Copenhagen Zoo
Zoo Large Copenhagen zoo with historical animal collections
Copenhagen Zoo in Frederiksberg combines historic parkland buildings with animal enclosures; families and wildlife enthusiasts visit for mixed exhibits, educational programs and seasonal events.
Copenhagen Zoo is a zoological garden in the Frederiksberg district of Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 1859 and one of Europe’s older zoos. It operates a range of animal exhibits, education programmes and conservation projects.
Exhibits cover a wide variety of mammals, birds and reptiles and include architect-designed enclosures such as the Elephant House by Sir Norman Foster. The zoo offers visitor facilities, daily feeding times and seasonal events aimed at families and school groups.
The institution developed through the 19th and 20th centuries into a major urban attraction and continues to update enclosures and care standards in line with modern zoo practice.
Located in Frederiksberg just west of central Copenhagen, the zoo is reachable by public transport and is a short drive or walk from central city attractions.
- Founding year: One of Denmark's oldest zoos, established in 1859, and located in the Frederiksberg district of Copenhagen.
- Notable architecture: Contains architect-designed exhibits such as the Elephant House by Sir Norman Foster, which opened in 2008.
What to See #
- Elephant House: A purpose-built Elephant House designed by Sir Norman Foster opened in 2008 and houses the zoo's elephants in a modern exhibit combining indoor housing and outdoor access.
How to Get to Copenhagen Zoo #
Copenhagen Zoo is in the Frederiksberg district of Copenhagen. Take the Copenhagen Metro (lines M1 or M2) to Frederiksberg station and walk about 10-15 minutes to the zoo entrance, or use local buses that stop on Roskildevej and adjacent streets.
From Copenhagen Central Station you can reach Frederiksberg by Metro or a short bus/tram ride; the zoo is well signed and within comfortable walking distance from the Frederiksberg neighbourhood.
Tips for Visiting Copenhagen Zoo #
- Arrive at opening or late afternoon to see predators, big mammals and many primates at their most active and to avoid peak school-group hours around midday.
- Head to the Elephant House - an architecturally notable enclosure at the zoo - early in your visit, as it's an area many visitors skim past in the rush between popular exhibits.
- Use public transport to reach the zoo (it's in Frederiksberg and well served by buses and metro) to avoid limited on-site parking and to time your arrival with zoo opening hours and animal keeper presentations.
Best Time to Visit Copenhagen Zoo #
Aim for spring or early autumn weekdays for milder weather and lower crowds; summers are busiest due to school holidays.
Weather & Climate near Copenhagen Zoo #
Copenhagen Zoo's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -1°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (625 mm/year).
January
January is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 66 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
