Walsrode, Europe's largest bird park, was established in 1962. It was founded by Fritz Geschke, who had a passion for pheasants and waterfowl. Today the park covers 24 hectares and is home to 675 species of birds. The birds have been provided with suitable accommodation and visitors — a luxurious place to take a walk with their child. We recommend it if you are on holiday with children in Hamburg or Hanover.
Birds from all over the world have made the park their home. Not surprisingly, stories about many of them begin with the word 'most'. The park is home to the smallest bird, the hummingbird, the largest flying bird in the western hemisphere, the Andean condor, and the harpy eagle, an eagle with claws ten centimetres long. The rest of the birds are no less bizarre. For example, the orange-necked guinea fowl, a flightless bird native to Australia, has a helmet on its head and dangerous dagger-like claws on its feet.
But not all of Walsrode's inhabitants look so intimidating. Children love to look at the colourful parrots, watch the penguins bathe and run around the lawn with the guinea fowls. Children love the show where the birds are the main characters. Babies are also fascinated by watching the Jacos "talk" to them — this parrot is the best at imitating human speech.
The Serengeti Park (a zoo, safari park, and amusement park in one place) is just 22 km away, and we recommend visiting it with the whole family.
If children are interested in birds, a themed tour can be booked (extra charge). Visitors can also feed the birds for an extra fee. Some may want to feed a parrot or give a penguin a fish. Feeding birds of prey is best viewed from a distance. Information on feeding times is available at the entrance to the park.
The Walsrode Gardens deserve a special mention. Tulips and rhododendrons adorn the park in spring, the scent of roses fills the air in summer, and asters and chrysanthemums add colour in autumn. Around 3 million flowering plants grow here every year. Thanks to the work of the gardeners and landscapers, the park delights visitors with its beauty all year round.
The young guests of Vogelpark Walsrode have the opportunity to play in one of the playgrounds after their tour. The children's playground has a small slide and swings, while the older children enjoy the obstacles of the rope park and the high slide. You can buy a stuffed penguin or other toy from the gift shop as a memento of your visit to the bird kingdom.
