Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Suggestions for Free Places to Visit

Olderdissen Zoo - Bielefeld (Drive time 31mins) - Free entry

This family favourite Zoo is free to enter  365 days a year. At Olderdissen Zoo around 450 animals live, 35 species of mammals, 42 species of birds and three species of fish.

From mice to bears – many different animals live in the Olderdissen Zoo including  as wolves, chamois, alpine marmots and otters. 

Some zoo animals came and stayed even without fences. The free-living storks and herons have chosen the zoo as their center of life. The Alpine marmots consider the entire zoo their territory.

Your dog is also welcome in the zoo. Please keep him on a short leash. Other animals are not permitted.

You cannot bring bicycles, scooters, e-scooters, skateboards, etc. inside.


Bilsteintal: Tropfsteinhöhle und Wildpark - Warstein (Drive time 51 mins)

This free wild park is home to some exciting animals hills and trails. (Not the easiest access for prams and wheelchair users.) 

but if you do make a visit you will find not just the animals but one of the best caves in Germany. 

Visits to the Tropfsteinhole are paid for tours €7.50 for adults & €5 for children.

in addition Lynx feeding and archery tours are two additional paid for activities in the wild park.


Barfusspfad Bad Wunnerberg - Free - (Drive time 30 mins)

Shoes and socks off! Give your feet a few minutes of freedom.

What seems a bit unusual at the beginning develops into a revitalizing experience after a short time.

In addition, regular barefoot walking strengthens the foot and lower leg muscles and thus prevents foot damage.

Especially for the healthy development of children's feet, walking barefoot is the most natural and healthiest way of getting around.

This park has the walking loop plus kids play area with a café for drinks, snacks and ice cream.



Waldeck & the Edersee - Lots of free things to do plus paid activities (Drive time 1hr 20mins.)

The Edersee is the lesser known of the Dam buster targets. Today the lake it's castle and Dam offer a great day out for families.

A Castle Hotel, Free kids water play area with a free beech lido. in addition to the impressive dam you can find a small free Water play area for young children. 





The excellent local wild park  and a tree top walk over looking the lake are paid for activities.
  • Adults: €6.00
  • Children aged 4 - 14: €3.50
  • Children under 4 years: free

The tree top walk is also paid for. You can purchase a combined ticket for both attractions. 

Combination ticket Edersee Treetop Trail and Edersee Wildlife Park
  • Adult: €12.50
  • Child/young person/reduced*: €7.00 (4-17 years)



Parking can be an issue on busy days so plan journeys in advance.