Zoos near Utrecht

[Newzooboy]

I am visiting Utrecht and Bilthoven for business at the end of the month.

Which zoos are nearest and which would be best for an afternoon only visit (I shall have only 3-4 hours) and will probably be staying Utrecht.

Many Thanks for any help

 

[lintworm]

Utrecht itself has no zoo, but it is the most central city in the Netherlands.

Dierenpark Amersfoort is the closest zoo, about 15 minutes by train. It is not a very large zoo, but still has most ABC-animals, but also rarer animals like Sudan-cheetah, saddlebacked jackal, a really nice walkthrough night house (eg. potoroo, owl monkey, malagasy jumping rat, slow lorises). They also have a really nice elephant house and a visit should take 3 to 4 hours

Also close are the 3 major zoos: Artis, Blijdorp & Burgers, all three are 30-40 minutes by train, but that is probably a bit to far.

 

[vogelcommando]

I agree with Lintworm : Amersfoort would be the most logical choise. It's the nearest zoo to Utrecht and from the train-station easy to reach by bus or even by walking to it. It's not the biggest or the best zoo in the Netherlands but it surely has a nice collection !

 

[Newzooboy]

Thanks guys...much appreciated.

I will be going to Artis ealier in May - different trip, just to Amsterdam.

Sounds like Amersfoort will be perfect for this trip. I'll aim to get to Utrecht early...drop off bags and then get train and probably walk to zoo. Meeting next day in Bilthoven.

 

[lintworm]

Have fun!

When visiting Artis, be sure to visit the Monkey/bird house in the early morning, this is the best part of the zoo (imo) and is by far best without annoying children running around . The aquarium is also best visited in the morning.