Cities
Belgium Mechelen Flanders Zoo

Zoo Planckendael

About

Zoo Planckendael is one of Mechelen’s most engaging attractions, offering a spacious wildlife park where animals live in thoughtfully designed habitats that evoke five different continents. Visitors can wander from the forests of Asia to the savannas of Africa, meet species such as bonobos, orangutans, giraffes, and koalas, and enjoy the sense of immersion created by wide, natural enclosures. The park combines conservation, education, and adventure, continuing its legacy since its origins as a breeding centre in the mid‑20th century. Families appreciate the mix of animal encounters, playgrounds, and quiet green areas, making it a full‑day experience that balances learning with enjoyment. Set in a peaceful landscape just outside Mechelen, Zoo Planckendael remains a place where nature, discovery, and imagination come together.

Mechelen Belgium
Zoo Planckendael
Location

Zoo Planckendael is located at Leuvensesteenweg 582, 2812 Mechelen (Muizen district), in a green suburban area just outside the city centre, about 5km northeast of the historic core. Easily accessible via E19 highway exit 11 (Zemst) or Muizen train station with bus/shuttle links, it offers ample paid parking amid 42 hectares of themed wildlife zones. Nearby attractions include St. Rumbold’s Cathedral and Grote Markt (2.5-2.6 miles southwest), Brouwerij Het Anker brewery (2.9 miles), Kazerne Dossin Memorial (2.9 miles), Dyle Path riverside walks (2.6 miles), Vrijbroekpark (2.7 miles), Technopolis science centre (2.1 miles), and the compact old town with churches, beguinages, shopping streets, and cafés—all reachable by a short drive, bike, or public transport from this family-friendly nature spot.

Museum Hof van Busleyden Museum Hof van Busleyden Museum Kazerne Dossin – Memorial Kazerne Dossin – Memorial Museum Speelgoedmuseum Speelgoedmuseum Museum Het Kunstuur Mechelen Het Kunstuur Mechelen Museum Het Zotte Kunstkabinet Het Zotte Kunstkabinet Museum Technopolis Mechelen Technopolis Mechelen Museum Municipal Theater Mechelen Municipal Theater Mechelen Theatre ARSENAL / LAZARUS ARSENAL / LAZARUS Theatre St. Rumbold’s Cathedral St. Rumbold’s Cathedral Cathedral Church of Our Lady-Across-the-Dyle Church of Our Lady-Across-the-Dyle Church Church of Our Lady of Hanswijk Church of Our Lady of Hanswijk Church Church of St. Peter and St. Paul Church of St. Peter and St. Paul Church Begijnhofkerk Begijnhofkerk Church Church of Our Lady of Leliendaal Church of Our Lady of Leliendaal Church Church of St. Catherine Church of St. Catherine Church Grote Markt Mechelen Grote Markt Mechelen Square Dijlepad Dijlepad Tourist attractions Vismarkt Vismarkt Tourist attractions Brusselpoort Brusselpoort Museum Vrijbroekpark Vrijbroekpark Park De Vlietenkelder De Vlietenkelder Tourist attractions Kruidtuin Kruidtuin Park Palace of Margaret of Austria Palace of Margaret of Austria Historical Landmark Aartsbisschoppelijk Paleis Aartsbisschoppelijk Paleis Palace Kasteel Hof ter Linden Kasteel Hof ter Linden Castle Kasteel de Borght Kasteel de Borght Castle