Heimat-Tierpark Olderdissen — Zoo in Bielefeld

Heimat-Tierpark Olderdissen and its collection

Heimat-Tierpark Olderdissen, opened in 1930, is a zoo in Bielefeld, Germany.

The site covers about 16 hectares and holds some 80 species and over 450 individual animals. It is run by the municipal environmental agency, opens all year and charges no admission. The collection concentrates on showing and conserving native species.

History

The park traces back to the town forester Wilhelm Hornberg, who found an orphaned fawn in 1929 that his wife then raised. Paul Meyerkamp, head of the parks department, backed the plan for a permanent collection. It opened in 1930 and held around 500 animals by the Second World War.

Animals and collection

Animals on show include Wölfe, Gämsen, Alpenmurmeltiere, Fischotter and Sikahirsch.

Exhibits

Its exhibits include Marderhund-Haus, Bärenerlebnishütte, Nagetierhaus, Fledermaushöhle and Streichelzoo.

Things to do

Things to do include Adventure playground, Water play area and Multimedia exhibition.

What the venue says

• Bicycles, scooters, e-scooters, and skateboards are not permitted inside the park grounds.
• Bei gutem Wetter ist der kleine Kiosk am oberen Spielplatz geöffnet – perfekt für ein Eis oder eine Erfrischung zwischendurch.
• €2 for a full-day ticket (or €30 for an annual parking pass).
• Generally manageable for strollers and mobility aids, though some sections feature slopes exceeding 6%, patches of rough cobblestone, and steps/stairs leading to specific viewing platforms.
• Stepless/accessible entry points and accessible restrooms are available at the on-site Meierhof restaurant/gastronomy building.
• Visual signage lacks high-contrast or large-print formatting in some areas, and dedicated induction loops or extensive audio-guide/sign-language QR systems are limited on-site, though guided tours and partial Braille signage are offered.