Wildlife Park Bad Harzburg
Free Deer Feeding Experience in the Harz Mountains
If you’re looking for a free, family- and dog-friendly activity in the Harz Mountains, the Wildlife Park (german: Wildgehege) Bad Harzburg is a must-see.
This peaceful park was once a mining site but has been transformed into a green haven where deer roam freely. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting.
Location and History
The Wildlife Park sits on the grounds of the former ‘Grube Friederike’ mine, which operated until the 1960s. Today, this historic site has been turned into a natural park that’s easy to access from Bad Harzburg’s town centre.
You’ll find:
Fallow and red deer
Sika deer
Mouflon sheep
A goat enclosure that’s popular with kids
Opening Hours and Entry
🗓️ Open 24/7 all year round
💶 Free entry
🐕 Dog-friendly (must be kept on a leash)
This makes the park an ideal stop for families, couples, or solo travellers exploring the Harz.
How to Get There
Option 01: By Car
There is a small free car park on Silberbornstraße . Just enter Silberbornstraße 28, 38667 Bad Harzburg into your navigation system to get there.
Option 02: By Public Transport
Bad Harzburg can be easily reached via train or bus from any location. The park is an easy 25min-walk from the main station.
Feeding the Animals
One of the park’s highlights is that you are allowed to feed the animals, but only with approved food.
Please follow the rules to keep the animals safe and healthy.
✅ Allowed Food (small amounts, fresh and mould-free):
Carrots, sugar beets, beetroot
Apples and pears
Potatoes, dried bread
Grains: oats, wheat, barley, corn
Pasta (semolina-based, plain)
Chestnuts and acorns
🚫 Not Allowed:
Meat, fish, eggs
Fresh baked goods (bread rolls, cakes)
Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, bananas)
Pasta made with eggs
Grass clippings, flowers
Onions, leeks, tomatoes, lettuce, sugar
⚠️ Please do not thrown any plastic bags, glass or trash into the enclosure. Stick to the rules – wrong food or trash can harm the animals.
Instruction sign for feeding the animals
Why You Should Visit
Close encounters with deer in a natural environment
Free, easy-to-access attraction for all ages
Relaxing park with benches, shade, and space
Visitor Tips
Bring suitable deer food with you.
Wear comfortable shoes – paths are flat but gravelly.
Visit early or late in the day for better wildlife watching.
Keep your dog on a leash at all times.
Always respect nature – take your trash (and dog 💩) with you.
The paths in the park are flat and well-maintained, suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
More Harz Travel Guides
Looking for more tips on dog-friendly hiking trails, family attractions, and hidden gems in the Harz Mountains? Then check out the Harz Unfiltered Instagram Account.
