An afternoon in Hamburg’s Animal Park

Tierpark Hagenbeck

The Hagenbeck Zoo opened on May 7, 1907. It is one of the best-known representatives of its kind in Northern Germany (together with the Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover) and has always been family-owned. In this fairly long period of time, a lot of bizarre sights were offered in Tierpark Hagenbeck, but luckily also abolished.

It is therefore hardly surprising that remnants of bygone days can be discovered in quite a huge number. From static dinosaur figures on the edge of the park or the vintage car ride into fairyland build by Ihle in 1952, the Tierpark Hagenbeck is full of surprises.

The park itself is wonderfully designed but does not show a consistent leitmotif, which is partly due to the completely arbitrary route in the park. The tour constantly encounters intersections of its own and the visitors wander from one themed area to another to the already visited and back. The exception is the Arctic Ocean Area, where a rather long tour is housed in a large mountain massif.

After the NDR (Northern German Broadcasting) mascot Antje died in 2003, the zoo lacked not only a walrus, but also a flamboyant showpiece. With the € 20 million expensive Eismeer, the gap was now closed. The area is featuring huge enclosures and of course a new walrus lady. It is definitely worth a visit,

Unfortunately, one of the park’s other attractions was discontinued some time ago. The ride on the back of an elephant was an unique experience and shaped the image of Hagenbeck, as like as the ability to feed the elephants. The latter is still possible today, albeit only with fruits and vegetables, which can be purchased for a small donation from the Friends of Tierpark Hagenbeck e.V.. Even if the elephant always strives to be as long as possible, it is advisable to have long arms to be able to feed the animals.

Other notable enclosures are the orangutan house, as well as the baboon rocks, where you can catch a really good view of the monkeys. Strangely unfamiliar is the view of the lions, which are located royally above the heads of the audience and thus can be seen without any problems at last. The generously designed bear enclosure is similarly spectator-friendly.

Pictures Tierpark Hagenbeck

Conclusion Tierpark Hagenbeck

Although there is no uniform overall concept, the park itself is very convincing. The number of animals to be observed is large and there is no lack of interactivity. Tierpark Hagenbeck is simply a great place and should not be missed when visiting Hamburg.

 

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Hamburger Sommerdom (2010)

One of my favorite rides by HUSS is the Top Spin. Although I’m not the biggest fan of the large versions, I’m definately one for the smaller ones, as they can offer a much more powerful and variable ride. Plaenert’s Top Spin Nr.2 is a great looking exemple of such a ride. I’ve spend nearly all of my budget at this ride and was never disappointed.

 


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Hamburger Sommerdom (2009)

Who would have ever believed to attend the grand opening of a Schwarzkopf looping coaster in Hamburg, but here I am. Known as Laser in the American theme park Dorney Park for nearly half an eternity, it was now bought back by the showman Steiger. After a large overhaul, whereby the original trains got to be replaced by new ones from SAT, it now presents itself in all of its glory at the Hamburger Sommerdom.

 


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