This Tyrolean town's carnival tradition dates back to the 16th century. Surrounded by the Lechtaler Alps, it's a starting point for hiking and climbing in summer.
Imst, a town of 10,500 residents in western Tyrol, sits at the foot of the Lechtal Alps. Here you can climb any of 3,000 limestone routes, walk through the water-carved Rosengartenschlucht canyon, or watch masked dancers perform with 35-kg bells during the UNESCO-listed Schemenlaufen carnival. The town center preserves 13th-century buildings, while the surrounding mountains invite you to swim in alpine lakes or ride the 3.5-kilometer Alpine Coaster.
Rock Climbing in Imst
The area around Imst contains more than 3,000 climbing routes, ranging from beginner-friendly walls to challenging multi-pitch climbs. The town's indoor climbing center includes a 17-meter wall with routes designed by world champion Angela Eiter. Local climbing guides can take you to the best spots in the Lechtal Alps, where you'll find both sport climbing routes and via ferratas.
Exploring the Rosengartenschlucht Canyon
The Rosengartenschlucht canyon cuts through million-year-old rock formations, connecting Imst to Hochimst. A 30-minute walk takes you along wooden walkways beside the rushing Schinderbach stream. The path leads to the Blaue Grotte, where the stream's water creates light patterns in the rock chamber.
The Alpine Coaster Experience
The Alpine Coaster descends 3.5 kilometers down the mountainside - the longest in the Alps. You control your cart's speed up to 40 km/h as you wind through forested turns and twists. The track begins at the Imst cable car's top station and includes multiple spirals and waves.
Historic Town Center
In the town center, you'll find the 13th-century Rofenstein building, now serving as the town hall. The streets are lined with baroque townhouses decorated with painted facades, while the Kloster der Barmherzigen Schwestern convent stands nearby. Visit the town museums to see the wooden carnival masks used in local celebrations.
Schemenlaufen Carnival
Every four years in February, the UNESCO-recognized Schemenlaufen fills Imst's streets. Fifty-five pairs of dancers wear specially tuned bells weighing up to 35 kg and perform traditional jump-and-bow dances. Throughout the celebration, masked performers - including chimney sweeps climbing houses and witches with their discordant music - interact with the crowd.
Winter and Summer Activities
The Hoch-Imst ski area has several gentle slopes for beginners and families, while experienced skiers can access advanced runs at the Pitztal Glacier. In summer, take a swim in the Hoch-Imst lake or go rafting through the Imster Schlucht canyon. Cyclists can tackle the Hahntennjoch mountain road's 29 hairpin turns, climbing 1,000 meters in elevation across 18 kilometers.
Getting to Imst
Imst is 50 kilometers west of Innsbruck on the Arlbergbahn railway line. You can take a train from major Austrian cities or drive via the A12 motorway. The closest airports are in Innsbruck (55 km) and Munich, with regular flights to European cities.
