Alpenzoo Innsbruck

The Alpenzoo sits on the slope above Innsbruck at around seven hundred and fifty metres, which makes it the highest zoo in Europe, and it keeps only species that belong in the Alps. That means ibex and chamois on artificial crags, lynx, wolves, brown bears and otters, owls and bearded vultures in tall aviaries, and a cold-water aquarium holding the fish of alpine rivers and lakes. The site is steep, so a visit is a walk up and down a hillside with the city appearing through gaps in the trees. The funicular from the centre stops at the gate, which is the simplest way up from town.

What you actually see

• The ibex and chamois crags - rock enclosures on the slope where the animals climb at eye level with the path.
• The bearded vulture aviary - a tall walk-through cage for a bird reintroduced to the Alps over the past few decades.
• The cold-water aquarium - tanks of trout, grayling and other river and lake fish, unusual for a zoo of this size.
• The predators - lynx, wolves, brown bears and otters in wooded enclosures along the upper loop.

When to go

Open all year. Spring and early summer are best for active animals and young stock. On hot afternoons most of the mammals lie hidden in shade, so a morning visit is worth the early start. Winter suits the northern species and the site is quiet, though paths can be icy on the steeper sections.

Honest expectations

It is built on a hillside, so expect continuous climbing on steps and ramps, awkward with a pushchair. Some enclosures are old and feel tight for the larger predators. In summer heat you may see very little of the cats and bears. The ticket is not cheap for the size of the collection.

Nearby

The Nordkette funicular runs past the gate, and the Innsbruck old town lies fifteen minutes below.