About Helsinki Zoo

Located on an island off the coast of Helsinki, the zoo is home to 150 species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians. A special environment has been created for animals of the tropical climate. Before the establishment of the zoological garden, it was more of a recreational spot for people of Helsinki from the year 1569 onward. Initially, the park was used as a pasture and for fishing purposes. Then in the 19th Century, the park was used to store timber. Out of the many mammals and birds, some species include Turkmenian Kulan, Eurasian Brown Bear, Siberian Tiger, and Amur Leopard. Apart from this, the zoo also organizes night walks for visitors two or three times a year that enables the visitors to explore owls and various other nocturnal animals in their natural habitat.

Must See

  • 150 species of animals
  • A vast variety of animals can be observed here
  • In winters, the zoo hosts an ice sculpting festival
  • Night of the cats

How to reach

You can reach via Bus No 16.

Can also reach via car through a connecting bridge

By Bus:

Bus number 16 runs from the Central Railway Station to Helsinki Zoo every day all year round, except on Christmas Eve. The platform at the Railway Station is no. 17. The estimated travel time is 21-23 minutes. 3€ - 5€

By Ferry:

Ferries to Helsinki Zoo operate from the first of May until the end of September.

The ferries leave from two different locations – Kauppatori Market Square and Hakaniemi. The Market Square ferry runs the entire summer season from the 1st of May until the end of September. The Hakaniemi ferry runs in June, July, and August. Please note that HSL travel cards are not valid on the ferry service. Get your ferry tickets on the ferry. Tickets to the zoo are bought when you arrive at Korkeasaari.

Prices of ferry tickets:
Adult: EUR 7 return, EUR 3.5 one-way
Student or pensioner: EUR 3 return, EUR 1.5 one-way
People under 18 years can travel free of charge on the ferry. Children under the age of 12 may only travel on the ferry when accompanied by an adult.

Parking is available at the Mustikkamaa recreation area, some 400 meters from the zoo entrance. Half of the parking area is free of charge, but please note that the number of parking spaces is limited. Parking outside the parking lot is forbidden as it will block the bus route and emergency vehicles. (One-Way from 14€ - 18€)

 

Tips

  • Bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, and scooters are all forbidden in the zoo.
  • Do not throw garbage outside the dustbin.
  • Wear comfortable shoes to explore the zoo.
  • If it is sunny, then carry a hat for protection.
  • ID required at the entrance for reduced-price tickets.
  • Wheelchair assistance is available.
  • Outside eatables are not allowed.
  • The zookeepers take good care of the animals, so please do not give your food to the animals. They may become ill if the food is unsuited for them, and overfeeding is not healthy for them either. Please do not take away any feathers or hair as they may carry unwanted visitors to your home.
  • Pets do not enjoy visiting the zoo. In the zoo, they also pose a health risk to wild animals, and pets may also pick up infections.
  • Helsinki Zoo is a smoke-free Helsinki destination. You can find designated smoking areas on the zoo maps.
  • Instant grills are not allowed for picnics at Helsinki Zoo. Visitors can use the grills situated in the Pukki park and on the Karhulinna shore. Charcoal can be purchased from the restaurants on the island.

Visit Time

January and February:

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Monday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

March and April

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Monday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

June to August:

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Monday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

September:

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Monday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

October to December:

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Monday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Notes:

*Night of the Cats 6.9. & 13.9. open 4 p.m. – 24 p.m.,
11.9. 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

4.10. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (free entry)

Time Icon

Waiting Time

Might have to wait to buy a ticket

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

30 minutes to 1 hour

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Overcast Clouds 4.5700000000001°C

 

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