Kolmården Wildlife Park
Östergötlands län
Kolmården Wildlife Park, located in Kolmården near Norrköping, Sweden, is the largest zoo in the Nordic region and one of the largest in the world, covering 1.75 square kilometers. Founded in 1965 by Ulf Svensson, it hosts approximately 80 animal species, many of which are endangered and part of international conservation programs. The park features a variety of thematic areas such as Tiger World, showcasing Siberian tigers and Asian wild dogs, and Marine World, home to one of the world's largest dolphinariums with daily dolphin shows aimed at raising awareness about marine life. Visitors can experience a unique safari via an aerial gondola called Safari, which replaced the original ground safari, allowing close views of animals like bears, giraffes, zebras, and bisonoxen. The park also includes a theme park area called Bamses Värld, several roller coasters including Wildfire, and accommodation facilities. Kolmården is a major Swedish tourist destination, attracting over 700,000 visitors each summer, combining wildlife conservation, education, and entertainment in a scenic setting by the Bråviken bay.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit Kolmården Wildlife Park during the summer months when most attractions, including the dolphin shows and safari gondola, are operational. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance, especially for guided tours or special experiences like the Tiger World bus visit, to avoid queues and secure your spot. Families can benefit from combined tickets offering access to both the zoo and Bamses Värld theme park. Educational groups should book ahead for interactive, edutainment programs. Arrive early to enjoy the full range of shows and activities.
Interesting facts
- •Kolmården Wildlife Park is the largest zoo in the Nordic countries and one of the largest in the world by area.
- •The dolphinarium at Kolmården is one of the biggest globally, with three indoor pools holding 6,400 cubic meters of water.
- •The park’s safari gondola travels 4 to 25 meters above enclosures, offering aerial views of animals such as bears, giraffes, and zebras.
- •Kolmården attracts over 700,000 visitors each summer, making it one of Sweden's top holiday destinations.
- •The park features a thematic area called Tiger World, where visitors can get very close to Siberian tigers separated only by glass or bars.
History
Plans for Kolmården Wildlife Park began in 1962, with construction starting in 1964 and the park opening in 1965 with 210 animals over 1.25 square kilometers.
Early expansions included the installation of the original gondola in 1967 and the opening of the dolphinarium in 1969.
The safari park allowing private cars was inaugurated in 1972, and the park was municipally owned until privatization in 1997.
Subsequent owners expanded and modernized the park, adding themed areas and rides, including the new safari gondola in 2011 and the Wildfire roller coaster in 2016.
Today, Kolmården is one of the most profitable amusement parks in the Nordic region, reinvesting profits into long-term development projects.
Place Guide
Tiger World2000s
An Asian-themed area featuring Siberian tigers and Asian wild dogs. Visitors can observe tigers up close through glass or bars, and special visits inside a buried Russian bus allow an even closer encounter during feeding times.
Marine World and Dolphinarium2008
Home to one of the largest dolphinariums worldwide, with three indoor pools totaling 6,400 cubic meters of water. The dolphin show 'Life' educates visitors on marine conservation. Adjacent lagoon windows allow close underwater views of dolphins, with guided tours offering opportunities to touch dolphins.
Safari Gondola2011
Aerial gondola ride operating since 2011 that replaces the original ground safari, allowing visitors to observe animals such as bears, giraffes, zebras, bisonoxen, and stone goats from 4 to 25 meters above ground within their enclosures.
Bamses Värld Theme Park1998 (original), 2015 (renewed)
A family-friendly theme park within Kolmården featuring rides and attractions themed around the popular Swedish children's character Bamse. The park was modernized and reopened in 2015 to enhance visitor experiences for younger guests.
Contact
Phone: 010-708 70 00
