Pohádková zahrada

Pohádková zahrada ("Fairy-Tale Garden") is an interactive animal sanctuary and educational garden in Pardubice, established in 2015 on the site of a former military area called Na Vinici, near Červeňák park. Rather than a conventional zoo, it hosts animals rescued from unsuitable conditions — overcrowded industrial farms, neglected small holdings, or even slaughterhouses. The place functions as a second-chance refuge where visitors can meet animals face to face and learn their individual stories.

Which animals live in the Pohádková zahrada?

More than eighty animals call the garden home. Most are farm animals — goats, sheep, and rabbits — but the garden also houses a pony, cats, guinea pigs, quails, and turtles. The idea behind the collection is to show visitors that farm animals feel pain, fear, and joy just like any other creature, and that they deserve to be seen as more than a resource.

Can you actually touch the animals?

Yes, and that hands-on approach is what sets Pohádková zahrada apart. Many of the animals roam freely around the grounds, and almost all of them can be petted or fed. This direct contact is a deliberate part of the concept: the organizers believe that a real encounter with an animal changes a visitor's mindset far more effectively than any information sign ever could. Both children and adults get the chance to experience, without barriers, what it feels like to care for an animal — or simply to sit quietly beside one.

What else is there to do on site?

Beyond the close encounters with the animals, the grounds include a playground where younger visitors can play between stops on their walk through the garden. There is also a seating area offering light refreshments, so a visit can easily stretch into a full morning or afternoon spent outdoors. Visitors are welcome to bring their own dog, as long as it stays on a leash, which makes the garden a good option for families traveling with a pet as well.

When is Pohádková zahrada open?

Under normal opening hours, the garden welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00. During the main summer season, from July 1 to August 31, it opens every day of the week, making it easy for families on summer holidays and travelers passing through Pardubice to fit in a visit.

Who should visit?

Pohádková zahrada is an excellent choice for families with young children, who will appreciate the close, unfiltered contact with animals that a typical zoo, with its cages and distance, cannot offer. It is also a meaningful destination for adult visitors interested in animal welfare, since admission fees go directly toward supporting the shelter and the care of its rescued residents. Thanks to its location near Červeňák park, a visit can easily be combined with a walk through the surrounding area and other sights in Pardubice.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission to Pohádková zahrada paid? Yes, admission fees help fund the care of rescued animals and the running of the garden.

Can I bring my own dog? Yes, as long as the dog is kept on a leash.

Is the garden suitable for young children? Yes, there is a playground on site and the animals are used to contact with children.

Since when has the garden been operating? The garden was established in 2015 on the grounds of a former military area called Na Vinici.