In Imst, local history meets Alpine scenery: the entrance to Rosengartenschlucht is right in the town centre and leads straight into alpine terrain. The area also offers traces of different eras, paths to a waterfall and activities in Hoch-Imst. You can choose what will shape your stay based on your specific interests—from carnival and archaeology to gorge and mountain experiences.
Town History and Carnival
The museum in Ballhaus offers insight into the town’s history, from prehistoric times to the present day, through art and everyday objects from different eras. Another defining tradition is the Schemenlaufen: the carnival procession features 26 different mask types and takes place every four years in February, with some exceptions. The exact dates vary with each cycle, so if you are planning to visit for the procession, check the date of the relevant event. The Imst Carnival House is at Streleweg 6, 6460 Imst.
The Via Claudia Augusta is also part of the town’s history. The Roman road ran from the Adriatic coast and the plains of the Po, across the Alps and as far as the Danube, passing through Imst; today, it is seeing renewed use. Since the road passed through here, the Romans probably built a way station in Imst. Remains of an early Christian place of worship reveal another early chapter: during the restoration of St. Lawrence Church, an almost square chancel screen slab bearing a Christogram was among the items uncovered in 1960. The finds date from the first half of the 5th century.
Rosengartenschlucht, the Blue Grotto and Imster Bergl
Rosengartenschlucht is a natural monument, 1.5 kilometres long, with an elevation gain of around 250 metres. The trail through the gorge passes rushing waterfalls, alpine roses and small tunnels. It connects an entrance in the middle of the town centre with a route into alpine terrain. The distance and elevation gain can help you plan; also check trail conditions before your visit.
The Blue Grotto in Rosengartenschlucht near Hoch-Imst is a tunnel dating back to the historic mining era. Lead-silver ore 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, it is advisable to check them shortly before your visit.
Imster Bergl, a striking rock also known as Kalvarienberg, rises in the centre of Imst. It was formed around 26,000 years ago during the Ice Age. The Berglhäuser are built directly into the rock of Imster Bergl; a historic Way of the Cross leads up the mountain, with views over Imst along the way. Here, geological formation, distinctive architecture and a historic route come together.
Hoch-Imst: Ski Runs, Coaster and Mountain Tours
The Hoch-Imst ski area offers nine kilometres of ski runs between 1,000 and 2,100 metres above sea level, a fun park and two natural toboggan runs. The Imst cable cars take visitors to an altitude of over 2,000 metres in just a few minutes. Another popular activity is the 3,535-metre Alpine Coaster in Hoch-Imst, described as the longest alpine roller coaster in the world. Check the current availability of activities before planning your visit.
The Imst via ferrata leads from MuttekopfhĂĽtte to the 2,623-metre-high Maldonkopf and includes a 20-metre-long suspension bridge. Ibexes are often spotted in the rocks of Muttekars. For a different kind of adventure, family canyoning tours run through Rosengartenschlucht in Hoch-Imst, featuring small abseils, slides and crystal-clear pools. If you are interested in a tour, check current availability.
Plan Your Routes and Journey
The route to the small Putzen waterfall passes the historic Putzenschanze, which has marked the trail since 1932. The path then leads back to the centre of Imst. The Bummelbär runs from Imst through the Gurgltal valley, past the witch village of Tarrenz to Nassereith and back again. As seasonal services may change, check in advance whether it is running. The Bummelbär can also be booked for children’s birthday parties, events and private tours; if interested, it is worth checking the booking conditions in advance.
For travel to the outdoor region, Imst-Pitztal railway station and three stops in Schönwies, Imsterberg and Roppen are relevant. They connect the outdoor region with the rest of Tyrol and neighbouring federal states. The best connection for your stay depends on your specific plans.
Choose Accommodation to Suit Your Stay
When looking for a hotel in Imst, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: Would you like to plan around the Schemenlaufen, explore the town’s history, or make trails in the gorge and activities in Hoch-Imst the main part of your trip? That way, your choice reflects what you actually plan to do rather than a general idea of what a stay in Imst might include.
Discover more destinations: Arzl Im Pitztal, Imst, Karrösten, Imsterberg, Jerzens, Längenfeld, Mieming, Obsteig, Oetz, Sankt Leonhard Im Pitztal, Sautens, Silz, Stams, Sölden, Umhausen, Wenns, Köfles, Haiming, Nassereith, Roppen, Mötz, Tarrenz, Rietz, Karres, Obergurgl, Thannrain.
For the broader travel overview: Tyrol.
