The barless enclosures
Moats and rock walls instead of cages — the idea that began here and spread worldwide.
Hagenbeck is among the best-known zoos in Europe, and its fame rests on an idea that began here in 1907 and changed zoos everywhere. Before that, animals were shown in iron cages. The owner, Carl Hagenbeck, replaced bars with water-filled moats and hidden rock walls, so visitors saw animals against an open background with no visible barrier. The idea spread worldwide afterwards. The zoo today is large and arranged by region: Africa, Asia and the Arctic. There are elephants you can get very close to, along with lions, primates and polar species. Beside it is Tropen-Aquarium, a large aquarium on a separate or combined ticket. A full visit needs at least half a day, and a whole day with children.
Moats and rock walls instead of cages — the idea that began here and spread worldwide.
One of the zoo's best-known sections, with closer access than usual.
A large aquarium beside the zoo, on a separate or combined ticket.
Lokstedter Grenzstraße 2, 22527 Hamburg
Four hours minimum for the zoo alone, six or seven with the aquarium and with children. The distances between sections are long, so wear comfortable shoes.
Yes, and its historical claim is real: it was the first to replace cages with moats, which makes viewing better and more comfortable. It is also large and well planted, so the walking is pleasant in itself.
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