Incredible Imst Alpine Coaster – Everything You Need to Know [Longest in the world]

Imst Austria is a total hidden gem and we loved hiking from the old town to the Imst Alpine Coaster on our last summer vacation.

We got a hot tip from an Austrian family that Imst has the longest alpine coaster track in the world, so we had to go!  Imst has a work-a-day vibe that is refreshing after the impossible cuteness overload at places like Garmisch or Innsbruck.

Who is the coaster for?

Families, adrenaline junkies, grandmas.

Who is this coaster not for?

People in wheelchairs, who are pregnant or very full of anxiety.

tl;dr: Travel guide for everything you need to know about the best alpine coaster in Austria and Including all the best things to do in Imst and tips for best places to to stay.

Morgan’s Imst Alpine Coaster Youtube

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Imst Alpine Coaster Overview

Pros of the Imst Coaster:

• Longest coaster in the world
• Safe
• Efficient wait system

Cons of the Imst Alpine Coaster:

• Can be slow if stuck behind a scared person
• Wait time on peak season
• Price

Craving More Adventure in Imst?

Don’t have time to read the whole article? No Problem! To sum up, here are the three best outdoor things to do in addition to awesome hiking in Imst, Austria.

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Imst Alpine Coaster: My Experience

We Went in August to the Alpine Coaster Imst

We went hiking in Seefeld in Tirol in June and rode the really fun Bergbahnen Rosshütte to go hiking at the top to Seefelderspitze.  We met a family from Innsbruck and they assured us that the best place to ride an alpine coaster in Austria was at Imst, so we had to go!

We paired it with the Rosengartenschlucht hike directly from the old town of Imst.  In total it was less than an hour walk and very beautiful.

When we got to the Imster Bergbahnen gondola station it was really easy to find the correct lift.  When you get off the gondola, you have to walk down to the coaster station and get a number.  Then you just wait for your number to be called and then you get in line. I like this because then you can grab a drink at the hütte right next to the beginning of the coaster.

It’s about a 10 minute ride and really fun, you can get going.  I don’t think you really need to use the brakes unless you’re scared but it’s pretty fun and awesome.  It’s probably best for families with kids.

Unfortunately we went during a heatwave, so we only wanted to go once. Also we got stuck behind a woman going slow as a turtle.  Next time, I’ll sit and wait 5 minutes and then go free vs slowly following. 

Everything You Need to Know About the Alpine Coaster Imst Austria

It’s the Longest Alpine Coaster in the World: 3.535 meters

The alpine coaster has a route length of 3.535 meters and an altitude difference of 500 meters, with the mountain station situated at an altitude of 1,500 meters. The highest point of the ride is 10 meters above the ground, and a highlight of the experience is a 450-degree spin.

Location and Contact

Imster BergbahnenHoch-Imst 19
A-6460
Imst
+43 5412 66322
www.imster-bergbahnen.at
[email protected]

Opening Times and Seasons

	Timeframe	Days of the Week	Time
Alpine Coaster Imst	April 28, 2023 – May 1, 2023	Friday to Monday	9:30am – 5pm
	May 4, 2023 – May 21, 2023	Thursday to Sunday	9:30am – 5pm
	May 25, 2023 – October 8, 2023	Daily	9:30am – 5pm
	October 12, 2023 – November 5, 2023	Thursday to Sunday	9:30am – 5pm

Gondola

As part of the Imster Bergbahnen area, the gondola to take to the top of the alpine coaster is the “alpine coaster” gondola. 

Webcam

Want to take a peek of the weather, check the webcam here. 

Imst Alpine Coaster Price = Lift & Coaster

Coaster Prices (you must buy both unless you walk up)

	Adults (16+)	Children (3-5 years)	Children (6-15 years)
1 ride	€ 10,50	€ 7,60	€ 7,60
3 rides*	€ 29,90	€ 21,70	€ 21,70
10 rides*	€ 94,50	€ 68,40	€ 68,40
ALPINE COASTER + LIFT
1 ride	€ 17,60	€ 7,60	€ 13,20
3 rides*	€ 50,20	€ 21,70	€ 37,60
10 rides*	€ 158,40	€ 68,40	€ 118,80

Lift Prices

	Cablecar (2003 and older)	Youths + Seniors (2004 – 2006) (1958 and older)	Children (2007 – 2016)	Families (parents + own children born 2004 – 2016)
UPHILL OR DOWNHILL RIDE
Section I or II	€ 12,10	€ 10,60	€ 6,60	€ 30,80
Section I and II	€ 18,20	€ 16,00	€ 9,50	€ 45,90
UPHILL AND DOWNHILL RIDE
Section I or II	€ 17,60	€ 15,50	€ 9,20	€ 44,40
Section I and II	€ 26,40	€ 23,20	€ 13,70	€ 66,50
FURTHER OFFERS
6 days	€ 80,00	€ 64,00	€ 40,00	€ 200,00
Seasonal Pass	€ 150,00	€ 120,00	€ 75,00	€ 375,00

Food

There’s a lovely mountain hut UALM serving a full menu near the top of the Alpine Slide.  I really like their aperol spritz. 

