Wilhelma Stuttgart: Your Perfect Day Out

Wilhelma Stuttgart is far more than just an ordinary zoo – it's a unique experience that combines zoology and botany in a fascinating way. As one of the most species-rich zoos in the world and a historic botanical garden at the same time, Wilhelma Stuttgart offers visitors of all ages unforgettable moments. Whether you're an animal lover, enthusiastic about exotic plants, or simply want to spend a relaxing day in a beautiful setting – Wilhelma Stuttgart fulfils all these wishes and many more.

Wilhelma Stuttgart: History and a Unique Combination of Zoo and Botany

Wilhelma Stuttgart looks back on a fascinating history dating back to the 19th century. King Wilhelm I of Württemberg originally had the park built as a Moorish garden with a palace. Today, Wilhelma Stuttgart is unique worldwide, as it's the only institution to combine a zoo and botanical garden within historic buildings.

Historical Development of the Wilhelma

The transformation from a royal pleasure garden into a modern zoo-and-botany complex is what makes Wilhelma Stuttgart so special:

• 1846: Foundation stone laid for King Wilhelm's Moorish garden
• 1950s: Converted into a zoological-botanical garden
• 1960s: Opening of the aquarium and terrarium
• Today: Over 11,000 animals from 1,200 species across 30 hectares

💡 Tip: Visit the historic greenhouses – they're architectural masterpieces and home to rare plants from around the world.

Wilhelma Stuttgart Opening Hours and Practical Visitor Information

Planning is key to the perfect visit to Wilhelma Stuttgart. Opening hours vary by season, and various ticket options let you tailor your visit to suit you.

Current Opening Hours at Wilhelma Stuttgart

Summer season (March to October):

• Daily: 8:15 am - 6:00 pm
• Ticket office closes: 5:00 pm
• Aquarium/terrarium: until 5:00 pm

Winter season (November to February):

• Daily: 8:15 am - 4:00 pm
• Ticket office closes: 3:00 pm
• Aquarium/terrarium: until 4:00 pm

Admission Prices and Ticket Options

1. Adult day ticket: 22.00 euros
2. Concession tickets: 16.50 euros (students, pensioners)
3. Children (6-17 years): 11.00 euros
4. Family tickets: From 44.00 euros
5. Annual passes: From 55.00 euros

💡 Tip: Online tickets are often cheaper and guarantee entry even on busy days.

The Best Highlights and Attractions at Wilhelma Stuttgart

Wilhelma Stuttgart delights visitors with spectacular animal habitats and botanical treasures. Every area offers unique experiences that transport visitors to faraway worlds.

Great Apes and Predators

The new great ape house is an absolute highlight of Wilhelma Stuttgart. The spacious enclosures for gorillas, bonobos and orangutans allow for natural behaviour:

• Gorilla enclosure with 750 m² outdoor area
• Bonobo enclosure with climbing structures
• Orangutan enclosure with cable ways
• Lion and tiger enclosure with water pool

Aquarium and Terrarium

Wilhelma Stuttgart's aquarium is among the most modern in Europe. Over 750 animal species across various climate zones await discovery:

• Amazon landscape with caimans and piranhas
• Coral reef with tropical fish
• Crocodile hall with various species
• Snake section with rare specimens

Wilhelma Stuttgart: Botanical Diversity and Historic Greenhouses

Alongside the animal world, the unique plant splendour makes Wilhelma Stuttgart a botanical paradise. Over 8,500 plant species from around the world thrive in the various areas.

Historic Greenhouses

The Moorish greenhouses at Wilhelma Stuttgart are architectural gems:

• Moorish villa with subtropical plants
• Greenhouse for tropical crop plants
• Cactus and succulent house
• Orchid collection with 1,000 species

Themed Gardens and Outdoor Areas

• Rose garden with over 200 varieties
• Perennial garden arranged by season
• Bamboo garden with an Asian flair
• Biological teaching garden

💡 Tip: A spring visit is especially worthwhile – that's when magnolias, camellias and other spring bloomers are in full flower.

Wilhelma Stuttgart with Children: Family-friendly Offers and Activities

Families will find perfect conditions for an unforgettable outing at Wilhelma Stuttgart. Special offers and a child-friendly layout ensure excitement for young visitors.

