In this article, we have gathered the most important information about the town, the cable car, and the alpine coaster.
- Imst – General Information about the Town
- Accommodation in Imst
- The Alpine Coaster – The Longest in the World!
- Hiking Trail in the Wild Rosengarten Gorge
- Impressive Viewpoints of the Entire Region
- The Imst Ski Resort
- Other Attractions
Imst – General Information
Along the Inn River, about 50 kilometers west of Innsbruck, lies the town of Imst. It is a nice and quiet town in an excellent location between the wonderful Ötz Valley and the Pitz Valley.Like many villages in Tyrol, Imst is situated at the foot of a towering mountain—Alpjoch—which reaches 2,100 meters above sea level. In winter, the town becomes a charming ski resort, ideal for beginners and families.
Imst has been famous since 1891, though not because of its alpine coaster. The renowned Austrian composer Karl Zeller created the operetta Der Vogelhändler (“The Bird Seller”), inspired by the town. The work became hugely popular and continues to be performed in theaters across Austria today.
Every four years, Imst hosts a truly unusual festival called Schemenlaufen, in which only men are allowed to participate. Dressed in elaborate costumes and masks resembling women, the participants dance through the streets with bells tied to their hands. This unique tradition has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. To witness the festival in person, plan a visit to Imst in February 2028!
This is what the Schemenlaufen Festival looks like
The town is an ideal place to visit, whether in winter or summer, and it is full of cultural and fun events. Throughout the year, theater performances, classical concerts, and modern festivals are held there.
The Alpine Coaster in Imst – The Longest Alpine Coaster in the World
The winding, steep alpine coaster begins at an altitude of 1,500 meters, at the middle station of the Imster Bergbahnen cable car, which ascends to the summit of Alpjoch. Get ready for an exhilarating 3.5-kilometer ride filled with twists, jumps, and sharp drops that are sure to make your heart race. Don’t worry—you control the speed and can slow down as needed, though the coaster can reach a thrilling maximum of 40 km/h! Safety is paramount: ride carefully, follow all rules, and know that safety nets line the track to protect you if you take a turn a little too fast.
Part of the track is at a height of about 6 meters in the air and it is definitely an experience! You can ride alone or with another person. Small children must be accompanied by an adult.
This is what an exhilarating Alpine Coaster ride looks like
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
Operating Times:
- From the beginning of May to mid-May: Thursday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
- From the third week of May to the first week of October: Every day from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
- From the second week of October to the beginning of November: Thursday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
- During the Christmas period: Friday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. More information on winter operating times.
- More information on summer operating times. Please note that operating hours may change depending on the weather and conditions on site.
Cost:
One ride on the alpine coaster only:
- Adult: €12.50
- Child (7-15): €9
- Child (3-6): €9
One ride on the alpine coaster and a cable car ride up:
- Adult: €22
- Child (7-15): €15.10
- Child (3-6): €9
For more detailed information on prices.
It is possible to purchase tickets online on the alpine coaster’s website. Click here to purchase tickets in advance.
Official Website
Address: Hoch-Imst 19, 6460 Imst
Map
Rosengarten-Schlucht
If you haven’t yet chosen which gorge to visit in Tyrol, you should know that the Rosengarten-Schlucht is considered one of the most beautiful in the area and is a short walk from the center of Imst.
The Schinderbach River rushes for 2 kilometers through massive rock formations, creating the natural wonder of Rosengartenschlucht Gorge. Along the trail, you’ll walk on wooden bridges attached to the towering rock walls, which grow narrower the deeper you venture into the gorge.
Beyond the stunning combination of rushing water and dramatic cliffs, the route features two particularly remarkable sights. Near the gorge, residential houses cling to the mountainside, offering breathtaking views of the gorge below. Further along lies the Blue Grotto, nestled deep within the gorge. Archaeological evidence suggests that people were searching for silver-bearing stones here as far back as Roman times—perhaps you’ll even discover a special souvenir of your own! From the Blue Grotto, you can either continue up the mountain to the Hoch-Imst area or return to the trailhead.
This is what the Rosengarten Gorge looks like
- Starting point of the trail: Johanneskirche (St. John’s Church) in the center of Imst.
- Walking time: 3 hours
- Difficulty level: Easy – Medium
- Also suitable for families with children. Open only in summer.
Impressive Viewpoints in the Imst Area
Whether you want to stop for a rest after a walk in the natural gorge, or if you are looking for a good place to sit and enjoy the view, you can visit one of the wonderful viewpoints and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the entire area.
SunOrama
This terrace is located on the southwest side of the upper cable car station on the Alpjoch summit. You can sit comfortably on the wooden chairs and look out towards Imst and the Gurgital valley. The observation deck is open in summer and winter.
Adlerhorst
This viewpoint is a short distance from the upper cable car station on the Alpjoch summit. The observation deck was built of metal, protruding several meters from the edge of the mountain, so you can feel like you are really flying in the air.
The Ski Resort
The small ski resort at the summit of Hoch-Imst is ideal for families, but it also offers enjoyable runs for more experienced skiers. Snowboarders and freestyle skiers will find suitable slopes as well. In total, the resort has around 9 kilometers of ski runs, including one of the longest slopes in Tyrol, which is even illuminated for night skiing.
The season at this ski resort starts from mid-December and lasts until mid-March (depending on the weather, of course).
Other Attractions in the Area
If you come to the town, you must not miss a visit to the Ötz Valley, where you can enjoy a variety of great attractions such as Area 47, Aqua Dome, and the Stuibenfall waterfalls. You can read about all the recommended attractions in the Ötz Valley in our detailed article.
Another valley in the Imst area is the Pitz Valley, which also has a variety of outdoor activities. You can read about all the recommended attractions in the Pitz Valley in our detailed article.
