To experience something completely unique enter the Monkey Mountain in Austria park where over 180 Japanese macaques wonder around freely. This unforgettable visit will be a great chance for kids and adults to learn more about these animals in a fun way. Here’s what you need to know before visiting Abbenteur Affenberg.
Nothing comes close to observing an animal in its natural habitat. But we all know that’s not always possible. Abbenteur Affenberg park came up with the next best thing.
They offer a chance to observe the Japanese macaques as they roam freely in a wide enclosure the size of 4 hectares.
This give monkeys the space they need, while granting the visitors a sneak peak into their lives.
Here’s more info on planning a visit.
Planning a visit of the Monkey Mountain
The park is only open from April 1 until November 2. You are only allowed to visit the park with a guide and guided tours are offered from 9:30 am until 5:30 pm. Check the details at the official website.
The tours are in German and English.
The guide will start in German but will ask if there is anyone who would like the tour in English. We did and he was kind enough to keep translating things to us throughout the tour.
Before the start of the tour the guide will explain all the rules because bear in mind these are wild animals and not pets. The main ones are:
- don’t interfere in monkeys business.
- Don’t look them directly into their eyes.
- Don’t touch them.
- Don’t feed them.
- Keep your belongings safely tucked away.
- If you take photos, which you definitely will want to, keep the camera/phone close to you or risk losing it.
How to get to the Monkey Mountain
Monkey Mountain is located in Austria, next to the town of Villach. Enter Abbenteur Affenberg into your GPS and it will get you there.
Where to park at Abbenteur Affenberg?
You can drive up to the big car park in front of the entrance to the park. The parking costs 4,2 euros for the whole day. Or you can park in the valley for free and walk up the hill to the park.
How much are the tickets for Monkey Mountain?
For a family of four, that is 2 adults and 2 kids the cost is 38 euros. But it’s for a good cause. The park uses the money they get from the tickets to keep it going, as they receive no other funds.
How much time do you need for a visit?
The tour lasts for about 45 minutes. You’ll want to come at least 10 minutes before the start, to you make sure you don’t miss it. There’s also a nice playground in front of the entrance and kids will definitely want to try it out.
I should also mention that you can go on as many tours as you want on the selected day.
Once you are at the park, you’re within a short distance to the ruins of the Landskron castle overlooking the Ossiach lake. It dates back to the 14th century but today people visit it to watch the eagles shows and demonstrations. So you might want to include that in your visit.
Our favourite thing about the Monkey Mountain
For me it was witnessing their strict hierarchy. For example the guide can only feed the alpha monkeys. If he were to disregard this, all hell would break lose. The guide was very knowledgeable and shared the information in a fun way. We all paid attention, even the youngest visitors.
Coolkidz say: it was watching the monkeys get to the food. The guide put some apples in special boxes and the monkeys had to figure out a system to get to it. And of course they did.
We all enjoyed watching them swim in the little artificial pool.
If you like animals, you might enjoy visiting the zoo in Ljubljana.
