Burgers' Zoo Arnhem: A Complete Visitor Guide to Europe's Most Immersive Zoo

Burgers' Zoo in Arnhem is not a traditional city zoo with rows of cages. Founded in 1913 and still family-owned, it has grown into one of Europe’s most innovative “ecodisplay” concept zoos, where vast enclosed biomes recreate entire ecosystems rather than just individual enclosures. Set on the wooded outskirts of Arnhem in the eastern Netherlands, Burgers' Zoo is famous for its immersive Bush, Desert, Ocean, Mangrove and Safari areas, where you wander through living habitats surrounded by free-roaming animals, lush vegetation and carefully controlled climates.

Whether you’re a family with young children, a wildlife enthusiast, or a photographer looking for naturalistic settings, Burgers' Zoo offers a full day of exploration in all weather conditions.

The Signature Biomes

The heart of Burgers' Zoo is its collection of large-scale biomes, each meticulously designed to mimic a real-world ecosystem. These are not quick walkthroughs – you can easily spend hours in each, discovering new details on every visit.

Bush – A Tropical Rainforest Under Glass

The Bush is Burgers' Zoo’s flagship attraction and one of the largest indoor tropical rainforests in the world. Once you step through the doors, you’re greeted by warm, humid air, dense vegetation, and the sound of rushing water.

Winding paths lead you past waterfalls, over suspension bridges and along streams where fish and turtles swim. Free-roaming birds flit overhead, and you may spot small mammals like agoutis or monkeys moving through the foliage. Butterflies are everywhere, and the dense planting of palms, lianas and giant-leafed plants makes it feel like a genuine jungle expedition.

Highlights in the Bush include:

• Free-roaming animals: Keep your eyes open for birds, bats and small mammals that share the space with visitors.
• Butterflies and insects: Many species can be seen feeding on flowers and fruit, especially in sunny spots.
• Waterways and viewpoints: Elevated walkways and viewing platforms offer great photo opportunities over the canopy and streams.

Because the Bush is fully enclosed and climate-controlled, it’s a perfect escape on cold or rainy days.

Desert – The Sonoran Sun in the Netherlands

The Desert biome transports you to the Sonoran Desert of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Under a vast glass dome, you’ll find rocky canyons, sandy washes and towering cacti, all bathed in dry, warm air.

The design encourages you to explore narrow paths and rocky outcrops, with animals cleverly integrated into the landscape.

Look out for:

• Gila monsters: These striking venomous lizards are a signature species of the Sonoran Desert and can be seen in carefully designed enclosures.
• Roadrunners: Watch these charismatic birds dart across the ground and explore the rocky terrain.
• Cacti and desert plants: The planting is as impressive as the animals, with many species of cactus, agave and other drought-adapted plants.

The Desert is particularly enjoyable in cooler months, offering a warm, dry environment that contrasts sharply with the Dutch climate outside.

Ocean – A Walk-Through World of Sharks and Coral

The Ocean at Burgers' Zoo is one of Europe’s most impressive aquarium complexes, built around a massive walk-through tunnel that gives you the feeling of being on the seabed.

You start your journey at the rocky tidal pools and coastal zones, then gradually descend deeper into the marine world. Tanks are themed by depth and habitat, from shallow reefs to the open ocean.

Key features include:

• Shark tunnel: Walk through a long glass tunnel as sharks, rays and schools of fish glide overhead and alongside you.
• Coral reef displays: Brightly coloured reef fish, living corals and anemones create a vibrant underwater landscape.
• Themed zones: Educational panels explain currents, reef ecology and the threats facing marine life.

Lighting is low and atmospheric, making this a calm, immersive experience. It’s also a great place to slow down if children need a quieter moment.

Mangrove – A Tropical Tidal Forest

The Mangrove biome is one of Burgers' Zoo’s newer highlights, recreating a tropical mangrove swamp complete with tidal influences, mudflats and dense root systems.

Inside the large, climate-controlled hall, you’ll find:

• Mangrove trees and roots: Elevated walkways take you above and through the tangle of roots, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the habitat.
• Crocodiles: Specially designed pools and banks allow you to observe these reptiles both above and below the waterline.
• Stingrays: Graceful rays glide through shallow waters, often visible from multiple viewing points.
• Flamingos and wading birds: The pink of flamingos against the green mangrove backdrop makes for striking photos.

The Mangrove focuses strongly on conservation and the importance of coastal wetlands, with clear signage (often in Dutch and English) explaining the role of mangroves in protecting shorelines and supporting biodiversity.

Safari – African Savannas in the Open Air

Outside the domes, the Safari area recreates African savannas and wetlands on a grand scale. Here, large herds of animals share expansive, naturalistic enclosures that you view from raised walkways and viewpoints.

Expect to see:

• Giraffes: Often the stars of the Safari, they roam across open plains and can sometimes be seen feeding at elevated platforms.
• Zebras and antelope: Mixed-species herds give a real sense of the African grasslands.
• Hippos: Look for them in the water, with underwater viewing in some areas allowing you to watch them swim.

The Safari is best explored at a leisurely pace, taking time at each viewing platform. Because it’s outdoors, animal activity can vary with weather and time of day, so it’s worth circling back later if you missed a favourite species.

Other Must-See Areas

Beyond the headline biomes, Burgers' Zoo has several other areas that are well worth including in your route.

