Innsbruck beyond its six main sights
A zoo at 750 metres devoted only to Alpine species, a giant painting weighing 1,200 kilograms, and a park with no ticket — three places Innsbruck's six main sights don't mention.
- The Alpenzoo
- 750 m above sea level
- The giant panoramic painting
- From 1896, at Bergisel since 2011
- The Hofgarten
- A city park with no ticket
Innsbruck's plan for the six main sights runs through the Old Town and up the Nordkette; these three places are what's left once that circuit is done. The Alpenzoo sits at 750 metres and is the only zoo in the world devoted solely to Alpine species. The giant panoramic painting at the Tirol Panorama depicts the Battle of Bergisel of 1809, weighs 1,200 kilograms and spans thirty metres across. The Hofgarten is a city park with no ticket, right by the Hofburg.
The Alpenzoo — the only one devoted just to the Alps
At 750 metres above sea level, at the foot of the Nordkette, with about 2,000 animals from 150 species — the only zoo in the world devoted solely to Alpine species. It has its own funicular stop, so no ticket to the top of the Nordkette is needed to reach it. Entry €16, no closing day.
The giant panoramic painting — an 1809 battle across thirty metres of canvas
A painting thirty metres across and about a thousand square metres in area, weighing 1,200 kilograms, depicting the third Battle of Bergisel of 13 August 1809. Michael Zeno Diemer painted it in just three months; it was first shown in 1896, and has hung at its current home in the Tirol Panorama, right by the battle site, since 2011. Entry €9, closed on Tuesdays.
The Hofgarten — a park with no ticket
A city park by the Hofburg, free and with no closing day, good for a short pause between the old town's sights.
An order that makes sense
The giant panoramic painting sits right by Bergisel, so it naturally follows that visit. The Alpenzoo is on the opposite side of the city, on the way up to the Nordkette, and pairs with it. The Hofgarten sits on the way through the centre, and fits into any day.
Before you go
Short answers to what people ask most before setting out.
Is there an entry fee for the Alpenzoo?
Yes, €16. The zoo sits at 750 metres and is the only one in the world devoted solely to Alpine species.
What does the giant panoramic painting at the Tirol Panorama show?
The third Battle of Bergisel of 13 August 1809 — a canvas thirty metres across, weighing 1,200 kilograms, from 1896.
Is the Hofgarten free to enter?
Yes, the park is free and has no closing day.
Ready for Innsbruck?
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→Six questions: a score for this place and others like it.
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