Otter Centre

Rare predators, adventure, idyll and relaxation. The unique nature experience centre in the heart of the Heidmark (southern Lüneburg Heath) has a lot to offer. The OTTER CENTRE cannot be compared with any other zoo!

Otter Centre

Information on rare and fascinating animals and their habitats is presented in an entertaining way. The focus is on the fun of experiencing nature.

Where else do you have the opportunity to see otters and their closest relatives, badgers, polecats, stone and pine martens and the agile stoat in their natural habitats? And who knows the otter dogs, an almost extinct dog breed?

These rare, extremely shy animals can best be observed on over 60,000 square metres during the quarter-hourly show feedings. In direct dialogue with the animal keepers, no questions remain unanswered.


Not only the martens' charming habitats, which you can enter directly, but also the numerous adventure games invite young and old to linger.

Several new play areas have been created for children of all ages. And since 2009, a unique nature adventure bridge with wobble zones, a lookout and other adventure elements has been crossing Lake Isenhagen.


The restaurant in the OTTER CENTRE, idyllically situated on Lake Isenhagen in Hankensbüttel, offers high-quality food for every taste at reasonable prices.

In 2011, a unique enclosure was opened at the zoo: the "Mink Moor". The minks, which are extremely rare in Germany, and their American cousins, the minke, can be found in a large moorland landscape. In an information centre, an exhibition provides information about the typical animals and plants in the moor. And in an underground observation stand, you can come face to face with the cute animals.

How to get to the otter centre

The Hankensbüttel OTTER Centre is located in the northern district of Gifhorn directly on the B244 between Celle and Wittingen.
From Hanover and Braunschweig, the OTTER CENTRE can be reached in an hour by car.
Hamburg is around 1.5 hours away by car.
The nearest railway station is in Wittingen, from where there are regular buses to Hankensbüttel.
Satnav address: Sudendorfallee 1, 29386 Hankensbüttel