Reptile House

The Reptile House is a classic zoo favourite, updated with modern, naturalistic enclosures. Here you’ll find snakes, lizards, turtles and amphibians from around the world. Look for:

• Large constrictor snakes and venomous species in secure, well-signed habitats.
• Colourful tree frogs and smaller reptiles in lush, planted terrariums.
• Educational displays about reptile behaviour, camouflage and conservation.

Rivièra

The Rivièra area is an attractive outdoor zone featuring monkeys, birds and other smaller mammals in open, green enclosures. It’s a pleasant place to stroll on sunny days, with:

• Island habitats for primates, often with climbing structures and water moats.
• Free-flying or open-air aviaries where you can watch birds in more spacious surroundings.
• Plenty of benches and viewpoints to pause and watch animal behaviour.

Bear and Wolf Forests

Burgers' Zoo also offers woodland enclosures for bears and wolves, using the natural forest landscape of the Arnhem hills.

• Bear forest: A large, wooded area with rocks, pools and fallen trees, allowing bears to forage, climb and explore.
• Wolf area: Designed to resemble a natural forest territory, giving you the chance to observe pack dynamics from discreet viewing points.

These forest zones feel more like a nature reserve than a traditional zoo exhibit, and they’re especially atmospheric in autumn when the surrounding trees change colour.

Planning Your Visit

Tickets and Prices

Burgers' Zoo is a full-day attraction, and advance planning helps you make the most of your time.

• Day tickets: Expect prices of around €27 for adults and €22 for children (exact prices can change, so check the official website before you go).
• Children’s ages: Age brackets for child tickets may vary; verify current conditions when booking.
• Annual passes: If you live nearby or plan multiple visits, annual passes offer good value and often include discounts in shops and restaurants.
• Online booking: Buying tickets online can sometimes be cheaper and may help you avoid queues at the entrance, especially on busy days.

Getting There

Burgers' Zoo is located on the northern edge of Arnhem, surrounded by woodland.

• By train: Take a train to Arnhem Centraal station, a major hub with frequent intercity connections from cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht and Nijmegen.
• By bus: From Arnhem Centraal, use bus line 3 or 308 towards the zoo. These buses stop close to the entrance; journey times are short and services are regular during the day.
• By car: The zoo is well signposted from the A12 and A50 motorways. Follow signs to Arnhem and then to Burgers' Zoo.
• Parking: There is free parking for cars in the large visitor car park, making driving an easy option for families.

Best Times to Visit

Burgers' Zoo is open year-round, and each season has its charm, but some times are more comfortable and less crowded.

• Weekday mornings in spring and autumn are ideal: temperatures are mild, animals are often active, and crowds are manageable.
• Avoid Dutch school holidays and sunny weekend afternoons if you prefer a quieter experience, as these are peak times for families.
• Rainy or cold days are still good options thanks to the large indoor biomes (Bush, Desert, Ocean and Mangrove), which can easily fill several hours under cover.

Arriving at opening time lets you enjoy the Bush and Ocean before they get busy, then move outdoors as the day warms up.

How Much Time to Allow

To properly experience Burgers' Zoo, plan for a full day.

• Minimum: Allow at least 5–6 hours to walk through the main biomes, Safari and a few additional areas.
• Relaxed pace: For families with children, photographers or wildlife enthusiasts who like to linger, a full day from opening to late afternoon is ideal.
• Factor in time for lunch, snack breaks and playground stops, as well as revisiting favourite biomes like the Bush or Ocean later in the day.

Tips for Families with Children

Burgers' Zoo is particularly well suited to families, with thoughtful facilities and plenty to keep kids engaged.

• Playgrounds: There are several play areas around the park, including large outdoor playgrounds with climbing frames, slides and sand play. These are perfect for letting children burn off energy between quieter indoor exhibits.
• Stroller-friendly paths: Most of the zoo’s main routes, including the Bush, Desert and Mangrove, are stroller-friendly, with wide paths and ramps. Some elevated viewpoints may involve stairs, but alternative routes are usually available.
• Feeding times: Check the daily schedule for feeding times and keeper talks, especially for popular animals like seals and penguins. These sessions are a highlight for children, offering close-up views and fun commentary.
• Facilities: Baby changing rooms, family toilets and indoor seating areas make it easy to manage breaks and meals, even in bad weather.
• Food and drink: There are multiple restaurants and snack points serving family-friendly options, or you can bring your own picnic and use designated picnic areas.

To keep younger visitors engaged, let them help choose the route through the biomes, and bring binoculars for spotting birds and animals in the Bush and Safari.

Nearby Attractions

If you’re spending more than one day in the Arnhem area, there are several excellent attractions close to Burgers' Zoo.

• Arnhem city centre: Just a short bus ride or drive away, Arnhem offers shopping streets, cafés, restaurants and historic buildings. It’s a pleasant place for an evening meal after your zoo visit.
• Sonsbeek Park: One of the Netherlands’ most beautiful city parks, Sonsbeek features rolling lawns, woodlands, streams and a historic watermill. It’s ideal for a relaxed walk or picnic and is easily combined with a zoo visit.
• Kröller-Müller Museum: Located in the nearby Hoge Veluwe National Park, this renowned museum houses an impressive collection of Van Gogh paintings and modern art, plus a large sculpture garden set in heathland and forest.
• Openluchtmuseum (Netherlands Open Air Museum): Close to Burgers' Zoo, this open-air museum showcases historic Dutch buildings, farms and windmills, brought together from across the country. Costumed interpreters and hands-on exhibits make it especially fun for families.

Combining Burgers' Zoo with one of these attractions makes for a varied weekend in and around Arnhem.