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About this place
Tierpark Lange Erlen is a free wildlife park in Basel, set in the Kleinbasel district on the banks of the river Wiese. Spread over roughly 20 hectares, it keeps native European animals and makes an easy, family-friendly outing close to the city centre.
Which animals live at Lange Erlen?
The collection centres on European fauna: bison (wisent), several deer species, chamois, lynx, wildcats and red foxes. Farm animals such as goats, sheep, pigs and rabbits share the grounds, alongside waterfowl, reptiles and amphibians. The park likes to point out that its largest resident is the bison and its smallest the honeybee. The ponds are home to swans, geese and ducks.
What is the park's history?
Basel councillor Albert Lotz-Holzach and like-minded citizens founded the park in 1871 and created the Erlen-Verein, the non-profit association that still runs it. The first animals were a pair of black swans from Australia, a gift from Prince Carl Egon von Fürstenberg; white mute swans from the city of Geneva followed the next year. Floods in 1877 and 1882 caused heavy damage, and around 1900 the original site made way for the new railway line to Badischer Bahnhof.
Is there an entrance fee, and when is it open?
Entry is free and the grounds are open during daylight. One directory lists daily opening from 8:00 to 18:00, with shorter hours in winter. Check erlen-verein.ch for current times before you go.
Where is it and what else is there to do?
The address is Erlenparkweg 110, 4058 Basel. A park restaurant is on site, and children can enjoy pony rides, guided tours and birthday parties. The riverside paths along the Wiese also suit a longer walk.
Frequently asked questions
Does Tierpark Lange Erlen charge admission? No. The park is free and funded through the Erlen-Verein.
What animals can I see? Bison, deer, chamois, lynx, wildcats, foxes, farm animals, plus waterfowl, reptiles and amphibians.
Is it suitable for young children? Yes. Ponies, farm animals and a restaurant make it an easy visit with kids.
How old is the park? It was founded in 1871.
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