The Opel Zoo is in Kronberg, Germany. It is an animal zoo covering 27 hectares. It is very well maintained and has animals from all over the country, including elephants, giraffes, and lions. Most strikingly, it is set in a lush and green landscape, forming beautiful scenery for anybody who loves wildlife.
Top 7 Places To Visit Near Opel Zoo
The Opel Zoo in Kronberg and the area surrounding the zoo are seriously teeming with some absolute gems that would be perfect for a little post-zoo adventure. Here, you get history, relaxation, or even a walk in the great outdoors-just take your pick among the many options provided. Let’s plunge right into some of the best places not to be missed!
1. Kronberg Castle
Image Credit: Tri-l for Wikimedia Commons
First on our list is Kronberg Castle, a skip from Opel Zoo. Walking into a fairytale should go exactly like this! This medieval stronghold from the 12th century proudly sits on a hill with a view over the town of Kronberg. The towers are so impressive, along with the ancient walls and even a bit of a dungeon, to give it a good dose of spookiness.
If you love history, you will have a blast here. Walking around the grounds of this castle, seeing the little museum inside, and taking in some of the breathtaking views over the Taunus Mountains, that’s what this is all about. For a good time with your family, you can spend a day near the Opel Zoo and walk around in the garden where you could stroll or even have a picnic.
How to Reach: From Copenhagen take a direct train to Helsingør Station or drive.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Cost: Adults: 145 DKK, Children (4-17): 50 DKK, Free with Copenhagen Card.
Nearest Bus Stop: Kronborg Slot Bus Stop (5-min walk).
Nearest Station: Helsingør Station (15-min walk).
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2. Falkenstein Grand Hotel And Spa
Feeling a little tired from all the walking around? Well, the Falkenstein Grand Hotel and Spa is the ultimate indulgence. This hotel is seriously hedonistic, just a little drive out of the zoo. Once you step inside the spa, it’s as if all tension were taken away, and it’s a tough choice as there are so many treatments on offer-from massages to facials-so why not indulge a little?
Not in the mood for a spa day? No problem, for the hotel, also boasts a beautiful terrace on which one can sit down with a glass of wine or a hot cup of tea and enjoy great views of the Frankfurt skyline. This spa has a very serene vibe and is a perfect ambience for enjoying a noise-free evening near the Opel Zoo.
How to Reach: 25 mins from Frankfurt, 10 mins from Königstein Station via train followed by a taxi.
Timings: open 24 hours a day
Cost: Rooms typically range from €300–€500 per night, depending on the season and room type.
Nearest Bus Stop: Königstein Stadtmitte.
Nearest Railway Station: Königstein Station.
3. Bad Homburg Palace And Gardens
Image Credit: T meltzer for Wikimedia Commons
Bad Homburg is a quaint little town a short drive from Kronberg. And what does it boast? Of course, that would be Bad Homburg Palace! The white facade surrounded by magnificent gardens surely takes one’s breath away. It used to be a summer residence for the German emperors, but today, it offers a certain insight into life as royalty.
Take leisurely walks through beautifully landscaped palace gardens featuring fountains, statues, and flowers. The palace museum houses a collection of artefacts and furniture from yesteryear, a place where one can spend quiet afternoons amidst beauty and history.
How to Reach: From Frankfurt, take the S-Bahn (S5) to Bad Homburg Station, then walk (15 mins) or take a short bus/taxi.
Timings: Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00–16:00, Mondays – closed
Cost: Adults: €7, Children/Students: €5 (Garden entry is free).
Nearest Bus Stop: Rathaus Bad Homburg.
Nearest Railway Station: Bad Homburg Station
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4. Taunus Nature Park
Image Credit: SimArt.art for Wikimedia Commons
Are you a nature lover? Well, Taunus Nature Park is calling out your name. Only a short drive from the zoo, this nature park is a keen favourite among nature lovers, especially those fond of fresh air and a good view. It offers everything from gentle strolls to more difficult hikes.