Height, Age and Other Rider Requirements

Children as young as three years old can ride the Alpine Coaster, but parents may have to ride with them until they are eight years old and 1.25 meters (4’1”) tall. At that point, young riders can pilot the coaster on their own, and a co-pilot can join them from the age of 14. 

You’ll get a Number

Once you get off the gondola, walk to the obvious alpine coaster station and get a number.  Then you can walk around or grab a drink waiting. The numbers are cleared posted on a sign and when it gets close to your number then get in line. 

Things to Know About Imst Austria

Is Imst Austria Worth Visiting?

Yes!  If you love the outdoors and charming villages that aren’t pretentious.  It’s not the typical alpine village with buildings plastered in malerei and geraniums.  It’s more work-a-day, yet offers incredible hiking, canyoning, white water rafting and delicious food.  The mountains here are vast and beautiful and the people are more willing to have a chat than busier Alps towns like Garmisch or Innsbruck.

Located only an hour from the more touristy hot spots, Imst is a great break from the tourist overwhelm and the focus really is on immersing in Nature and adventure.

Best Things to do in Imst Austria

All Season Outdoor Adventure – Alpine Coaster and River Sports Are the Highlight, but Imst has it all.

River Gorges

Rosengartenschlucht is definitely a summer Nature highlight.  There are many trails and gorges in this little corner of Austria, hence all the canyoning opportunities. And unlike the famous Partnachklamm gorge in Garmisch, you will not be waiting in a line of people to pass.

Skiing and Snowboarding

The Imster Bergbahnen ski area offers 9 km of pistes and located at the same lift as the alpine coaster in Hoch Imst.

For more ski adventure the nearby Hochzeiger Bergbahnen Pitztal ski area offers skiing and snowboarding for all levels.  They also offer toboggan runs, glacier skiing, cross country skiing, ice climbing, snow hiking, snowshoeing, ski touring, and of course, the famous Austrian Apres Ski!

Cultural

If you’re a beer lover, a visit to the Starkenberger brewery next door Tarrenz is a must when traveling to Imst. Not only are their beers excellent, but the trip up to the brewery is an experience in itself. The steep walk up is rewarded with breathtaking views and a chance to enjoy a beer tasting. 

But the brewery offers more than just beer. On-site, there’s a restaurant where you can indulge in some delicious food. For the adventurous, there’s even an opportunity to bathe in beer pools! 

And if you’re planning a large event, the brewery is the perfect venue. With its stunning views, delicious food, and unique beer pools, it’s sure to be a memorable experience for all.

River Rafting and Canyoning

Both Imst and nearby Tarrenz are a hotspot for outdoor activities including river canyoning and white water rafting.  There are beginner trips and more advanced depending on the level of intensity you prefer. 

Paragliding

Right at the same lift as the imst alpine coaster is an opportunity to go paragliding with multiple companies offering tandem flights.  You’ll need to pre book a flight.

Area 47

This  is a nearby adventure amusement park for all kinds of outdoor adventure like wakeboarding, canyoning, rafting, caving, a flying fox bungee and more.  They also have music concerts. 

Mountain Biking

All of the local ski resorts have summer lifts that will carry your mountain bike to the top so you can fly down at your own risk.

Food

1. Werkstatt Imst: This trendy restaurant serves up delicious dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The industrial decor creates a unique atmosphere that’s perfect for a night out with friends.

2. Ristorante Pizzeria La Taverna VII: If you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine, head to La Taverna VII. The pizzas are delicious and the pasta dishes are made fresh to order.

3. Gasthof Sonne: For traditional Austrian cuisine, Gasthof Sonne is a great choice. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make you feel right at home, and the schnitzel is a must-try.

Best Places to Stay in Imst

Based on my personal experience, these are my recommendations for hotels in Imst based on your situation.

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Austria Trip Planning Essentials

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We hope you enjoy this hidden gem in Austria! Read more of my off-the-beaten path adventure travel and hiking blogs.

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More Hiking & Outdoor Gear Resources

Here’s more awesome gear to empower your journey. I have written in-depth comparisons of products that make hiking and exploring the Great Outdoors safer and more fun, especially if you’re a beginner (or like me, a little rusty in the knees).

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In conclusion, the Imst Alpine Coaster is a must-do activity that offers breathtaking views and a chance to explore the beautiful Austrian Alps.