Matkaopas: Kotieläintarha Slakki

Slakki Petting Zoo is part of a family-owned farm that allows visitors to meet and pet animals. Some are farm animals, some are domestic pets, and some are native Icelandic animals.

The best way to see Slakki Petting Zoo is on a self-drive tour of the Golden Circle. You could add Slakki as a stop-off during this 10-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland or this 1-Week Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road & Golden Circle. You could also head to Slakki if you choose to rent a car during your trip.

This family-friendly stop has something for everyone, including an array of animals to pet. It’s an interactive experience in the gorgeous Icelandic countryside, making it an ideal spot for quality family time.

Slakki is a hidden gem, welcoming you with a cozy feeling the minute you set foot there. Its metal roofed cottages line the entrance, and wooden signs point you on your way to its various activities.

Photo from Flickr, by Tom Page No edits made

Animals at Slakki Petting Zoo

Slakki Petting Zoo has many farm animals for you to get up close with, including pigs, goats, cows, and turkeys. You can also meet traditional domestic animals, like dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. 

One of the most exciting animals there is the arctic fox. The arctic fox is a carnivorous mammal with a thick white, blue, or brown coat, depending on the season. It is Iceland’s only native mammal.

The foxes are rare and typically avoid humans, so they’re not easy to spot in the wild. Don’t pet this one!

In 2015, a seal pup named Dilla was rescued after losing her mother and was brought to Slakki so they could care for her. She was released back into the wild once her rescuers taught her to fend for herself like other seals. 

Location of Slakki Petting Zoo

Slakki Petting Zoo is located in Laugaras, South Iceland, part of the famous Golden Circle. It is also close to Fludir village and the Secret Lagoon.

Slakki is 62 miles (100 kilometers) south of Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik.

Photo from Flickr, by Tom Page No edits made

Things to do at Slakki Petting Zoo

As well as wandering around the zoo in your own time, there are plenty of events and activities throughout the day that you can take part in. Plus, the zoo is housed in traditional Icelandic turf houses, which are attractions in themselves.

One of the quirkiest attractions at Slakki is the Cat House. Here, children can spend time holding and stroking cats and kittens. You can also try your hand at feeding calves before playing with puppies.

Children also love the adventure playground at Slakki. With slides and castles to entertain them, they’ll spend hours playing. As well as this, you can head to the amusement arcade for slot machines and small rides.

Try your hand at the mini golf course and see who can get a hole-in-one and have a family game of billiards.

The Restaurant at Slakki

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the restaurant at Slakki Petting Zoo. The restaurant serves meals, drinks, and snacks.

Inside a cozy turf home, the Slakki cafe serves delicious burgers, tasty sandwiches, and fries. They also offer frozen desserts such as Kjoris ice cream, an Icelandic brand, and homemade cakes to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The restaurant is a relaxing place to sit and chat about all the great experiences your family has had at the zoo, overlooking the mini golf course.

The best time to visit Slakki Petting Zoo

If you’re looking for a unique experience at Slakki, you may want to plan your trip for June, when the baby animals start to appear. 

Additionally, if traveling in June, you could combine your vacation with adventure experiences, like snorkeling or rafting. There are also unique experiences, like the midnight sun tours, that you can only take during the summer months.

Things to do near Slakki Petting Zoo

While in Laugaras for the zoo, you should also check out Skalholt Cathedral, one of Iceland’s most historic places. Built in 1963, it’s the 10th cathedral to be built on the same site as the first one in 1056.

With spectacular glass-stained windows, clean architecture, and a beautiful interior with a stunning altar, it’s a must-visit if you are in the area.

The Secret Lagoon is also nearby. The Secret Lagoon is the oldest natural bathing area in Iceland. Active geysers provide continuous water, meaning the pool is warm, clean, and rich in sulfur. The Secret Lagoon is the ideal spot to relax.