If we’re planning a nature getaway near Baden‑Württemberg, Pforzheim Wildlife Park is a fantastic choice.

The best part? The park itself is free to enter — we only pay for a parking ticket that acts as the entrance pass.

It stretches about 16.5 hectares and is home to more than 400 animals from around 70 species, all in natural‑style habitats.

Opening Hours & Best Times to Visit

The park is open every day from 07:00 to 20:00 year‑round, including Sundays and holidays.

- Best time to visit is early morning (around 09:00–10:00) to enjoy cooler paths and avoid crowds.

- Feeding shows are popular — lynxes are fed around 14:00, and otters around 15:00 on weekends and holidays.

We recommend spending 3–4 hours here to fully explore animals, feeding shows, children’s areas, and walking trails.

Ticket Prices & Parking Fees

Although entry is free, parking is the park’s ticket system:

- Monday–Friday: $3.30 per car for 3 hours

- Saturday, Sunday & public holidays: $5.45 per car for 3 hours

- We can buy a second ticket to extend parking up to a full day (~6 hours).

Park ticket machines accept coins, and some accept app payments, so it’s good to have change ready.

How to Get There

By Car:

Enter the park address into GNSS: Tiefenbronner Straße 100, 75175 Pforzheim. Follow the signs labeled “Hochschule / Wildpark.” Parking is abundant and clearly marked.

By Public Transport:

Take bus line 5 toward “Hochschule / Wildpark.” The bus stops close to the park entrance, making it easy to reach without a car.

Walking or Cycling:

From the city centre, it’s roughly 2–3 km with some uphill paths — doable for active travellers.

Accommodation Options Nearby

If we plan to stay overnight or enjoy a longer trip, Pforzheim offers a range of hotels:

Budget & Mid‑Range:

- Rooms often start around $54–$87 per night in 2–3 star hotels.

- Hotels like Mercure Hotel Pforzheim and Hotel Lamm offer comfortable rooms with free Wi‑Fi and convenient parking.

Mid & Higher‑End Choices:

- Parkhotel Pforzheim: Upscale service and spa facilities.

- Best Western Queens Hotel Pforzheim‑Niefern: Suitable for families and longer stays.

Prices vary by season and booking time — booking earlier generally gets better rates.

Dining Options & Prices

After a long day of exploring animals, we can enjoy dining in Pforzheim city center:

Affordable & Casual:

- Hoppe’s Badisch‑Elsassische Essfreude — cozy local German cuisine (mid‑range prices)

- Hans im Glück – Pforzheim an der Enz — popular for burgers and fries (casual prices)

- L’Osteria — big pizzas and pasta dishes (casual to mid‑range)

Local Favorites & Variety:

- Explore the city center to find places like Altes Pfarrhaus – Biergarten Kastanienhof for traditional German food.

Typical meal prices in mid‑range restaurants are about $13–$27 per person for main courses.

Top Things to Do & Highlights

Animal Watching:

We can spot deer, lynxes, mouflons (wild sheep), raccoons, otters, and more in spacious, naturalistic enclosures.

Feeding Shows:

Don’t miss the animal feedings — lynxes and otters are particularly active during the shows, which are both entertaining and educational.

Nature Education:

The Ewald‑Stanler House hosts workshops and exhibits for visitors of all ages to learn about wildlife and conservation.

Play Areas & Trails:

Kids love the petting zoo, play areas, forest climbing garden, and tree‑learning trail. Junior ranger programs are especially fun during school breaks.

Practical Tips for an Enjoyable Visit

- Bring $2–$3 coins if we want to buy animal food from dispensers inside the park.

- Pack water and light snacks in a backpack — the park’s café has meals, but extra water is helpful.

- Check feeding show times and playground opening hours (children’s farm may close earlier during winter).

- Wear comfortable shoes — the park paths are mostly flat, but distances add up.

Wrapping Up Our Adventure

Lykkers, Pforzheim Wildlife Park is perfect for a half‑day or full‑day trip full of nature, animal experiences, and family-friendly fun. With free entry, affordable parking, nearby hotels starting around $54 per night, and tasty local dining options, it’s a top choice for anyone visiting Baden‑Württemberg. Let’s plan our visit soon and enjoy all the exciting things this amazing park has to offer!