A day at Monkey Mountain: Unique encounters with Japanese macaques
The Monkey Mountain in Carinthia is Austria's only freely accessible Macaque outdoor enclosure and lies below the Landskron Castle at Villach. Around 180 Japanese macaques live here in a roughly 4.5-hectare wooded area designed to mimic their natural habitat. The park is family-run and combines research, nature experiences, and visitor education. Access is only possible as part of guided tours, ensuring safety and a respectful distance from the animals.
Short info:
- What is the Monkey Mountain? A macaque enclosure and at the same time a scientific research station.
- Where is it? Below Landskron Castle near Villach in Carinthia (Schloßbergweg 26, 9523 Landskron).
- How do you get there? By car, bus, train or boat; the walk from the nearest train station or boat landing takes about 20–40 minutes.
- What do people do there? Guided tours with observation of the macaques and insights into their behavior, social structures and research.
- How long does a visit last?
The guided tour lasts about 45 minutes; you should plan for a total of about 2–2.5 hours. - How much does the entrance fee cost? Adults €17, children (4–14 years) €9, you can find it here all prices.
- When is it open? From spring to autumn; exact season dates usually begin at the end of March and end at the beginning of November. Here you will find the exact times.
- special features? Guided tours only, no free access; no dogs in the enclosure, dog suites available; strollers are not allowed, baby carriers can be borrowed free of charge.
Information about your visit
Guided tours
Monkey Mountain can only be entered with a guide. The tours last approximately 45 minutes and depart – depending on the season – at intervals of between 20 and 60 minutes. During the tour, the guides explain the animals' behavior and social structures, and provide fascinating insights into the work of the research teams.
Code of conduct for visitors
To avoid endangering the animals and to protect the research operation, clear rules apply:
• Do not feed, do not touch, do not lure
• Store food and open drinks in your backpack
• Move calmly and keep your distance
Strollers are not allowed in the enclosure, but can be safely parked on site; baby carriers are provided free of charge.
Dogs & Infrastructure
Dogs are not allowed in the macaque area. Shaded dog suites are available free of charge at the entrance.
Parking is available directly below Landskron Castle; a parking fee will be charged.
Duration and waiting times
You should allow approximately 2–2.5 hours for your visit. During peak season, there may be waiting times as places per tour are limited. Arriving early is highly recommended.
What you can see at Monkey Mountain
In the natural forest enclosure, you can observe the macaques climbing, playing, squabbling, grooming, and sunbathing. With a bit of luck, you might even see them swimming or diving – behavior rarely seen in the wild. The guides provide background information on hierarchies, communication, and everyday interactions within the group.
In addition to the regular guided tour, depending on the offer, there are also special tours or private tours for groups.
Research and science
For several years, the Monkey Mountain has served as a scientific field station of an Austrian university and collaborates with international research teams. The focus is on non-invasive behavioral studies in which the animals are observed but not disturbed. Modern technologies and image-based analysis systems help to clearly identify individual animals and document long-term observations.
The research is incorporated into the educational mission: visitors receive clearly presented insights into current projects and learn why macaques are important for primatology worldwide.
Awards and surroundings
On October 26, 2023, Landskron Castle (whose attractions include the Monkey Mountain and the Adlerarena (belong) ORF program „9 Places – 9 Treasures“. The castle was voted the most beautiful place in Austria by viewers. Affenberg managing director Svenja Gaubatz emphasized that both the monkeys and the eagles contributed to the victory.
Combination with other excursion destinations
The Monkey Mountain can be ideally combined with a visit to the Eagle Arena at Landskron Castle connect. Birds of prey flight demonstrations take place here, and the short walk to the castle ruins offers views of the Lake Ossiach. A network of hiking trails also runs around the area, including a scenic loop above the lake.
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Close by
Villach parish tower
- Kirchenplatz 12, 9500 Villach
Hohe Gloriette near Pörtschach
- Main Street 226, 9210 Pörtschach am Wörthersee
