visit to the Tropiquarium is an excellent opportunity to view rare animals up close and interact with them.
However, the most impressive feat of the aquarium might be its dedication to the conservation of marine life in the Indian River Lagoon.
Conservation of marine life in the Indian River Lagoon is critical as it is vital to this region’s economy.
3. Sikypark Zoo
Sikypark Zoo is a rescue center for wild animals in need.
Consequently, visitors can expect to see at least seventy-four species at the zoo, which is open all year.
These animals are rescued from the wild, orphaned, injured, or in need of care.
There is also a range of domestic animals for visitors to see.
Moreover, visitors can get a close look at some of the native animals of the Swiss Alps, including mountain hares, chamois, and alpine marmots.
Of course, the Sikypark Zoo staff understand that not everyone is familiar with chamois or mountain hares and might want some more information before booking their Swiss excursion.
No problem. You can find a great deal of information about these creatures on the Sikypark website.
Furthermore, team Sikypark Zoo staff provides daily updates on their animals’ lives.
4. Zoo Bern
Founded in 1937, the Bern Zoo is home to several fascinating animals and plants.
Located on the Aare river banks, Bern Zoo features an exotic animal park, a children’s zoo, a bear park, and an aviary.
Furthermore, Burn Zoo is open an impressive 365 days a year, and houses over 200 species of animals.
This vast array of species includes an extensive collection of European-Nordic creatures along with 260 varieties of flora and fauna.
In addition to stunning plants, flowers, and animals, Bern Zoo offers workshops, nighttime tours, as well as pony rides on Wednesdays and Sundays.
5. Zoo Zurich
Located in the Fluntern quarter of the city, the Zurich Zoo is one of the most beautiful animal parks in Switzerland.
There are over 340 animal species in the Zurich zoo.
Some animals you can see include Pantanal, lemurs, giraffes, zebras, elephants, antelopes, guinea pigs, emus, pygmy goats, Brahma chicken, koalas, kangaroos, tiger snakes, ostriches, and elk.
Additionally, since its founding in 1929, the Zurich Zoo has been involved in conservation initiatives, including preserving and sustaining biological diversity.
It also focuses on international breeding programs and overseas habitats.
Nevertheless, one of the highlights of the Zurich zoo is the tropical Masoala Rainforest.
This tropical rainforest is a re-creation of the Masoala Peninsula in Madagascar.
Within it, you can find 50 vertebrates, 500 plant species, and more here.
It contains several different species of animals, including giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and elephants.
6. Aquatis Aquarium Vivarium
AQUATIS Aquarium Vivarium in Lausanne, Switzerland, is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city.
Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, this aquarium offers a look at the freshwater ecosystems of the world, displaying aquatic animals from five continents.
As home to ten thousand freshwater fish and dozens of land and sea animal species, this aquarium features interactive displays that teach visitors about ecology and behavior.
Specifically, the AQUATIS Interactive Platform allows visitors to customize their experience and visit at their own pace.
Using innovative digital technologies, the aquarium focuses on educating visitors about the importance of freshwater conservation.
Consequently, visitors can also take part in a number of educational activities, including laboratory workshops and discovery activities along the tour route.
There is also an interactive platform for children to plan their own treasure hunts.
7. Walter Zoo
The Walter Zoo, located in Gossau, Switzerland, is one of the largest private zoos in the world.
At the Walter Zoo, you will find more than a thousand animals on display, including a 650-pound grizzly bear and the biggest chimpanzee enclosure in the country.
Along with its many attractions, the zoo also has a slew of amenities including picnic areas and amenities for watching circus performances.
However, among the zoo’s better offerings is an exhibit that features the coolest of all things arctic.
That’s right; this arctic exhibit holds a one-thousand-pound polar bear named Siku on display to the public.
Additionally, Walter Zoo’s arctic enclosure features a waterfall, a dive pool, and boulders for climbing.
While these are all neat touches, the real standout is the 42-foot high barrier, which replicates the arctic predator’s native landscape.
8. Toni’s Zoo
Toni’s Zoo in Rothenburger, Innerschweizer, Switzerland, is a fairly small zoo in Central Switzerland.
In short, visitors to Toni’s Zoo can expect to see a range of exotic animals, as well as some of the more common household pets.
