Veszprém Zoo | Veszpem

Veszprém Zoo (Kittenberger Kálmán Növény- és Vadaspark) is one of the oldest and largest zoos in Hungary, located in a scenic valley 1.5km northwest of the city center. It is named after the renowned Hungarian Africa researcher Kálmán Kittenberger.

Visual Characteristics

The zoo is integrated into the natural karst landscape, featuring steep limestone cliffs, forested slopes, and the Séd stream. It is divided into two main sections connected by a modern bridge: the traditional Fejes Valley area and the expansive Gulya Hill plateau. Exhibits utilize large, open-air enclosures with natural barriers, such as dry moats and stone walls, to mimic savanna and woodland habitats.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Kittenberger Kálmán utca 17, 8200 Veszprém.

Transit: Reachable from the central bus station via local bus lines 1, 10, or 13 to the "Állatkert" stop.

Vehicle Access: Located approximately 2km from the Veszprém bypass (Road 8).

Parking: Two large paid parking lots are available: the Fejes Valley entrance lot and the Gulya Hill entrance lot (accessible via Kittenberger Street).

Historical & Ecological Origin

The zoo opened in 1958 and was built largely through the voluntary labor of local citizens. It occupies a unique ecological position between the Bakony Mountains and the Balaton Uplands. The site features a mix of native oak-beech forests and limestone outcrops, providing varied microclimates for different species.

Key Highlights & Activities

Dino Park: A large-scale outdoor exhibition featuring life-sized, scientifically accurate dinosaur models and an interactive "paleontological" sandpit for children.

African Savanna: A 1-hectare enclosure where rhinoceroses, giraffes, and zebras coexist in a multispecies environment.

Chimpanzee World: A modern, multi-story indoor and outdoor facility with glass viewing walls.

Elephant Park: A massive complex housing a bachelor group of African elephants.

Adventure Park: On-site ropes courses and playgrounds are distributed throughout the grounds.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes several themed snack bars, restrooms at major exhibit nodes, and a central restaurant near the Gulya Hill entrance. 5G cellular signal is stable across the open plateau but may fluctuate in the deeper sections of the Fejes Valley. The zoo is largely wheelchair and stroller accessible via paved paths, though the incline between the two main sections is steep.

Best Time to Visit

The zoo is open year-round, including holidays. Morning hours (09:00–11:00) are optimal for observing active animal behavior and avoiding peak afternoon crowds. Autumn provides significant visual appeal as the deciduous forests of the valley change color.

Facts & Legends

A local historical fact is that the zoo was completed in just five months due to the massive community effort in 1958. It is also noted for its successful breeding programs for endangered species, including the African rhinoceros.

Nearby Landmarks

Veszprém Viaduct – 0.5km East

Veszprém Castle – 1.5km Southeast

Séd Valley Nature Trail – Adjacent

Margaret Ruins – 1.0km East

Gulya Hill Lookout – 0.4km North