Special Attractions for Children

Wilhelma Stuttgart offers numerous experiences that fascinate children:

• Petting zoo with goats and sheep
• Pony rides at weekends
• Playgrounds between the enclosures
• Children's tours with animal keepers

Educational Programmes

1. Wilhelma School: Lessons with live animals
2. Holiday activities: Special programmes during school holidays
3. Children's birthday parties: Guided tours with surprises
4. Night walks: Experience the animals at dusk

Food and Shopping at Wilhelma Stuttgart

A visit to Wilhelma Stuttgart is rounded off by a diverse range of food and shopping options. From quick snacks to a cosy restaurant, there's something for every taste.

Restaurants and Cafés

• Restaurant Amazonica: Main restaurant with regional cuisine
• Café Belvedere: Coffee and cake with a view over the park
• Snack stands: Bratwurst, chips and drinks
• Picnic areas: Bringing your own food is allowed

Wilhelma Shop and Souvenirs

The Wilhelma Shop offers a wide selection of keepsakes:

• Cuddly toys of the Wilhelma's residents
• Books about animals and plants
• Wilhelma clothing and accessories
• Seeds and plants for your home

💡 Tip: Wilhelma Stuttgart also offers online shopping – perfect for gifts or if you've forgotten something.

Getting There and Parking: How to Reach Wilhelma Stuttgart with Ease

Its central location makes Wilhelma Stuttgart easy to reach. Various modes of transport will get you comfortably to the entrance, and plenty of parking is available.

Public Transport

Getting to Wilhelma Stuttgart by public transport is simple and environmentally friendly:

• U-Bahn: Line U14 to the "Wilhelma" stop
• S-Bahn: S1, S2, S3 to "Bad Cannstatt", then bus
• Bus: Lines 52, 55, 56 direct to Wilhelma
• Combi tickets: VVS ticket plus Wilhelma admission

Parking Options

1. Wilhelma car park: 800 spaces, 5 euros daily fee
2. Neckarpark multi-storey car park: 10 minutes' walk away
3. On-street parking: Limited free spaces
4. Disabled parking spaces: Available right by the entrance

📍 Discover more: Explore further recommendations for Stuttgart on our city page.

Conclusion: Wilhelma Stuttgart – An Unforgettable Experience for All the Senses

Wilhelma Stuttgart impresses as a unique combination of zoo, botanical garden and historic park. With over 11,000 animals, 8,500 plant species and Moorish architecture, it offers experiences that go far beyond an ordinary zoo visit.

The key benefits of Wilhelma Stuttgart:

1. Unique diversity: Zoo and botanical garden in one
2. Historic atmosphere: Moorish architecture and greenhouses
3. Family-friendly: Special offers for children of all ages
4. Open all year round: An experience in every season
5. Central location: Easy to reach in the heart of Stuttgart

Plan your visit to Wilhelma Stuttgart and discover for yourself why it's one of Baden-Württemberg's most popular destinations. Whether for a single day or with an annual pass for regular visits – Wilhelma Stuttgart will delight you again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wilhelma Stuttgart

How long should you allow for a visit to Wilhelma Stuttgart? For a relaxed walk around Wilhelma Stuttgart, you should allow at least 4-5 hours. Those who want to see everything can easily spend a whole day there, especially with children or if you're interested in the botanical details.

Are dogs allowed at Wilhelma Stuttgart? Dogs are generally not allowed at Wilhelma Stuttgart, even on a lead. Exceptions apply only to guide dogs and other assistance dogs with appropriate proof.

Are there discounts for Wilhelma Stuttgart? Yes, Wilhelma Stuttgart offers various discounts: for students, pensioners, people with disabilities, groups of 15 or more, and families. Annual passes become cheaper than single tickets from as early as the third visit.

Can you get married at Wilhelma Stuttgart? In fact, Wilhelma Stuttgart offers the chance to hold weddings in a historic setting. The Moorish villa and other locations can be hired for civil wedding ceremonies – though only outside opening hours.

Which animals can you feed at Wilhelma Stuttgart? Feeding animals is generally forbidden at Wilhelma Stuttgart in order to protect their health. Exceptions exist only in the petting zoo, where special feed is available from vending machines, and during organised feeding sessions run by staff.