Korkeasaari Zoo

Korkeasaari Zoo occupies an island east of central Helsinki, Finland, at Mustikkamaanpolku 12, and is one of the oldest zoos in Europe, founded in 1889. The island layout, with winding paths between forest, rock and shoreline, gives the visit a more natural feel than a typical city zoo. Visitors see Amur tigers, snow leopards, Amur leopards, lions, giraffes, lemurs and a large selection of birds and reptiles, plus a Finnish forest area with native species such as brown bears, lynx, wolves and wolverines. The African Savanna house and the Amazonia tropical hall provide indoor stops that are useful in wet or cold weather. A lookout tower and several shoreline spots give views of the Helsinki skyline across the water. The zoo is open daily with hours that change by season, and visitors should confirm on korkeasaari.fi before going. Adult tickets cost about €26 online and €29 at the gate, with lower child prices. A full visit takes three to four hours, and the island has cafes and picnic spots. Photographic opportunities are best at the big-cat enclosures in the morning, when animals are more active, and from the shore paths facing the city. Crowds peak on summer weekends and school-holiday days, while weekday mornings are calmer. Bus 16 runs from Helsinki Central Station to the island in about 20 minutes, using an AB ticket bought before boarding, and in summer a ferry from Market Square reaches the island in about 15 minutes. Paths are long and hilly in places, so comfortable shoes help. Visitors are asked not to feed the animals or enter restricted areas.