Tierpark Goldau With Kids – A Detailed And Honest Review

Established in 1925, Tierpark Goldau is a Nature and Animal Park in the town of the same name – Goldau. This 180,000-square-meter zoo was built in the area where rocks fell off the Rossberg mountain. Those working at the zoo cleared the fallen rocks and bushes before bringing in the animals. An associated called Tierparkverein Goldau helped establish this zoo. This group has more than 6,000 members in the whole of Switzerland.

Tierpark Goldau is a fantastic place to bring children. Not only kids will enjoy it here. In fact, it is an interesting and relaxing place to visit for adults too. This is my detailed review of Tierpark Goldau – What are the things to do at Tierpark Goldau? What is our experience like in this Zoo? Do we like it more than other zoos? Find out more below!

Alpine Ibex at Tierpark Goldau — Image by Tambako from flickr

Which animals can be seen at Tierpark Goldau?

The zoo has some 100 local and European animals. Some of these animals are listed below.

Chamois – Rupicapra rupicapra – a goat-antelope native to mountains in Europe
Sika Deers – Cervus nippon – also known as the spotted deer or the Japanese deer, just like the ones found in Nara Park, Japan. Very cute and sweet animals.
Red deers – Cervus elaphus – one of the largest deers, found mostly in Europe
Fallow deers
Mouflons – Ovis gmelini – wild sheep native to the Caspian region from eastern Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran
Alpine Ibexes – Capra ibex – known locally as Steinbock – is a species of wild goat that lives in the mountains of the European Alps. Can be found in several areas in Graubünden such as Pontresina or Beverin Nature Park
Brown Bears – Ursus Arctos Syriacus – big, fluffy bear that feeds on grass, fruits, and honey
Eurasian Wolf – Canis Lupus – a subspecies of the grey wolf native to Europe
Lynx – Lynx Lynx – beautiful wildcat which can jump up to 7 meters to catch its prey
Wildcat – Felis Silvestris – small wildcat native to continental Europe. Is it protected in most European countries due to dangers of extinction.
Red Foxes – Vulpes vulpes – is the most common predator found in Switzerland. It lives in fields and forests until the alps.
European Badgers – Meles meles – powerfully built black, white, brown, and grey animal found in Europe and some parts of Western Asia.

Chamois at Tierpark Arth Goldau — Image by Tambako from flickr

You can see the following animals in more detail on the zoo’s website.

What can I do at Tierpark Goldau?

In the middle of the zoo, you can buy food to feed the deer and mouflons.
There are numerous playgrounds scattered on the zoo grounds.
There are several restaurants and picnic tables to eat. Restaurant prices are reasonable and food is good.
Go up the panorama tower

Where is Tierpark Goldau located?

The address of Tierpark Goldau is Parkstrasse 40, 6410 Goldau.

How do I get to Tierpark Goldau?

Go to the direction of Arth to Parkstrasse 40, 6410 Goldau. If you are going by car, there is a parking lot in front of the zoo.

The zoo is very near the train station. You can take the train to Arth Goldau. And then from the train station, walk 900 meters to the zoo (a 10-minute walk).

Brown bear at Tierpark Arth Goldau — Image by Tambako from flickr

What are the opening hours of Tierpark Goldau?

Tierpark Goldau is open daily from 9:00 AM.

In Summer, from 1st of April until 31st of October, it is open until 6:00 PM.

In Winter, from 1st of November until 31st of March, it is open until 5:00 PM.

How much does it cost?

Tickets to Tierpark Goldau cost CHF 20 per Adult, CHF 16 per student (older than 16 to younger than 25 years old, Identification required), and CHF 10 per child (6 to 16 years old).

You can get a cheaper ticket by buying the combined ticket from SBB. They provide the following reductions if you use the train and buy the admission ticket from SBB together:

20% reduction on the public transport journey.
20% reduction on admission.

Our Experience

All around the park, they have various signs to provide information. At times, they also have special exhibitions or specialists come visit. People come in to bring and disseminate information to park visitors.

Our Visit

We have been to Tierpark Goldau several times because the children like visiting it. In particular, they like buying boxes of food for the deer and mouflons. Together with other children, they simply go near the animals and feed them. After feeding, we just randomly wander around to look at various animals. We like visiting the bears too.

Tierpark Goldau is bigger than Kinderzoo in Rapperswil but smaller than Zurich Zoo. My children tend to prefer visiting Tierpark Goldau compared to other zoos in Switzerland because they love feeding the animals.

Feeding the animals

Normally in the morning, the animals have yet to eat. But towards lunchtime or after lunch they are no longer interested in eating. They no longer want to be fed. So, normally, we come in early in the morning while they are still hungry. After arriving, our first stop is to feed the deer and mouflons.

Walking around

Inside the zoo, it is very easy to go around. You can follow their brochure and do specific paths. You can choose to visit the birds and fishes first on the right side of the park. Or you can choose to go around this deer area. There are also playgrounds scattered all around the park. It is relaxing and interesting to go around the park – for both children and adults alike. There is ample space. Furthermore, the animals blend with nature.

Walking paths

Rock and Forest Path – 1.5 hours – Deer, Alpine Ibex, Chamois, Lynx, Wildcat, Foxes, Panorama Place
Bear and Wolf Path – 1.5 hours – Bear and Wolf platform, Bees
Fish and Birds Path – 1 hour – Amphibians, Small animals, Marmots, Otters, Fishes, Storks

The park map is available for download here in PDF form.

Playgrounds

They have several playgrounds. They have a carousel, slide, and climbing areas. There is a bagger. Near the deer, there are small fountains with which children can play water.