Weekendo
ZOOM Erlebniswelt GelsenkirchenDidi999 · CC BY-SA 3.0
opens Sun 15 November, 10:00

ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen

ZOOM Erlebniswelt – Haupteingang · Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Season15 November – 31 March 2027
Todayclosed
Entrysee below
Whereoutdoors

Winter price (1 Nov–14 March): adults €16.50; from 15 March: €23.50. €1 service fee per ticket at the on-site desk.

The market is inside Ruhr low-emission zone (Umweltzone Ruhrgebiet)

A green emissions sticker (Umweltplakette) on the windscreen is required — also for foreign cars.

Guide: what to doofficial website

Most P+R sites are inside the zone; without a green sticker, take a regional train to Essen Hbf, Dortmund Hbf or Duisburg Hbf (P+R: check the official website).

About the event

ZOOM has no cages: animals live in recreated landscapes, from an Alaskan coast with polar bears and sea lions to the African savannah. The Asia world houses the well-heated Yanomami tropical hall, where you can stroll without a coat even in January. The full circuit is several kilometres long, so wear good shoes and bring a sturdy pushchair. Note: in winter the Alaska and Africa worlds close at 4 pm, so start there. Tip: on-site parking costs €3.50 for up to 3 hours or €7 for the day; buying tickets online avoids the €1 desk fee.

Season calendar

November 2026

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun

December 2026

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun

January 2027

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun

February 2027

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun

Tap a day to see the hours.

openclosedspecial hours

Opening hours

Open 365 days a year. Nov–14 March: 10 am–5 pm (Alaska and Africa until 4 pm). From 15 March: 9 am–6 pm.

Monday09:00–18:00, 10:00–17:00
Tuesday09:00–18:00, 10:00–17:00
Wednesday09:00–18:00, 10:00–17:00
Thursday09:00–18:00, 10:00–17:00
Friday09:00–18:00, 10:00–17:00
Saturday09:00–18:00, 10:00–17:00
Sunday09:00–18:00, 10:00–17:00
  • Thu 17 December — 10:00–16:00. Early closing at 4 pm.
  • Thu 24 December — 10:00–14:00. Christmas Eve: 10 am–2 pm.
  • Thu 31 December — 10:00–14:00. 31 December: 10 am–2 pm.

Parking

  • Parkplatz ZOOM Erlebniswelt, Bleckstraße — Short stay (up to 3 h) €3.50; day rate €7.

Combine with

Christmas markets nearby for the same trip.

Duisburg Christmas MarketZebraDS · Public domainopen now · until 21:00

Duisburg Christmas Market

Duisburg, Germany 12 November – 30 December ≈ 27 km Today: 11:00–21:00

Market along Königstraße through Duisburg's whole city centre, with an ice rink for Bavarian curling. 12 November to 30 December 2026.

free entry Umweltzone
Düsseldorf Christmas MarketKürschner · CC0opens Thu 19 November, 11:00

Düsseldorf Christmas Market

Düsseldorf, Germany 19 November – 30 December ≈ 42 km

Several themed markets link the old town, the Königsallee and the Rhine, with a Ferris wheel, an ice rink and opening until 30 December.

free entry Umweltzone
Aegidii Christmas Market MünsterGimo61 · CC BY 3.0opens Mon 23 November, 11:00

Aegidii Christmas Market Münster

Münster, Germany 23 November – 23 December ≈ 58 km

Family-friendly market in the Aegidiimarkt courtyard, around a large wooden pyramid with a chime and a nativity scene. 23 November to 23 December 2026.

free entry Umweltzone
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