Alpenzoo Innsbruck

The Alpenzoo Innsbruck, at Weiherburggasse 37 above the Hungerburg district of Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria, sits at about 750 m and is among the highest-altitude zoos in Europe. It specialises in species that live in the Alps and the surrounding mountain regions, with around 150 species shown in enclosures built into the hillside. Visitors encounter ibex and chamois on rock faces, lynx, wolves, wild cats, brown bears, otters, marmots, eagles and owls, and the bearded vulture, or lammergeier, which has been the subject of reintroduction work in the Alps. Paths wind up and down the slope between the enclosures, and aquariums show native fish and amphibians from mountain lakes and streams. The setting is a large part of the appeal, since many terraces look out over the roofs of Innsbruck and the Inn Valley toward the Patscherkofel and Serles peaks, so the visit combines wildlife with a city panorama. A visit normally takes about two hours, though families with children often stay longer, especially if they use the play areas and the cafe. Morning is the best time, since animals are most active after feeding and in cooler temperatures, and the paths are quieter before groups arrive. Midday in summer and rainy weekend afternoons see the highest numbers. The zoo is reached by the Hungerburgbahn funicular from the Congress station to the Alpenzoo stop, followed by a five-minute walk uphill, which makes the trip itself a pleasant introduction. Admission is about EUR 14 for adults, with family tickets available, and entry is free with the Innsbruck Card. Opening hours are generally 9:00 to 18:00 in summer and 9:00 to 17:00 in winter, but visitors should verify on alpenzoo.at. Sturdy shoes are recommended since paths are steep.