This is a floral and faunal area, so keep your eyes open for some good local wildlife and beautiful wildflowers on the way. It’s also a nice place to picnic, so you can pack a lunch, find a nice sunny spot, and enjoy the surroundings. Be it hiking, cycling, or just being laid back under a tree, the Taunus Nature Park is among the things you must visit.
How to Reach: Near Frankfurt
Timings: Open year-round, trails accessible from sunrise to sunset
Cost: Free
Nearest Bus Stop: Hohemark (Bus 57 from Kronberg or Bad Homburg)
Nearest Railway Stations: Oberursel and Bad Homburg
5. Rhein-Main-Therme
Image Credit: Norbert Nagel for Wikimedia Commons
It is the Rhein-Main-Therme, an excellent indoor water park just a few minutes drive away. If you are travelling with children, this is the cream! It is equipped with a variety of fun water slides, wave pools, and even a lazy river that keeps them all ecstatic.
This place has thermal baths and saunas for adults to relax and rejuvenate. A very good way to return to your hotel after a day fully packed with action in the zoo, perfect for all ages. And, of course, their spa services had never beaten a good massage to wrap up the day!
How to Reach: Near Frankfurt
Cost: €25 for 2 hours; packages available
Timings: Mon–Thu 9 AM–10 PM, Fri–Sat 9 AM–11 PM, Sun 9 AM–9 PM
Nearest Bus Stop: Hofheim am Taunus, Bus 812 stops nearby
Nearest Railway Station: Hofheim (S2 line)
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6. Königstein Fortress
Image Credit: Brion Vibber for Wikimedia Commons
This fortress is close to the Opel Zoo and is an excellent treat for those who like a little bit of history with a touch of adventure. Dating from the 13th century, it is positioned on top of a hill and commands stunning views over the lush forests and rolling hills of the Taunus region. This very interesting glimpse into what life must have been like in the medieval ages offers a unique perspective on life in the region.
While the fortress is full of underground courtyards, towers, and tunnels, there is plenty to explore. However, one should not miss the imposing keep that contains a small museum in which artefacts of this storied fortress are kept. There’s even a nice on-site café where you can have a snack or a drink while taking in beautiful scenery. It’s ideal for a day out with family or friends in Königstein Fortress, an amalgamation of history and nature with a bit of fun.
How to Reach: Near Frankfurt
Cost: nil
Timings: April–October: 9 AM–6 PM; November–March: 9 AM–5 PM
Nearest Bus Stop: Königstein Festung (Bus 241)
Nearest Railway Station: Königstein (S-Bahn S1 from Dresden)
7. Rettersh Of Monastery
Image Credit: ThomasPusch for Wikimedia Commons
You can get away from all the chaos at Rettershof Monastery, a small, quiet oasis only a few kilometres away from the Opel Zoo. This beautifully sited former Cistercian monastery has some lovely old buildings and quiet gardens and is pleasant to linger around. You can take a walk through the nicely maintained grounds, admire the architecture, or sit back in the attached small café selling homemade cakes and coffee.
The monastery usually happens to be a place where events such as local markets, art exhibitions, and cultural workshops are held. Because of this fact, it is never a boring place to visit at any time of the year. Ideal for people wanting to get away from the mad rush and noise to soak in some silence. Apart from that, there are multiple pretty walking routes and cycling tours starting from Rettershof, so bring along your walking shoes or your bicycle if you feel like doing some outdoor exercise!
How To Reach: near frankfurt
Cost: Free (grounds and exterior accessible)
Timings: Open daily from 10 AM–6 PM
Nearest Bus Stop: Rettershof (Bus 804 from Kelkheim)
Nearest Railway Station: Kelkheim (S-Bahn S4 from Frankfurt)
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8. Burgruine
Image Credit: C.Stadler/Bwag for Wikimedia Commons
The castle itself is not in a good condition due to its historic battles but the overall view and location are so beautiful that people who take a hike towards Burgruine are always compelled to take photos at every corner. There are fewer tourist visits during the foggy season as the view from the top of the hill is not that much visible. The walk till the castle itself is like an incline walk due to the elevated road. People are charged a nominal fee of 2-3 Euros for the trip to Burgruine and then they can enjoy one of the best sunsets near Opel Zoo.
