On a hot summer Sunday we take a family day out with our dog to the Tierpark Herberstein. The drive from Lower Austria to Styria takes an hour and a half. The dog-friendly zoo is located close to the Stubenbergsee, in Buchberg.
My partner's dad converted his car so that six people and Murphy all fit inside. A long-overdue birthday gift for my partner's mum is finally being redeemed — a guided tour through Tierwelt Herberstein!
Welcome to Tierpark Herberstein
In the spacious car park we quickly find a spot to pull into. We walk a short way to the main entrance, where we already meet other dogs. The fact that dogs are welcome here is clearly well known — and well taken advantage of.
Petting Zoo: Goats, Pigs & More
We check in at the ticket desk and pay for entry and the tour. Shortly after, a member of the zoo school team gives us a warm welcome and briefly explains the upcoming tour through the "Geo-Zoo". The animals in the park are grouped by continent, making it easy to find your way around.
The Big Cats: Cheetahs and Lions
The Guided Tour Through the Animal World
We start in Africa and arrive just in time for the cheetah feeding. The prolonged heat has put a damper on their hunting instincts, but it's fascinating to watch all the same. We then visit the lions and the mandrill monkeys, learning all sorts of interesting facts along the way.
The Mandrill Monkey and His Carrot
To reach the zebras we pass by the Zooschenke, where we treat ourselves to cold drinks and Murphy gets to cool off at the fantastic dog shower. From Africa we move on to America, Eurasia and Australia.
The bison wallowing in the pond and the pygmy marmosets roaming freely in the trees are every bit as captivating as the capybaras rolling around in the mud. Our knowledge of Tierpark Herberstein and its residents keeps growing, and after about 90 minutes the tour brings us to the family restaurant "Simba Welt".
Dalmatian Pelican, Eland Antelope & Hartmann's Mountain Zebra
We say goodbye to our zoo expert and let the impressions sink in over a snack. And what a coincidence — suddenly "galgo cousin" Ferdi comes around the corner. Murphy is thrilled to run into a familiar furry face, we have a little chat, and then our family slowly makes its way back to the car.
American Bison & Pygmy Marmosets
Admission Prices
- Admission per dog: € 1.50
- Adults: € 17,-
- Children up to 3 years: free
- Children up to 15 years: € 8.50
- Young people aged 16–18, students up to 26, pensioners from 60: € 15,-
As of: September 2018
You can find the current prices on the Tierwelt Herberstein website.
Capybaras, Bactrian Camels, Prairie Dogs and Vicuñas
Dog-Friendly Facts
What awaits you and your four-legged friend?
Dogs must be kept on a short lead
At the ticket desk you receive treats and poop bags as a welcome gift
Water bowls for thirsty pups can be found throughout the whole grounds
The dog wash station opposite the petting zoo provides a welcome cool-down
A dog-friendly snack platter is available at the Panoramaschenke
On sunny days the many trees provide plenty of shady spots
Murphy at the Dog Wash Station
A wonderful outing with dog and family into the diverse world of animals.
Tierwelt Herberstein, Styria's regional wildlife park.
