About this place
Parc Zoologique et Botanique de Mulhouse is a combined zoo and botanical garden in the Rebberg district, southeast of central Mulhouse, in the Grand Est region's Haut-Rhin department.
What's the story behind the park?
The park was founded in 1868, established by a group of philanthropist industrialists led by the son of Charles Thierry-Mieg. For its first decades it remained privately owned — first by the Cercle mulhousien, then by the Société Industrielle de Mulhouse — before the City of Mulhouse took it over in 1893. Today the park is run by the Mulhouse Alsace Agglomération, the local authority covering the Mulhouse metropolitan area, with veterinarian Brice Lefaux serving as director since 2010. This continuous history of more than 150 years gives the site the feel of a historic 19th-century park grounds combined with the operations of a modern zoological institution.
What will you see there?
The name says it all: this is a joint zoological and botanical park, meaning animal enclosures sit alongside planted gardens rather than in a purely zoo-style layout. Paths wind through green grounds where wildlife displays alternate with plantings, recreating the calm, landscaped atmosphere typical of 19th-century park foundations. That layout makes a visit both educational and simply relaxing — a walk through greenery paired with wildlife-watching along the way.
How do you get there?
The park sits in the Rebberg district, in the southeastern part of Mulhouse — a city well connected by rail and road to the rest of Alsace, as well as to nearby Basel and Freiburg. Because it lies within the city itself, the park makes a convenient stop on a Mulhouse sightseeing route and can easily be combined with other attractions in the region.
When is the best time to visit?
As a site combining zoological and botanical functions, the park operates year-round, though its character shifts with the seasons — spring and summer bring the garden side of the park fully to life as plantings reach full growth. Before visiting, it's worth checking current opening hours on the park's official website, since they can vary by season.
How much time should you plan for a visit?
Given the combination of animal exhibits and green grounds, a relaxed visit typically fills a good part of a day. It's a fitting choice for a family outing — walking the paths, stopping at enclosures along the way, and taking a break amid the greenery.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is the park located? In the Rebberg district, southeast of central Mulhouse, in the Grand Est region (Haut-Rhin department).
Who manages the park? It is run by the Mulhouse Alsace Agglomération, the local metropolitan authority, with veterinarian Brice Lefaux as director since 2010.
When was the park founded? It was established in 1868 by a group of philanthropist industrialists from Mulhouse.
Is it just a zoo, or a botanical garden too? It's a single site combining both — animal displays sit alongside a botanical section, which sets it apart from a typical zoo.
Earn badges for the places you visit
Download NextOnTrip, discover new places and check off your trails.