Wildlife Parks Bavarian Forest: Best Picks for Families
Wildlife parks in the Bavarian Forest: Wildgarten Furth, Tierpark Lohberg and the National Park. A family comparison.
Experience wild animals in the Bavarian Forest
Watch lynxes, hear wolves howl, see wild boars wallowing. The Bavarian Forest is home to several wildlife parks that families love. The best part: from the Sonnenhotel Bayerischer Hof in Waldmünchen, you can reach all three without a long drive.
Whether you only have a morning or want to spend a whole day, whether your children are two or twelve years old, you will find the right wildlife park for your family outing here. We introduce the three best options, compare distances, costs and time required, and reveal which park is best suited to which age group.
Wildgarten Furth im Wald: The wildlife park around the corner
The Wildgarten Furth im Wald lies just 15 kilometres from the hotel. You will be there in fifteen minutes. That makes it the perfect destination if you want to do something spontaneously or if your children are still small.
What awaits you
The Wildgarten presents native wild animals in close-to-nature enclosures. Wild boars, lynxes, raccoons and various birds of prey live here on a manageable site. The circular path is not too long and easily handled by short legs.
A particular favourite with children: the walk-in enclosures, where you can observe fallow deer and goats up close and even feed some of them. Food can be bought on site.
In addition to the animals, there is a large adventure playground. Experience shows that children want to spend just as much time there as with the animals themselves. Plan for that.
Practical info
- Distance: 15 km (approx. 15 minutes by car)
- Time required: 2 to 3 hours
- Admission: Adults approx. 6 euros, children approx. 4 euros
- Pushchair: Yes, the paths are paved
- Catering: Kiosk on site
Who is it suitable for?
The Wildgarten is ideal for families with children between 2 and 8 years. The grounds are compact, the paths short, and the playground provides plenty of variety. A visit fits well into an afternoon without anyone feeling overwhelmed.
Bayerwald-Tierpark Lohberg: A nature experience with 400 animals
If you want to see more, head to the Bayerwald-Tierpark Lohberg. The drive takes about 45 minutes (50 km), but it is worth the effort. This wildlife park is one of the most popular destinations in the Bavarian Forest, and rightly so.
What awaits you
More than 400 animals from around 100 species live here in spacious enclosures designed to mirror the natural surroundings of the Bavarian Forest. You will see European bison, elk, otters, eagle owls, wolves and many other species native to the region today or in the past.
The circular path leads through woodland and across open meadows. The enclosures are extensive, so you observe the animals in surroundings as natural as possible. That makes a big difference compared to classic zoos. Children learn here how wild animals really live.
A highlight for many families: the otters. The agile animals hunt through the water and can be observed superbly. Plan some time for this, because most children are not keen to leave quickly.
Practical info
- Distance: 50 km (approx. 45 minutes by car)
- Time required: 3 to 4 hours
- Admission: Adults approx. 8 euros, children (3 to 14 years) approx. 5 euros
- Pushchair: Partly possible, some paths are nature trails
- Catering: Restaurant at the entrance
Who is it suitable for?
The Bayerwald-Tierpark is perfect for children from 4 years upwards. The paths are longer than in the Wildgarten, and the variety of animals is significantly greater. For very small children in a pushchair, the nature trails can be bumpy in places. It is best to bring a baby carrier in case the little ones cannot yet walk that far.
Plan this outing as a half-day or full-day trip. The drive along the country roads through the Bavarian Forest is scenic and entertaining.
National Park Animal Enclosure: Where lynx, wolf and bear are at home
The Animal Enclosure (Tierfreigelände) in the Bavarian Forest National Park is the highlight for nature enthusiasts. It is located near Neuschönau, about 90 kilometres from the hotel. In return, an experience awaits you that you will not soon forget.
What awaits you
On 250 hectares, the large wild animals of the Bavarian Forest live here: lynxes, wolves, brown bears, European bison, wild horses and capercaillies. The enclosures are huge and so naturalistic that you sometimes have to search for a while before spotting the animals. That is exactly what makes it appealing.
A 7-kilometre circular path leads through the entire grounds. The path is well developed, wide and easily navigable with a pushchair. Information boards everywhere explain in a child-friendly way which animals live here and why they matter for the forest.
The wolf enclosure is the absolute highlight for many families. With a little patience and luck, you may see an entire pack. Wolves are particularly active in the morning and at dusk. The bear enclosure is also impressive: brown bears live here in a piece of forest so large that it feels like the wild.
The big advantage: free admission
The Animal Enclosure is completely free. No admission, no hidden fees. With a family of two or three children, that is a real argument. Parking fees apply (approx. 5 to 8 euros depending on the car park), but that is all.
Practical info
- Distance: 90 km (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes by car)
- Time required: 4 to 6 hours (allow a full day including travel)
- Admission: Free
- Circular path: 7 km (shorter variants are also available)
- Pushchair: Yes, the main path is wide and paved
- Catering: Restaurant at the nearby Lusen National Park Centre
Who is it suitable for?
The 7-kilometre circular path is well manageable for children from 5 to 6 years upwards. Younger children are best brought along in a buggy or carrier. For the very little ones there is also a shorter loop (approx. 3 km) that passes the most important enclosures.
Tip: Combine the visit with the Treetop Walk, only a few minutes away. The 1,300-metre wooden walkway in the treetops is an experience for the whole family. This turns the Animal Enclosure into a complete day of nature.
All three wildlife parks at a glance
Here you can see at a glance which park best fits your situation:
Wildgarten Furth im Wald
- Drive: 15 min (15 km)
- Time required: 2 to 3 hours
- Cost: approx. 6 euros / 4 euros (adults / children)
- Best age: 2 to 8 years
- Pushchair: Well suited
- Highlight: Walk-in enclosures and playground
Bayerwald-Tierpark Lohberg
- Drive: 45 min (50 km)
- Time required: 3 to 4 hours
- Cost: approx. 8 euros / 5 euros (adults / children)
- Best age: 4 to 12 years
- Pushchair: Partly (carrier recommended)
- Highlight: 400+ animals, otters, European bison
National Park Animal Enclosure
- Drive: 1:15 h (90 km)
- Time required: 4 to 6 hours (full day)
- Cost: Free (parking fee only)
- Best age: 5 to 99 years
- Pushchair: Well suited
- Highlight: Lynx, wolf, bear on 250 hectares
Our recommendation: How to plan your visit
Only half a day available? Then head to the Wildgarten Furth im Wald. You will be there in 15 minutes, the children see wild animals and let off steam on the playground. You are back at the hotel for lunch.
Want a day trip with plenty of variety? Then the Bayerwald-Tierpark Lohberg is the right choice. The variety of animals and the close-to-nature enclosures make it the ideal day-trip destination.
Planning the big nature day? Then off you go to the National Park Animal Enclosure. Pack a lunch box, set off in the morning and take the whole day. The free admission, the vastness of the grounds and the impressive animals make this trip a highlight of your holiday.
Find more day-trip tips around Waldmünchen in our Bavarian Forest Guide.
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Combining a wildlife park with a family holiday
A day with the wild animals and afterwards a relaxed return to the hotel. At the Sonnenhotel Bayerischer Hof, dinner is already prepared, the children can head to the pool or the kids' club, and you lean back. All-inclusive means: after a long day outdoors, you do not have to worry about anything.
Book your family holiday now and discover the wildlife parks of the Bavarian Forest with your children.