Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Zoo · Mechelen, Antuérpia
Planckendael
Animal park in Muizen, on the outskirts of Mechelen, centred around a 1780 castle, with areas by continent, elephants, koalas, giraffes, penguins and bonobos.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Planckendael
Planckendael is in Muizen, a district of Mechelen, and belongs to the same royal zoological company that runs the zoo in Antuérpia. The society bought the property in 1956 to have more space than the city park allowed.
The site was once marshland, a Roman settlement and later a large rural estate. In its middle stands a 1780 castle, used as a brasserie and restaurant. Animals are arranged across five areas, one for each continent: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania.
Among the most sought‑after residents are the herd of Asian elephants, the koalas, giraffes, rhinoceroses, Humboldt penguins and bisons. There are also white storks, with a playground from which their nests can be observed, and the bonobos, on an island that children reach by raft or canoe.
Each continent has its own playground, and there is a treetop adventure course for children. The park is large, and the zoo itself recommends allowing at least a day for the visit.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
A full day.
Best time
From spring through late summer more animals are outdoors and an express bus runs from the station. It gets busy at weekends and during Belgian school holidays. Check opening times before you go.
How to get there
It’s on Leuvensesteenweg in Muizen, about 4 km southeast of Mechelen centre. From Mechelen station there are De Lijn buses and, in season, an express to the entrance; Muizen station is a walk from the park.
Tip
Buy your entry together with the train ticket for the day, an option offered by the park, and use the express from Mechelen station. Bring rain gear: most of the visit is outdoors.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Planckendael
Where is Planckendael located?
In Muizen, a district of Mechelen, about 4 km southeast of the center, with bus access from Mechelen station.
Are Planckendael and the Antwerp Zoo the same park?
No. They are different parks belonging to the same zoological society: the one in Antwerp is in the city center and Planckendael occupies a large green area near Mechelen.
How much time should you allow?
A full day, especially with children.