The capital city of the federal state of Tyrol in western Austria, Innsbruck is a place which you must visit at least once in your lifetime. Besides numerous places to visit, this city features a quiet that will give you immense peace.

One of the major attractions of the city is the cathedral of St. Jakob or the Domkirche zu St. Jakob. The Baroque architect Johann Jakob Herkommer, is responsible for the creation of this great beauty, built in 1717.

The building’s main structure is composed mostly of Quaternary breccias, which comes from the slopes of the hills above the town of Hötting. Much of the building’s beauty can be attributed to this breccia.

Though pretty simple its façade can hold you awe-struck. Two towers guard its entrance while a large dome covers the transept crossing. The interior is more of an archaic style. Maria Hilf or Mary of Succor is a remarkable altarpiece by Lucas Cranach the Elder. It is one of the major reasons why people visit this place.

The beautiful city of Innsbruck has no dearth of tourist attractions. One place which is a favourite of families and groups is the Alpine Zoo which is located on the southern slope of the Hungerburg plateau at Weiherburggasse 37, Innsbruck, AT-6020, Austria. The zoo happens to be the highest in the entire Europe standing at a great height of more than 700 metres / 2,297 feet above the sea level. In fact, from the Alpenzoo you can get a magnificent panoramic view of Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains.

The zoo takes pride in its vast collection of Alpine creatures, with these animal attractions covering over 2,000 different species and including bears, bison, eagles, ibexes, otters and bearded vultures. Otters play in the water and various weird and wonderful fish types can be viewed in the extraordinary cold water aquarium of the Alpenzoo. These alpine animals live in their natural surroundings in this zoo. The park also protects endangered species and returns them to their natural habitat, the Alps.

Alpenzoo is Austria’s only “theme zoo” and children love it due to various child and animal attractions. To reach the Alpenzoo, you can either climb the hill or alternatively take a trip onboard the Hungerburgbahn train. If you purchase your ticket to the zoo directly from the Hungerburgbahn station, your journey will be free of charge.

The zoo is open daily from April to October – 09:00 to 18:00 and from November to March – 09:00 to 17:00. There are charges for admission and discounts for children and students.