Last weekend, we took Henri and Hauke on a little adventure to Ystad Zoo – and if you’re spending your holiday at Kvarnviks Gård, we can highly recommend it. It’s just a 20-minute drive away and ideal for a half-day outing with young kids.
From the moment you enter, a gentle walking path leads you through rolling green hills past goats, camels, llamas, zebras, ostriches – and even moose! Our boys were especially fascinated by the peacocks and the horses, but the highlight was definitely the open cow barn where they got to jump in hay – pure joy!
The whole park is calm, well-organized, and perfect for little explorers. It takes about two and a half hours to walk through at a relaxed pace – even on a chilly day, it was lovely. There are places to sit, play, and enjoy the animals up close along the way.
At the end of the trail, there’s a cozy café inside a glasshouse where we had a simple lunch. They serve snacks, warm meals, and coffee, and the view of the surrounding nature makes it a peaceful place to take a break. Starting June 1st, there’s even a swimming pool open for the summer – we’ll be sure to check it out next time.
Our verdict:
Ystad Zoo is small, charming, and full of heart. It’s not a big commercial zoo – it’s a gentle, hands-on experience for families with small children. If you’re staying at Kvarnviks Gård, this is one of the easiest and most enjoyable trips to take nearby. Highly recommended!