Alpine Garden Patscherkofel
The Alpine Garden on mount Patscherkofel is the highest botanical garden in Austria and has been owned and maintained by the University of Innsbruck since 1930.
Its favorable location right on the edge of the forest makes it possible to show our interested visitors naturally occurring plant communities such as dwarf shrub heath, high forest and tall forb communities. By means of a signposted circular hiking trail, you will be lead through the garden, as well as informed about the different plants and habitats and encouraged them to reflect, since only an understanding of the sensitive balance of these habitats, which are severely threatened by the development of the high mountain regions, can help to protect and preserve them.
The construction of a research station with modern equipment within the garden has enabled scientists to carry out a wide range of studies directly on site all year round.
The Alpine Garden is in hibernation.
We look forward to your visit!
Concept
The natural vegetation of the site was largely left as it was - only in a few places some selected and associated species were planted. In order to be able to exhibit plants dependent on alkaline bedrock, a group of limestone rocks was placed in the garden.
Signposting
Carl von Linné, a Swedish naturalist, doctor, and botanist, founded the binary nomenclature in the 18th century. Every animal and plant name consists of the genus name and the species suffix (ertepitheton) according to his system.
In addition to the German name, the scientific double name is given on the labels, as well as short information on the flowering time, the height of growth, and any information on toxicity or use of the plant.
The plant community and the preferred location in the Alps and the distribution in Austria are also indicated.
Exciting additional facts about the species complete the descriptions on the individual species.