The Innsbruck Alpenzoo houses the world’s largest collection of Alpine animals. It includes around 20 mammal species, 60 bird species, 11 reptile species, 6 amphibian species, and nearly all fish species from the Alps. Overall, the zoo is home to about 2000 animals.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a family seeking a fun day out, or curious about the alpine region, the Alpenzoo offers a memorable visit. We’ve been going since our son was small. This guide will help you decide if it should be part of your Innsbruck itinerary.
Alpenzoo Innsbruck Basic Information
| Opening hours | 09:00 – 18:00 (summer) 09:00 – 17:00 (winter) |
| Entrance fees | €15,00 (adults) €8,00 (children 6 – 17 years) €3,50 (children 4 – 5 years) |
| Included in Innsbruck Card | Yes |
| Address | Weiherburggasse 37a, 6020 Innsbruck |
| Public transport | Hungerburgbahn and Bus |
5 Reasons to Visit the Innsbruck Alpenzoo
1. Diverse Alpine Wildlife
The Alpine Zoo Innsbruck is home to over 2,000 animals from approximately 150 species, all of which are native to the alpine environment. This extensive collection includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Highlights include golden eagles, lynx, and otters, all in naturalistic enclosures.
2. Conservation Efforts
The Alpenzoo in Innsbruck focuses on conserving and breeding endangered alpine species. It participates in European breeding programs to preserve species such as the bearded vulture, European bison, and the Alpine ibex. Visiting the Alpenzoo supports these conservation efforts and helps ensure the survival of these animals.
3. Stunning Location and Scenery
Perched at an altitude of 750 meters, the Alpenzoo offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Innsbruck. The location itself is a reason to visit, as visitors can enjoy the fresh alpine air and stunning vistas while exploring the zoo.
4. Accessibility
Despite its mountainous location, the Alpenzoo is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Visitors can reach the zoo by car, public transport, or even by taking the Hungerburg funicular railway from Innsbruck’s city center. It can be a stop on your journey up or down the mountain with the Nordkette Cable Car.
5. Family-Friendly Destination
What to See in the Innsbruck Alpenzoo
Some of the animals living in naturalistic enclosures, aviaries, aquariums, and outdoor terrariums in the Innsbruck Alpine Zoo are:
- Mammals: Alpine ibex, lynx, otters, European bison
- Birds: Golden eagles, bearded vulture, wallcreeper bird, black grouse, nutcrackers
- Reptiles
- Amphibians
- Fish in one of the world’s largest cold-water aquariums.
- Other notable animals: Brown bears, marmots, snow hares.
Animal sightings vary by season, with many species, such as marmots and lynx, hibernating in winter. From April to June, visitors can see newborn animals with their parents.
At the Schau-Bauernhof (show farm), old livestock breeds from Tyrol (like Pustertaler Spring cattle, Tux cattle, and Tyrolean Grey cattle) are housed. A shared habitat also features black grouse, snow hares, and nutcrackers.
Interesting Fact
It is not widely known that a person is buried at the Alpenzoo. Richard Tooth, an Englishman from Coleshill, was a friend of the Townshend family who used Weiherburg Castle (adjacent to the Alpenzoo) as their summer and winter residence from 1835. He died here on February 20, 1840, and is buried in the so-called “Richardsruhe” next to the deer enclosure at the Alpenzoo
How to Navigate Your Way Through the Alpenzoo
To make the most of your visit, it helps to know what to expect and how to best navigate your way through the Innsbruck Alpenzoo.
To make the most of your visit, it helps to know what to expect and how to best navigate your way through the Innsbruck Alpenzoo.
Take a sharp right shortly after entering the zoo. This is where you’ll find the aquarium and other water creatures. Keep right when exiting the aquarium, keep right. This path will lead you past the reptiles and eventually to the show farm.
You are already quite high up once you’ve gone around the show farm. Along this path, you’ll see many of the bigger animals. This will also lead you past the entrance to the viewing platform path. I highly recommend taking this detour for the views over the zoo and the city and Inn Valley beyond. See if you can locate the Bergisel ski jump on the opposite hill.
After leaving the viewing platform, you’ll soon get up close and personal with the Alpine Ibex. Other animals to look out for in this area include the lynx and the moose. By now, you are on your way to the brown bear. Although it’s always nice to see him, I do wish he had a partner for company.
Tips for Exploring the Innsbruck Alpenzoo
- The Alpenzoo can be explored at your own pace, but it’s recommended to follow the trails and signs to not miss any enclosures and exhibits.
- Take advantage of the zoo map available at the entrance to plan your route.
- Check the feeding schedules posted by the zoo for a chance to see animals during their active periods.
- The layout of the zoo includes pathways and trails that ascend through the Alpine environment, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. While the terrain may present some challenges for visitors with mobility concerns, the staff is available to assist where needed.
- Consider buying the Innsbruck Card to save money if you are planning to take the Nordkette cable car to the top and visit more attractions in and around the city.
Eating, Drinking, and Resting in the Alpenzoo
The Animahl Bistro serves small dishes and drinks. Expect long waiting times on busy days.
Next to the children’s playground at the bottom end of the zoo there is also a kiosk during the peak season. Here you will find cold drinks and ice-cream to keep the little ones happy.
Drinks are also sold in the zoo shop.
How to Get to the Innsbruck Alpenzoo
The Alpenzoo Innsbruck is in the Hötting district of the city, on the sunny side of the Inn Valley, below the Hungerburg. It can be reached by public transport or car. Alternatively, it is possible to walk from Innsbruck’s old town in approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
By car – Alpenzoo has two parking areas, which are subject to charges from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm daily. Parking costs €0.50 per half hour for the first three hours and €1.00 for each additional half hour. Keep in mind that the parking areas often fill up on busy days.
By public transport – Visitors can reach the Alpenzoo conveniently by taking the Hungerburgbahn funicular from Innsbruck’s Congress station. The funicular stops close to the zoo entrance, offering a scenic ride along the way. Alternatively, bus line W travels between the Innsbruck Marktplatz and the zoo. Check the local timetables for the most accurate departure times.
On foot – From the market square, cross the Inn River bridge and turn right onto Innstraße. Follow the street to Heinrich Süß Weg, which leads up the mountain to Weiherburggasse and the Alpenzoo entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Alpenzoo Innsbruck worth it?
The Alpenzoo Innsbruck is especially worth it for animal enthusiasts and families. The zoo offers a unique opportunity to observe over 150 species native to the alpine region, ranging from birds of prey to marmots and rare amphibians. Its focus on conservation and education, combined with stunning views of the Inn Valley, elevate the experience.
How big is Alpenzoo?
The Alpenzoo Innsbruck spans 4.1 hectares and is one of Europe’s highest-altitude zoos at 727 meters above sea level. Its compact layout allows visitors to explore a diverse collection of alpine species without feeling overwhelmed by long walks or vast distances.
*Disclosure*
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