Alpine plants are famous for being rich in species and colour. About 4500 species of vascular plants and 200 different plant communities are known to grow in the region.

The alpine climate and environment can be harsh and therefore plants have to adapt if they are to survive. If you think of the Alps, severe cold, wind and snow will come into your mind. Plant growth in the Alps is however influenced by other factors as well, such as low carbon dioxide and oxygen levels, intense solar radiation, summer frosts, soil quality, drought and low pollinator diversity, especially above the timber line.

Plants all over the Alps are subject to some or all of these environmental conditions, often on a very small scale. A metre or two can make all the difference as to whether a plant can survive and flourish or not.
Alpine plants have learned to adapt. They not only have an amazing resilience to summer frosts and snow, they have also developed ways of dealing with the harsh environment to which they are exposed: longevity, mat-like growth, taproots, tight buns, succulent and/or fuzzy, often evergreen foliage.

The Alpenzoo exhibits some of the most famous alpine plant species, such as the Edelweiß. If you look you will discover a wide variety of interesting plants, plants that normally grow on the banks of alpine rivers and streams or on alpine meadows, in the forests or in the high mountain rock regions. We try to display as many species as possible, not only along the paths leading through the zoo but also in our enclosures, aviaries and terrariums.