Celebrate the 100th anniversary with the Goldau Nature and Animal Park SZ

The nature and animal park in Goldau delights visitors with its fascinating landscape and expansive nature. The area was significantly influenced by the Goldau landslide of 1806. Today it is home to wolves, lynx, wild boar, sika deer, brown bears, bearded vultures and many other native and European wild animal species that can be observed. In the free-range zone, visitors have the opportunity to see sika deer and mouflons up close and even feed them. However, this only happens with the park’s special feed, which has been specially developed for the animal species. The health of the animals is paramount, which is why the sale of the special feed is limited. On days with many visitors, there may be no more food available.

In 2025, the nature and animal park will be celebrating its 100th anniversary. To mark the occasion, there will be a variety of anniversary events throughout the year. The programme includes a special guided tour ‘Wild chickens’, a wild herbs course and the guided tour ‘Super mums in the animal kingdom’. You can find more information about the anniversary year here.

Goldau Nature and Animal Park is open daily from 1 April to 31 October between 9 am and 6 pm. From 1 November - 31 March, the park is only open until 5 pm.

 

Les Marécottes VS: Visit the highest animal park in Europe and spend the night

A pool carved directly into the rock, filled with crystal-clear water and plenty of space to swim and enjoy. You'll find all this in the Valais Alps. At an altitude of 1100 metres, Les Marécottes is not only home to a natural alpine swimming pool, but also the highest animal park in Europe. So if you can't decide whether you prefer animals or water fun on your next family outing, Les Marécottes is the place for you. The park covers around 35,000 m2. It is home to bears, lynxes, deer and other animals in their current or former natural habitat.

A picnic area is available for refreshments on the grounds. However, barbecues are not allowed there. If you don't want to take your food with you, you can eat in the pizzeria on the grounds. And those who prefer to feed the animals are also catered for: food bags are available at reception.

And there is also a solution for those who would like to stay longer in the animal park. The Zoo des Marécottes is a boutique hotel located in the wildlife park. While relaxing in the jacuzzi, you also have a view of the bear park.

The animal park is open daily all year round. The natural swimming pool is open during the summer season from June to September. More information here.

 

Colourful butterflies: the Papiliorama in Kerzers FR

Do you miss the tropical climate and exotic wildlife, but don't have time for a longer trip? Then perhaps a day trip to Kerzers FR would be something for you! Over 1000 butterflies fly freely around you in a lush tropical garden in the local Papiliorama. In addition to the colourful summer birds, you will also find a distinctive plant world with around 120 different species on 1200 m2. The exhibition is not only inhabited by butterflies, but also by various bird species such as nectar birds, collared doves and turacos.  If you observe the waters carefully, you may see rays and other exciting fish species from the tropics of America and Asia.

But that's not all: if you've ever wondered what it's like in a tropical forest at night, the Nocturama, which is on the same site, is the answer. The translucent roof filters the natural daylight and creates a full moon night atmosphere inside the exhibition. The reversed day and night rhythm allows you to take a nocturnal walk in the middle of the day and observe the mysterious, nocturnal animals of the tropical forests. Along the trails, you can discover sloths, tree-dwelling raptors, night monkeys, armadillos and many other animals. If you are hungry after your exploration tours, you can enjoy a bite to eat in the on-site restaurant. Souvenirs are also available in the shop.

 The Papiliorama and Nocturama can be visited between 9 am and 6 pm in summer. In winter, it is open from 10 am to 5 pm.

 

The little oasis of nature: Roggenhausen Wildlife Park

Roggenhausen Wildlife Park is just a few minutes' drive from the centre of Aarau. A small oasis in a slightly hilly landscape surrounded by meadows and fields. Wild animals in extensive enclosures, rare domestic animal species, a nature trail, a fruit tree garden and a restaurant with a large playground await you at Roggenhausen Wildlife Park.

The animals at Roggenhausen Wildlife Park may only be fed with the food provided. This consists mainly of hay and is well tolerated by all animals. As the ‘Roggi’ is one of the smaller animal parks, daily care is mainly provided by one or two animal keepers. If you meet them, they will be able to give you sound information about their charges.

Roggenhausen Wildlife Park is open all year round and admission is free. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead.

 

Wolves have also been living here for a year: Lange Erlen BS animal park

Askan, Brisko and Ivor. These are the names of the three young wolves that moved into the associated wolf enclosure in April 2024 with the opening of the Auenlandschaft. But the animal park in the west of Basel is home to even more animals. You can also meet lynxes, capuchin monkeys and red foxes, among others. Cat lovers take note: Langen Erleen is also home to European wildcats. Unlike their domesticated counterparts, they avoid contact with humans.

If you want to eat on site, you can do so at the Erlenkiosk, which is open daily in the afternoon. On Saturday from 11 am. Incidentally, children's birthday parties can also be organised at Lange Erlen in Basel. You can find more information here.

Lange Erlen is open daily from March to October between 8 am and 6 pm. From November to February, the park is open until 5 pm. Admission is free of charge. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a short lead.