Hagenbeck Zoo in Hamburg. Animals in sensational surroundings.

What would Hamburg be without Hagenbeck? The zoo is very much part of the city's identity, and the locals are rightly proud of its history. The wide range of attractions on offer at the zoo is always thrilling, no matter how many times you visit.

When Carl Hagenbeck opened this attraction in the Stellingen district of Hamburg in 1907, his zoo without cages caused a bit of a stir. Hagenbeck's son – also named Carl – had registered a patent for a zoo without bars in 1896 so that visitors could enjoy watching the animals in outdoor enclosures adapted to reflect their natural habitats. Hagenbeck was the pioneer of this zoo-keeping concept, which was later adopted by many zoos around the world.

These days, Hagenbeck is much more than just a zoo. With 25 hectares of varied countryside and 7km of marked trails, it is a leisure park as well, offering unforgettable experiences for everyone. The latest attraction at Hagenbeck is the tropical aquarium covering 8,000 square metres and housing 13,000 exotic animals, the leading facility of its kind in Germany and one of the largest in northern Europe. Discover the mysterious and tranquil world of marine creatures and get up close to sharks, amphibians and reptiles such as the Nile crocodile and the Fiji banded iguana.

The zoo is home to a total of 1,850 animals of 210 species.

The orang-utan house, home to some of our hairier relatives, is also well worth a visit, as is the polar panorama with its penguins, polar bears and seals. The lions' gorge and the Africa panorama, where you can watch zebras and ostriches at play, are the perfect preparation for the Jungle Nights – just one of the many fascinating events that make Hagenbeck an even more attractive destination during the summer months.

Tip for overnight visitors and conferences: Lindner Park Hotel Hagenbeck, the world's first zoo-themed hotel, is situated right next to Hagenbeck Zoo and the tropical aquarium, between the city centre and the airport. The unrivalled views from the hotel and Hagenbeck's unmistakable mixture of animals, parkland and culture make the Lindner Park Hotel Hagenbeck an unforgettable travel destination all year round and an exceptional venue for any type of event.