15 Incredible Things to Do in Imst Austria

Are you looking for the best things to do in Imst Austria? Imst is one of my favorite Alpine towns because of it’s local vibe and range of activities for adventure to history.

TL;DR: Imst is a hidden gem summer destination in Austria for those that love hiking, alpine coasters, white water rafting, canyoning, gorge hikes and klettersteigs. And in winter – it offers great skiing. In my experience, it’s not fancy – and doesn’t pretend to be offering a great alternative to the endlessly over-touristy Garmisch.

Best Things to do in Imst Austria Youtube

If you’re planning a trip to Austria, make sure to include Imst on your list of destinations. This charming mountain town is a hidden gem, offering a plethora of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a history buff, Imst has something for everyone.

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.

One of my favorite things to do in Imst is to explore the great outdoors. With its stunning alpine scenery, the town is a paradise for hikers, bikers, and climbers. You can take a leisurely stroll through the lush forests or challenge yourself with a more strenuous trek up the mountains.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go canyoning or river rafting. For a more relaxed experience, you can take a scenic e-bike tour and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Overview of Imst

If you’re looking for a charming town in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Imst is a great choice. Located in the Tirol region of Austria, Imst is a small town with a population of around 10,000 people. The town is predominantly German-speaking and has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

Imst is a popular destination for tourists who are looking for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. The town is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, and there are plenty of trails and paths for visitors to explore. In the winter, Imst is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders, with several ski resorts located nearby.

In addition to outdoor activities, Imst has a rich history and culture that is worth exploring. The town has a number of museums and galleries that showcase its heritage, as well as several historic buildings and landmarks. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine at one of the many restaurants and cafes in the town.

Imst is a beautiful town in Austria that offers plenty of exciting things to do. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a history buff, Imst has something for everyone. Here are some of the top attractions in Imst:

1. Imst Alpine Coaster

The Alpine Coaster is one of the most thrilling attractions in Imst. It is a rollercoaster that takes you through the beautiful Alpine scenery. You can control your speed, so you can either take it slow and enjoy the view or go fast and feel the rush of adrenaline. It is a great activity for families and groups of friends.

2. Blue Caves (Blue Grotto)

The Blue Caves are a natural wonder that you must see when you’re in Imst. The caves are located in the Rosengartenschlucht canyon and are known for their stunning blue color. It’s between the end of the gorge hike and the alpine coaster.

3. Historic Sites

Imst has a rich history, and there are many historic sites that you can visit. One of the most popular is the Starkenberg Castle in nearby Tarrenz. It was built in the 13th century and is now a museum that showcases the history of the castle and the region. Another historic site is the Pfarrkirche St. Johannes der Täufer, a beautiful church that dates back to the 18th century.

4. Religious Sites: Go Kappelle Hunting

If you’re interested in religious sites, Imst has several beautiful churches that you can visit. The Pfarrkirche St. Jakob is a stunning baroque church that was built in the 18th century. It has a beautiful interior with frescoes and sculptures. Another church worth visiting is the Wallfahrtskirche Maria Schnee, a pilgrimage church that dates back to the 15th century.

Wander around in the forest and you’ll find a ton of charming Kappellen – chapels.

5. Architectural Buildings

Imst has several beautiful architectural buildings that you can admire. One of the most impressive is the Rathaus, the town hall. It was built in the 16th century and has a beautiful Renaissance façade. Another building worth seeing is the Haus Schöneck, a beautiful mansion that dates back to the 18th century.

6. Speciality Museums : Carnival Museum (Fastnachtsmuseum)

Imst has several specialty museums that are worth visiting. The Museum im Ballhaus is a museum of local history that showcases the history and culture of the region. Another museum worth visiting is the Fasnacht Museum, which is dedicated to the carnival traditions of Imst.

7. Art Museums

If you’re an art lover, Imst has several art museums that you can visit. The Museum im Ballhaus has a collection of local art, including paintings, sculptures, and crafts. Another museum worth visiting is the Kunstforum Montafon, which has a collection of contemporary art from Austria and other countries.

Outdoor Activities in Imst

Imst is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With its stunning alpine scenery, lush forests, and gushing waterfalls, the town offers a wide range of outdoor activities for all ages and abilities. Here are some of the best things to do in Imst if you love the great outdoors.

8. Hiking in Imst : Rosengartenschlucht ( Rosengarten Canyon)

Imst is a hiker’s paradise. Watch my video here about the best family friendly hike called the Rosengartenschlucht. It’s right in town and goes to the Blue Grotto and Imst Alpine Slide.

There are numerous trails that wind through the stunning alpine scenery, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. One of the most popular hiking trails is the Alpjoch-Hinteres Alpjoch circular route, which takes you through lush forests, past gushing waterfalls, and up to the summit of the Alpjoch. The trail is well-marked and suitable for all levels of hikers.

9. Canyoning and White Water Rafting

Imst is famous for it’s white water rafting and canyoning tours. You can easily book a trip for the whole family to enjoy the amazing ride.

10. Inn River Beaches

There’s no shortage of awesome white sand beaches all around Imst. You can take a picnic or find a nature springs to soak your feet after a nice hike.

11. Adventure Park : Area 47

Looking for an outdoor adventure playground filled with rides, recreational activities, and water sports near Imst, Austria? Look no further than this family-friendly destination!

With ziplines, blobbing, slides, diving boards, water cannons, a large lake, and more, there’s no shortage of fun and games to be had. Spend a few hours or an entire day enjoying all that this park has to offer. It’s about 15 min drive from the town center.

Here’s the address: Ötztaler Achstr. 1, 6430 Ötztal Bahnhof, Austria

12. Cable Car Rides

If you want to experience the stunning alpine scenery without the effort of hiking, take a cable car ride. The Top of Imst cable car takes you up to an altitude of 2,020 meters, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The ride takes about 10 minutes and is suitable for all ages.

13. Mountain biking and e-bike rides

You can go nuts with proper mountain biking, or if you’re looking for something more mellow there are a tons of flat paved trails for more mellow biking adventures. Rent a bike and you can ride flat all the way to the neighborhood of Roppen.

14. Go Waterfall Hunting

Whether on the Rosengartenschlucht or other hiking trails, you can find many waterfalls in this area. Have fun spotting some awesome streamers and tumblers.

15. Alpine Skiing

Imst is also a popular destination for alpine skiing. The town has several ski resorts that offer a wide range of runs for all levels of skiers. The Hoch-Imst ski resort is one of the most popular, with 9 lifts and 40 kilometers of runs. The resort is suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers.

Bonus: 16: Daytrips from Imst

If you’re looking for some amazing hiking and swimming, it’s about a 30 minute drive to Ehrwald where you can experience the Drachensee hike that will blow your socks off.

Best Places to Stay in Imst

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

Events in Imst

Imst is a lively town with a vibrant cultural scene, and there are numerous events that take place throughout the year. From traditional celebrations to modern music festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the most popular events in Imst the fall wine festival.

For those who are interested in sports, there are also many events that take place in Imst throughout the year. The Imster Radmarathon is a popular cycling event that takes place in June, while the Imster Bergbahnenlauf is a challenging mountain running race that takes place in September.

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.

FAQ: Imst Austria

Is Imst Austria Worth Visiting?

Yes!  Imst Austria is worth visiting 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.

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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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We hope this guide filled with interesting information about the best things to do in Imst has given you the proper information to plan your next adventure.

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