Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park, located in the heart of the Weinviertel hills in Lower Austria, is a fascinating destination for nature lovers and, in particular, for wolf enthusiasts. Nestled in the picturesque oak forests of the Leiser Mountains, the park looks back on a long tradition. The park has been in existence since 1975. It was founded with the goal of introducing the public to local flora and fauna. Spanning a vast area of approximately 44 hectares, the park has since combined recreation, species conservation, and education in a unique way.
A journey of discovery through the local wildlife
Visitors can discover an impressive variety of animals at Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park. A special highlight are the walk-through enclosures, where majestic red deer and shy fallow deer can be observed without any separating fences. If you look up, you’ll spot sure-footed Alpine ibex, nimble chamois, and imposing mouflons skillfully climbing through the rocky terrain.
In addition to classic wildlife, the park also features an idyllic farm area. Rare, endangered domestic animal breeds live here, such as Hungarian Sachmar sheep, woolly pigs, and donkeys, which are particularly popular with families.
Cutting-edge research at the Wolf Science Center in Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park
However, the park’s global flagship is the integrated Wolf Science Center (WSC), which relocated to Ernstbrunn in 2009. At this internationally renowned research facility, scientists study the complex social behavior and cognitive abilities of wolves and dogs. What makes this unique is that the animals grow up from puppyhood in close contact with their human trainers, which establishes a foundation of trust for the scientific tests.
Visitors have the rare opportunity to observe American and European wolves in their spacious enclosures. Regular guided tours, howling evenings, and special programs offer deep insights into the work of researchers and thoroughly dispel old prejudices about the “big bad wolf.”
Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park is thus much more than a traditional zoo—it is a place where people, nature, and science come together, and it’s definitely worth a visit!
📍Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park, Bründlallee 36I, 2115 Ernstbrunn
📆 Summer opening hours starting Palm Sunday: Tuesday–Sunday and holidays, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
📆 Winter Hours: November 4 – Palm Sunday: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
💰 Adults(ages 16 and up) €11 / Childrenages 6 and up, students, civil service and military service personnel €6.80 / Dogs €1 . 30