Nevertheless, the main idea behind Toni’s Zoo is to show Central Switzerland what a zoo can be, while encouraging the ethos of conservation and sustainability.
Their motto is “the more we can do, the more we can do for our animals.”
This is especially true for endangered and vulnerable species, which is why Toni’s Zoo is implementing the latest in conservation technology.
With the help of a Species Survival Plan, they’re able to match animals with suitable habitats.
In turn, matching animals with the right habitat boosts the chances of breeding for some of the rare animals.
9. Plättli-Zoo AG
The Plattli-Zoo is a family-friendly zoo on the grand scale.
It is the largest zoo in the swiss mountains and is well-stocked with animals from the big five.
Having been in operation since 1958, it has an impressive track record.
In particular, the Plattli-Zoo has been responsible for the breeding of the Barbary lion, one of the few remaining tigers in existence today.
Nonetheless, it is easy to see why the Plattli-Zoo tops the list of must-see zoos in the Swiss Alps.
With a plethora of animals ranging from elephants to zebras and from giraffes to cheetahs, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.
Plus, aside from its vast array of animals, it is also home to the country’s largest bird of prey display.
10. Zoo Basel
Located in the city of Basel, Switzerland, the Basil Zoo sprawls over 32 acres and is easy to access via public bus, a private taxi, or Moovit.
This incredible zoo holds twenty-five species of aviary and seventeen ungulates.
Some of the species found here include lions, zebras, rhinos, giraffes, penguins, okapis, and more.
In fact, Basil Zoo is home to around 7,554 animals from 543 species.
Nevertheless, one of the zoo’s most impressive exhibits is its elephant enclosure.
The elephant enclosure is a five-thousand square meter savannah-styled enclosure.
In addition to the elephants, the same enclosure is home to a number of fishes, brown rats, and harvester ants.
11. Zoo et piscine des Marécottes
The Zoo et Piscine de Marecottes is located in the Trient Valley of Switzerland and sits 1100 meters above sea level.
Moreover, this incredible exhibit is home to 150 species of animals, including bears, goats, wolves, and eagles.
In addition to the main attraction, the Zoo et Piscine de Marecottes has a small petting zoo that will allow you to pet some of the more furry inhabitants.
However, the best part of the alpine zoo is the fact that you are surrounded by some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world which can be experienced from the comfort of an alpine pool during the summer months.
11 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Switzerland – Summary Table
| Zoos & Aquariums | Address |
|---|---|
| Servion Zoo | Chem. du Zoo 1, 1077 Servion, Switzerland |
| Tropiquarium | Rte des Cullayes 7, 1077 Servion, Switzerland |
| Sikypark Zoo | La Laimène 242, Rte de Gänsbrunnen 242, 2746 Crémines, Switzerland |
| Zoo Bern | Tierparkweg 1, 3005 Bern, Switzerland |
| Zoo Zurich | Zürichbergstrasse 221, 8044 Zürich, Switzerland |
| Aquatis Aquarium Vivarium | Rte de Berne 144, 1010 Lausanne, Switzerland |
| Walter Zoo | Neuchlen 200, 9200 Gossau, Switzerland |
| Toni's Zoo | Zoostrasse, 6023 Rothenburg, Switzerland |
| Plättli-Zoo AG | Hertenstrasse 41, 8500 Frauenfeld, Switzerland |
| Zoo Basel | Binningerstrasse 40, 4054 Basel, Switzerland |
| Zoo et piscine des Marécottes | Les Combasses 3, 1923 Marécottes, Switzerland |
Switzerland Safety Overview
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Switzerland?
The beginning of October is also an excellent time to visit Switzerland.
During this time, there are fewer crowds, and the weather is cooler.
What is the currency in Switzerland?
The Swiss Franc is the official currency of Switzerland.
How can I get around when visiting Switzerland?
Trains are the most common form of transportation in Switzerland.
However, depending on your route, you can use several forms of transportation, including boats, taxis, buses, regional trains, and high-speed trains.
What is the climate like in Switzerland based on the time of year?
The climate in Switzerland can vary significantly due to the Alps and topography.
While it is generally cold in winter, these months can still be enjoyable, especially for skiers.
However, the summer is great for visiting zoos and aquariums, exploring cities, hiking, and enjoying festivals.
