ZOO and botanical gardens Vtáčnik

Zoologická záhrada Bojnice as the first zoological garden in Slovakia has been welcoming its guests since 1955. It is among the most popular attractions in Bojnice, along with Bojnický zámok. The advantage is easy accessibility. A short walk takes you from the center of Bojnice to the zoo in a few minutes, while from Prievidza it is a longer 40-minute walk. If you are going by car, you can use designated parking spaces or simply park in Bojnice in a municipal or private parking lot for a small fee. The zoological garden is open every day of the year.

Over an area of 41 hectares, you will find more than 430 species of animals, totaling more than 3,500 specimens. Among the most significant are antelopes, gibbons, kangaroos, leopards, lions, elephants, and zebras. You will also see the cute panda or popular flamingos. And those who are not afraid of snakes are invited to the terrariums, where you will find various species of reptiles, brightly colored poison dart frogs, and spooky-looking toads. Your little ones will have the greatest joy visiting ZOO Bojnice. In addition to families with children, you will also frequently meet couples in love or seniors among the visitors. One thing is certain, you certainly won't be bored here.

However, ZOO Bojnice does not only offer the opportunity to get to know various animal species. The goal is to build a positive relationship with animals in children, educate them about life, and last but not least, help them. Animals that have been injured in the wild and need care often find their way to the zoo. If returning to nature is not possible after treatment, the animals are cared for until the end of their lives. If you are also an animal lover, you can help, for example, by adopting a selected animal through a one-time contribution.

Can you guess how many visitors have already passed through the zoo gates? Imagine that as early as 2008, they welcomed their 20-millionth visitor here. In addition to standard tours, Národná ZOO Bojnice also offers other experiential programs. For one day, you can become a zookeeper, gardener, or chef for the animals. They also have a zoo school for educating children and adults. Today, special programs for schools and other groups are available.

In Bojnice, it is also worth visiting other attractions. Families with children will have fun at Múzeum praveku and Dino park Bojnice. You must not miss Bojnický zámok and the experiential attraction Sokoliari Aquila. After an active day, we invite you to Kúpele Bojnice or Termálne kúpalisko Vodný svet - Bojnice, where you can recharge your energy.

To manage everything nice and important, we recommend spending at least a few days in Bojnice. Get inspired on our portal and find the right accommodation near ZOO Bojnice for yourself. Truly everyone can choose with us.

The contact zoo ARAKOVO v Bojniciach offers visitors a fascinating look into the world of colorful exotic birds with which you can establish direct contact.

The attraction is located in the spa town of Bojnice, in the Prievidza district, right in the area below the castle on Zámok a okolie street. ARAKOVO specializes in breeding various species of parrots, especially imposing macaws, cockatoos, and African greys, which are hand-reared and accustomed to human company. Visitors have the opportunity not only to observe the parrots but also to feed them with prepared food, let them land on their shoulder or hand, and take pictures with them. The entire experience takes place in the presence of expert caretakers who provide interesting information about the lives, intelligence, and temperament of individual birds. The facility emphasizes education on the conservation of these endangered species and proper care for exotic birds. Since these are living creatures, operations are partly dependent on the season and weather, so it is advisable to check current availability before visiting.

What can you find here?

In the area, you will find spacious aviaries and contact zones where dozens of parrots of various sizes and colors move freely. Bird food mixtures intended for the birds and professional staff who will teach you how to handle the feathered animals correctly and safely are available for visitors. Information boards about individual species and the option to purchase bird-themed souvenirs are also part of the experience.

Who is the place suitable for?

The place is ideal for families with children looking for an educational yet emotional experience interacting with animals. It is also sought after by lovers of exotic nature, photographers, and tourists who want to enrich their stay in Bojnice with an unconventional attraction. Given the direct contact with birds, individuals with feather allergies or those who have a natural respect for larger exotic birds should be cautious.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

In close proximity is the majestic Bojnický zámok castle and the adjacent Národná zoologická záhrada Bojnice zoo. Just a few steps from the area, you can visit the Zrkadlové bludisko mirror maze or the Dom ilúzií house of illusions. For lovers of history and prehistory, the Múzeum praveku Slovenska – Prepoštská jaskyňa museum of prehistory is within walking distance, while the well-known Kúpele Bojnice spa serves for relaxation.

Žarnovica, apart from Hrad Revište, is also known thanks to the unique Zveropark, where forest, domestic, exotic, and alpine animals live together happily. Come with your family to see this magical place, which looks like it was cut right out of your favorite fairy tale book. Apart from the animal inhabitants, you will be welcomed by a gurgling waterfall, a meadow full of flowers, and a pond full of fish. Forget about the worries of everyday life and perceive only the beauty all around.

You can find the animal oasis behind the village of Revištské Podzámčie, a short distance from Žarnovica. The animal park is spread over an area of approximately 21 hectares. The forest environment is inhabited by more than 30 species of animals. You will see the holandská minikozička, páv korunkatý, kengura bennettova, kozorožec kaukazský, los mokraďový, and many other animals here.

Right at the entrance, you can buy feed that no animal palate can resist. A map will serve you well for orientation in the park. In the area, you will also find numerous info boards that will provide you with information not only about the animals but also about the plants around.

Zveropark is a true paradise for children. Among the most popular attractions is the so-called hladkací kútik. Your little ones will suddenly forget about mobile phones and tablets. Apart from the animals, the wooden boy Pinocchio, Janíčko s Marienkou, the mischievous egg that went on a journey, the kind medvedíci Gumkáči, mravček Ferdo Mravec, Krtko, včielka Maja, and other fairy tale creatures also live here.

You can fill your free time with entertaining catch-and-release fishing. If your mouth is watering and you would still like fish for lunch, they will gladly grill it for you at the Grilcentre. Besides fish delicacies, you can also treat yourself to great roasted pork neck, smoked sausage, or chicken skewers.

Little visitors will certainly appreciate the children's playground, where they will experience a lot of fun on swings, spring seesaws, and slides. And while the children are playing, you can enjoy watching them over a coffee from the buffet terrace.

During the summer, various interesting workshops, theater plays, or lectures take place in the animal park, which do not just bring boring learning but bring the world of animals closer to children in a playful way. A nice souvenir of the visit will certainly be a commemorative coin with the depiction of a moose and the Zveropark logo.

Plan your visit to the animal world from the beginning of April to the end of September. The surroundings of Žarnovica are full of great attractions, so do not hesitate and book your accommodation near Zveropark Žarnovica today. On the page accommodation in Žarnovica, you will find many cozy cottages and chalets as well as family guesthouses.

On your wanderings through Pohronie, definitely do not miss Kúpalisko Žarnovica, Ovčia farma Bzenica - Bukovina, Vyhniansky travertín, and Vodný raj Vyhne. We wish you many unforgettable experiences.