Burgers' Zoo travel guide

The illustrious history of Royal Burgers' Zoo dates back to 1913, when it was established by Johan Burgers. Initially, it was a small menagerie in 's-Heerenberg, but it moved to Arnhem in 1923 for more space.

In 1988, it became the first zoo in the world to open an indoor rainforest, known as 'Burgers' Bush'. This revolutionary concept allowed visitors to walk through an authentic recreation of a tropical rainforest.

In 1995, the zoo was officially recognized by the Dutch Royal family and received the 'Royal' prefix to its name.

Over the years, Royal Burgers' Zoo has continued to innovate and expand. It now houses a wide variety of habitats, including a desert, ocean, mangrove, and safari, making it one of the most unique zoos not just in the Netherlands, but in the world.

Today, it remains a family-run business, committed to animal welfare, conservation, and providing an immersive experience for all visitors.

Royal Burgers' Zoo stands out with its 'ecodisplays' – large and lifelike replicas of natural habitats. This innovative approach allows visitors to step into the animals' natural environments such as the Burgers' Bush, a tropical rainforest, and Burgers' Desert, replicating the rocky desert of Arizona. The Ocean exhibit, a 3 million litre water basin, is home to hundreds of species of tropical coral fish, making it one of the largest covered coral reefs in Europe.

The Burgers' Mangrove, inspired by the mangrove forests of Belize, is the world's largest indoor mangrove, with its own unique flora and fauna. Another standout feature is the Burgers' Rimba that showcases the Southeast Asian rainforest, housing animals like the Asian elephant, Malayan tapir, and many more.

Additionally, the zoo’s commitment to conservation is highly commendable, with their participation in more than 80 European breeding programs and several rewilding projects worldwide. The zoo’s unique approach to animal housing, the sheer size and variety of exhibits, and commitment to conservation truly sets it apart.

Located in the dynamic Arnhem, the popular Burgers' Zoo is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of Arnhem or as a stop on your countrywide road trip through the Netherlands.

Arnhem is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, Arnhem offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit this popular landmark in Arnhem and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Netherlands Open Air Museum, Park Sonsbeek, John Frost Bridge, Park Zypendaal, and Nederlands Watermuseum.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, Arnhem has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in Arnhem, a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in the Netherlands!

Burgers' Zoo is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in Arnhem, the Netherlands. If you're flying in, Düsseldorf International Airport is approximately 62 miles (99.8 km) away from Arnhem. From there, you can easily reach Burgers' Zoo by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in Arnhem, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach Burgers' Zoo, which is located 1.7 miles (2.7 km) from the city center. You can also rent a car and drive to Burgers' Zoo, providing flexibility to explore at your leisure. Its exact address is Antoon van Hooffplein 1, 6816 SH Arnhem, Netherlands.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at Burgers' Zoo!

The best time to explore Royal Burgers' Zoo is during the spring and summer months, from April to September, when the weather is most favorable. During these seasons, the zoo's lush greenery is in full bloom, making the atmosphere even more enjoyable. The Netherlands' mild summer weather, usually between 20-25°C, provides an ideal climate for wandering through the zoo's expansive habitats. Special events such as animal feeding sessions and educational talks are also more frequent during these months. However, if you prefer a more tranquil experience, plan your visit on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds. The zoo is usually less busy in early mornings and late afternoons. For a unique experience, consider timing your visit with the 'Zoo Nights' in summer, where the zoo remains open until sunset, offering a rare glimpse of nocturnal animal behavior. Remember, the zoo is open all year, so you can plan a visit in off-peak seasons like autumn and winter for a quieter, yet equally captivating experience.

With a rental car, discovering the popular Burgers' Zoo and the Netherlands's captivating landscapes becomes a breeze, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Upon arrival, international travelers can choose from 1 reputable rental car companies near Düsseldorf International Airport and the city of Arnhem, making transportation seamless and efficient.

Rental car companies in the Netherlands cater to a variety of preferences, offering vehicles ranging from compact and midsize to premium, estate, and even camper vans or convertibles. To select the perfect ride, consider your itinerary and specific travel plans in Arnhem and beyond.

Conveniently explore Burgers' Zoo and plenty more captivating attractions in Arnhem by staying at a top-rated hotel in the center of the city. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to Burgers' Zoo and other notable landmarks, wake up well-rested every day, ready to explore all that Arnhem has to offer.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Burgers' Zoo below.

Aside from Burgers' Zoo, Arnhem is home to numerous other top attractions waiting to be explored. From museums and architectural masterpieces to sculptures and natural wonders, the city offers a diverse range of sights to behold. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around Arnhem, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Netherlands Open Air Museum, Park Sonsbeek, and John Frost Bridge.

Netherlands Open Air Museum is a bucket-list museum and top attraction in Arnhem, drawing numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 17,000 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of Netherlands Open Air Museum is Hoeferlaan 4, 6816 SG Arnhem, Netherlands.

Another appreciated attraction in Arnhem is Park Sonsbeek. Like Netherlands Open Air Museum, this is one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars among 8,000 visitors, it’s also one of the highest-rated. The exact address of this park is Zijpendaalseweg 24A, 6814 CL Arnhem, Netherlands.

John Frost Bridge is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of Arnhem. This establishment and top attraction in Arnhem has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,900 visitors. This attraction is located at the address of Nijmeegseweg, 6841 Arnhem, Netherlands.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of Arnhem below.