How to reach: 3.2 km
Cost: €3 adults, free for children under 6
Timings: 10 AM–7 PM
Nearest Bus Stop: Königstein Stadtmitte (Bus 85, 84)
Nearest Railway Station: Königstein (S-Bahn S4 from Frankfurt)
9. Kurbad Koenigstein
Image Credit: MichasStudio for Wikimedia Commons
This is a resort facing the Konistein castle which has a great temperature control pool and an amazing nightlife feel. This resort has a unique view from the top and the structure itself is amazing to look at. The best part about this resort is that they have two indoor and 1 outdoor pool. If you are a fan of an outdoor experience while enjoying the tranquility of a pool then you will love to visit the outdoor pool. The resort is affordable and is a great way to end the whole tour near the Opel Zoo. At night, the place is illuminated at its best and gives a very modern but still closer-to-nature look. It is one of the best places for a couple’s getaway as it has the most romantic setup amongst places near the Opel zoo.
How To Reach: 29 min walk
Cost: Approx. €11 for 2 hours; various wellness packages available
Timings: Mon–Fri: 10 AM–9 PM; Sat-Sun: 10 AM–7 PM
Nearest Bus Stop: Königstein Stadtmitte (Bus 85, 84)
Nearest Railway Station: Königstein (S-Bahn S4 from Frankfurt)
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10. Burg Kronberg
Image Credit: Johannes Robalotoff for Wikimedia Commons
The ruins in the abbey castle have a great history of the Roman Empire as it was built in the early 1500s but have been destroyed in many forthcoming wars. This place has its own restaurant and cafe which is a great way to unwind. Also, they have some picnic spots for tourists where they can enjoy self-cooked meals as well. It makes it a perfect destination for an outing with the whole family. The ruins still hold a solid structure above ground and make up for a great photo background. It is just 20 minutes away from the Frankfurt main station and it has been a tourist favourite spot for every occasion. From the top of the sidewalk, you can see the whole panoramic view of Frankfurt and other adjacent cities which look stunning in every way.
How to reach: 2.9 km
Entrance Fee: €5 adults, €3 concessions, free for children under 6
Timings: 11 AM–6 PM
Nearest Bus Stop: Kronberg Stadtmitte (Bus 72)
Nearest Railway Station: Kronberg (S-Bahn S4 from Frankfurt)
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There, you have some fantastic places to visit around the Opel Zoo: from plunging into some local history, unwinding with a bit of luxury, enjoying a nature escape, or simply having fun times with your family taken care of at these places. Book a trip to Europe to discover the area surrounding Opel Zoo for its little secrets, and don’t be afraid to make a day out of it- even two! Happy exploring!
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Cover Image Credit : Tragopan for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Opel Zoo
What kind of restaurants are there around the Open Zoo?
Some of the best restaurants in the city are in Kronberg, such as Lodge, Sambesi, and Mangia Mangia. They serve all kinds of fine dining options and modern cuisine.
What is the best time to see the Opel Zoo?
It is good to visit the Opel Zoo throughout the year; however, visiting in October gives one the energetic vibes of the Oktober Fest.
How to commute intra-city?
Intra-city travel is easily possible by local transport such as public buses or trains. In case the above mode of public transport is to be avoided, one can also travel by taxi.
How are the parking facilities near the Opel Zoo?
Parking is provided, but early visits are preferable, for it saves oneself from the rush.
Will I have to book entry tickets to any of the attractions near the Open Zoo?
Quite a fair number of these attractions, be they tours of castles or spas, are worth booking in advance, especially when these times reach their peak. Always check their sites for the latest information.
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