Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden in Stuttgart, Germany

Ever since my husband and I moved to Germany last fall, we've been trying to get out and enjoy the country before we have to move back to the United States. Last weekend, we had beautiful weather, so we decided to check out Stuttgart's Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden.

First things to know...

Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden is located near the Bad Cannstatt neighborhood in Stuttgart. The main entrance to the park is open every day, even on major holidays, from 8:15 am until between 4:00pm and 6:00pm, depending on the month. Visitors must leave by nightfall, by 8:00pm at the latest. The park is located near public transport and parking is also available, the cost of which is determined by how long you stay.

Tickets for adults cost 11,40 euros per adults and 5,70 euros per each child. Family tickets are also available at 17,10 euros for one parent and his or her children or 28,50 euros for both parents with their children. Groups of fifteen or more can access discounted group rates.

Our experience

It was a beautiful spring Saturday afternoon when we visited, so Wilhelma was pretty crowded. We chose to walk through some of the botantical gardens first, which was mostly housed in greenhouse like structures. The plant life was beautifully laid out, with the climate set appropriately for the plant specimens. If there's one thing the Germans do very well, it's plants. All of the trees, shrubs, and flowers I saw in the botanical gardens were well tended and very healthy looking. I wished I could have stayed longer, but I was in dire need of a ladies room, so we ended up rushing through the first few botanical exhibits.

Once we emerged from the botanical garden structures, I took note of the beautifully arranged tulip gardens outside. Gazing at all of those spectacularly colorful flowers in full bloom really added to the park's aesthetic appeal. I entered through a courtyard area, where there were places to sit surrounding a peaceful looking fountain. I found a tiny women's bathroom, came out, and surveyed the architecture, which had a distinctly Middle Eastern appeal. It was kind of enchanting.