The castle grounds have been in the continuous possession of the Herberstein family for over 700 years.
The park features an 'Africa' section where animals such as zebras and antelopes share a large, simulated savanna.
The onsite rose garden displays over 700 different varieties of roses.
The zoo operates an extensive breeding and conservation program for endangered species.
Part of the zoo is situated within the protected landscape of the Feistritzklamm gorge.
Herberstein Zoo is a 40-hectare wildlife park integrated into the historical landscape of the Feistritz Valley in Styria, Austria. It is unique for combining a zoological garden with the 12th-century Herberstein Castle and expansive formal gardens. The park houses approximately 500 animals representing species from all five continents. The grounds include the 'Gartenreich,' a collection of gardens ranging from historic roses to traditional Styrian flora. The zoo emphasizes spacious, naturalistic enclosures designed to mimic native habitats. A major feature is the cheetah enclosure, which allows visitors to observe these animals in a large, open environment. The site is physically connected to the castle, allowing visitors to tour residential interiors alongside wildlife observation. Water features, including the Feistritz River, define the park's topography.
The viewing platform overlooking the savanna enclosure with the castle visible in the background.
Wear sturdy walking shoes as the park covers hilly terrain with significant elevation changes.
Bring binoculars to better view animals in the larger, more expansive outdoor enclosures.
Allow extra time to visit the castle interiors, as these require a separate path and admission from the main zoo circuit.
Attempting to see both the entire zoo and the full castle interior in under three hours, which leads to rushing.
The park operates year-round, though some outdoor animal enclosures may have limited visibility during severe winter weather; specific castle interior tours may be restricted during certain off-peak months.
Maintain silence near animal enclosures, keep to marked footpaths, and do not feed the animals.
