Audio Guide of Wilhelma: Stuttgart's Moorish Oasis

The Wilhelma Zoological and Botanical Garden is a gem open year-round. Hours vary seasonally, but it generally opens at 8:15 a.m. and closes between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., depending on the time of year. I recommend checking the official website for the exact hours on the day of your visit: wilhelma.de. You can easily get there by public transport, as it has excellent bus and tram connections.

Adult admission is around €16-20, with discounts for children, students and groups. And yes, I strongly recommend buying your tickets online to avoid queues! You can do so through their official website: wilhelma.de/tickets. This way you guarantee your access and optimize your time.

Wilhelma is large and has a lot to offer, so to enjoy it without rushing and see most of the attractions, I suggest you set aside at least 4 to 6 hours. If you're a botany or zoology lover, you could easily spend a whole day exploring it.

Wilhelma's history is fascinating. It was built by King William I of Württemberg as a Moorish-style royal garden between 1846 and 1853, which is why its architecture is unique. Its value lies in being an exceptional combination of historic botanical garden and zoo, and one of the few zoos in the world with a magnificent integrated botanical garden, making it a cultural monument with impressive biodiversity.

The best time to visit Wilhelma depends on your preferences. Spring and summer (April to September) are ideal for seeing plants in bloom and enjoying the animals outdoors. If you want to avoid crowds, I suggest visiting first thing in the morning right after opening or late in the afternoon, especially on weekdays.

Wilhelma strives to be as accessible as possible. It has paved paths, ramps and lifts in most of its buildings. They also offer wheelchair rental (with prior reservation). For more detailed information on accessibility and specific services, you can check their visitors section: wilhelma.de/barrierefreiheit or call +49 (0)711 – 5402 - 0.

Stuttgart has a lot to offer right next to Wilhelma. I recommend exploring the Mercedes-Benz Museum or the Porsche Museum for motor lovers. You can also take a stroll through the city centre to admire Palace Square (Schlossplatz) and visit the Old Castle (Altes Schloss). The Neckar River is also very close by, offering pleasant riverside walks.

Of course! First, wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking quite a bit. Consider bringing your own refillable water bottle. Don't forget your camera, because Wilhelma's beauty is worth capturing. And most importantly, take your time to enjoy the architecture, gardens and animals. Plan your route in advance using their online map so you don't miss anything! You can find it on their website.