Imst: Fasnacht, Rosengartenschlucht and Hoch-Imst

Imst combines Fasnacht and city history with distinctive nature and sports attractions. When planning your hotel stay, you can first decide what you want to define your trip: the Schemenlaufen, historical landmarks, Rosengartenschlucht or the offerings in Hoch-Imst. The places and activities below offer specific ideas, from cultural heritage close to town to gorge and mountain experiences.

City history and Schemenlaufen

The Ballhaus Museum offers insights into the history of the town of Imst, from prehistoric times to the present, through art and everyday objects from various periods. Archaeological finds add to this historical timeline: During restoration work at Laurentiuskirche in 1960, a roughly square choir screen slab bearing a Christogram was discovered. It is one of the relics of an early Christian place of worship and dates to the first half of the 5th century.

Imst is also linked to Roman times. The Via Claudia Augusta ran from the Adriatic coast and the Po Valley, over the Alps and as far as the Danube, passing Imst along the way. The Romans therefore presumably built a road station here. Schemenlaufen offers another recurring reason to visit: the Imst Fasnacht parade features 26 different mask types and takes place every four years in February, with some exceptions. As the exact dates vary from one parade to the next, check the relevant date if you are planning a trip for this event. The Imst Fasnacht House is located at Streleweg 6, 6460 Imst.

A striking rock formation in the centre of Imst is Imster Bergl, also known as Kalvarienberg. It was formed about 26,000 years ago during the Ice Age. You can climb Bergl along a historic Way of the Cross; it offers views of Imst. The Berglhäuser are buildings built directly into the rock of Imster Bergl.

Rosengartenschlucht and mining history

Rosengartenschlucht is a natural monument. Its entrance is in the centre of Imst and leads straight into alpine terrain. The gorge is 1.5 kilometres long and rises by around 250 metres. The trail passes rushing waterfalls and alpine roses, and goes through small tunnels. The central entrance and the immediate transition into alpine terrain give this natural area a special connection to the town.

The Blue Grotto also links the gorge with its history: it is an adit in Rosengartenschlucht created by historic mining. Silver-bearing galena was mined there as far back as Roman times, probably using the fire-setting method. The grotto is about a ten-minute walk below Hoch-Imst and can be reached through Rosengartenschlucht or directly via a hiking trail. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out. Family canyoning tours run through Rosengartenschlucht in Hoch-Imst and include short abseiling sections, slides and crystal-clear pools. If you plan to take part, check the current availability of the tours.

Sports and trails in Imst

The Hoch-Imst ski area offers nine kilometres of pistes, a fun park and two natural toboggan runs at altitudes between 1,000 and 2,100 metres. The Imster Bergbahnen cable cars take visitors to over 2,000 metres in just a few minutes. The Alpine Coaster in Hoch-Imst is 3,535 metres long and is described as the world’s longest alpine roller coaster. Alongside winter sports, these offer more specific ideas for planning your trip.

The Imst via ferrata leads from Muttekopfhütte to the 2,623-metre-high Maldonkopf and includes a 20-metre-long rope bridge. Ibexes are often spotted in the rocks of Muttekars. Another route is the trail to the small Putzen waterfall: it passes the historic Putzenschanze and then leads back to the centre of Imst. Putzenschanze has been a feature along the trail since 1932.

Getting here and travelling through Gurgltal

Imst-Pitztal railway station and three stops in Schönwies, Imsterberg and Roppen connect the outdoor region with the rest of Tyrol and neighbouring federal states. For a sightseeing trip, the Bummelbär runs from Imst through the Gurgltal, past the Hexendorf Tarrenz, to Nassereith and back. Seasonal operations may change, so check the timetable for your travel date. The Bummelbär can be booked for children’s birthday parties, events and private tours. If you are planning such a trip, check the current booking conditions.

Discover more destinations: Haiming, Arzl Im Pitztal, Imst, Karrösten, Imsterberg, Jerzens, Längenfeld, Mieming, Obsteig, Oetz, Sankt Leonhard Im Pitztal, Sautens, Silz, Stams, Sölden, Umhausen, Wenns, Köfles, Nassereith, Roppen, Mötz, Tarrenz, Rietz, Karres, Obergurgl, Thannrain.

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