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About this place
Natur- und Tierpark Goldau is one of six scientifically managed zoos in Switzerland, located in Goldau in the canton of Schwyz. It lies in the area devastated by a huge landslide in 1806, and today it ranks among the most popular family destinations in central Switzerland.
What kind of place is it?
Goldau blends a zoo with a nature park. Animals live in large enclosures laid out in landscapes that resemble their natural habitats, and walking among slopes and boulders left by the old rockslide is part of the experience. Sources give slightly different sizes, from around 34 to around 42 hectares. The park is home to more than 100 species, with several hundred animals in total.
Its popularity is clear from the numbers: in 2013 the park welcomed 859,000 visitors.
Which animals can I see?
The focus is on native and European wildlife. Highlights include:
- bears and wolves, sharing a communal enclosure opened in 2009,
- lynx,
- bison,
- bearded vultures, the large Alpine scavengers,
- other mountain and forest animals of Europe.
Spring brings newborns, and Swiss media reported in 2026 that this year's crop of young animals was unusually large, including bears, wolves and lynx.
What is the history of the site?
On 2 September 1806, huge masses of rock broke away from the Rossberg mountain and buried the village of Goldau. 457 people died. The park sits within the landslide area, and a film about the disaster is shown near the entrance. A visit therefore combines wildlife watching with a lesson in the power of nature.
Who is it for?
It suits families with children, nature lovers, and anyone who wants to see European wildlife in spacious enclosures. Paths rise and fall, so comfortable shoes are a good idea. Exploring the park easily fills most of a day.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the park? In Goldau, canton of Schwyz, central Switzerland, within the area of the 1806 landslide.
Is it an ordinary zoo? It is one of six scientifically managed zoos in Switzerland, with an emphasis on native and European animals.
Can I see bears and wolves? Yes, both live in a shared enclosure that opened in 2009.
How many people visit? In 2013 the park had 859,000 visitors. We do not quote newer figures because they could not be confirmed.
What happened in Goldau in 1806? A massive landslide from the Rossberg mountain buried the village and killed 457 people.
How much time should I allow? With so many enclosures and a large area, plan several hours, or a full day with children.
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