Imst
Imst Tourismus
Johannesplatz 4
A- 6460 Imst, Österreich
Tel.: +43(5412)69100
Fax: +43(5412)69108
info@imst.at
www.imst.at
www.facebook.com/ImstGurgltal
Map Imst 
Hotel reservation Imst
Mountain grooves: Imst Region
Rocks, water, bikes – the Imst region has genuine delights in store for all those wishing to try out their sporting prowess on challenging mountains. From nice and easy hiking trips to soaking wet rafting tours – whatever you fancy, you’re sure to find Tyrol’s secret outdoor centre deeply impressive.
Your spirits, too, will set to soar when you hear about the great range of mountain sports we have prepared for you: wearing sturdy shoes with a rucksack strapped across your shoulders, a sensational 360 kilometres or so of trails await the intrepid hiker. Walkers perspiring somewhat from a long day’s walk will be rewarded by such destinations as Muttekopf, Tschirgant, Laggers and Plattein. The flowery names of the most well known peaks – each one rivalling the other in terms of breathtaking beauty – serve as permanent reminders of great walks and deserve a mention in your photo album.
Many tours lead to the Lechtal Alps, the foothills of the Mieminger mountains or even right up to the start of the Pitztal valley. You’ll be bowled over, too, by the sheer number of gorgeous landscapes you’ll encounter along these trails, and the range of traditional huts and hunters’ lodges on offer simply opens up a rustic and gastronomic universe of Tyrolean hospitality. True hikers in the Imst region fall weak at the knees at the thought of such delicacies as the traditional Tyrolean dumplings they serve up at Muttekopf hut. Oh, and another touring tip: try the delicious Hüttenschmarrn a bit further down at the Latschenhütte above Imst.
The relaxing way to “get back down”
Those lacking an appetite for giddying heights might do well to consider the peace and quiet of the alternatives offered by the Plattein foothills. Here, intricate networks of trails in a moderate terrain will take you through a tempestuously romantic forest area. On your travels, remember to stop and drink in the beauty of the picturesque farms in "Emlig", a gorgeously breathtaking part of the world. Longer walks along these high Alpine trails combine the very best of mountain and valley – meadows, forests, rock and water. Pretty as a picture, the Gurgltal valley landscape – speckled with hundreds of little haystacks – is a rewarding view below, and even further down into the valley, one of the trails tails off at a precious jewel of nature: Lake Starkenberg. The waters of this almost turquoise-coloured lake are sure to provide a source of comfort, first and foremost to tired feet! There can be few finer ways of finishing off a more wonderful day's hiking.
Do you speak “outdoor-ese”?
The Imst region is one of Tyrol's most sophisticated outdoor centres. From rafting tours to bungee jumps, an impressive number of specialised companies offer the last word in bumping up the body's adrenalin levels. In the vast majority of cases there's little risk involved, so the whole family can enjoy the white-knuckle fun of a dinghy tour through Imst's Inn gorge. On such paddling tours, "fun" is just as important as "action", as you'll certainly discover the third time you get completely drenched by the frothy water splashing into your face. The standard scenarios of every dinghy ride – rowing, rocking, keeling over and balancing on the edge of the boat – will make your Neopren suit and protective helmet feel like a second skin. At such moments, synthetic fabrics will never have felt better.
Free-fall in gorge-land
A similar dress code for rafting also applies to canyoning. The warmly packed bodies of the gorge explorers are carefully secured by ropes and belts. Once everyone is safely strapped in, the group follows the guides through the narrow courses of streams, rock pools and caverns that open up to the sky, a journey that takes them through the magic that running water has carved out of the rock in the course of countless thousands of years. The best tours are to be had around Imst – through the Tarrenzer Salvesenklamm as well as the Rosengarten and Hachle gorges. There's nothing better than wading through the water between bizarrely formed rock faces to set your tummy tingling! And, of course, when you get the inevitable order to jump, your mind will be enthralled by the thrill of the experience! The vertical drop into the cold water of a rock pool is a good two metres. For a moment, time seems to stand still like glacial ice – then you dive into the water, and enjoy a delightfully invigorating "re-awakening" packed full with sheer energy. As experience shows, everyone who has been along on the trip is left with just one desire: "Let's do it again!"
AREA 47 - the new outdoor-highlight
The best the outdoor world has to offers has been combined in one location. At the high-ropes course of Climbers' Paradise the brave can balance and climb at a height of 30m, check out what they can on the large climbing wall or compete against time on speed routes. An impressive exit is also possible: the brave can jump into the gigantic pad, swing on the "Megaswing" liana across Ötztal Ache River, observe the AREA 47 from the 400m-long Flying Fox from a bird's eye perspective or plunge down towards the earth with the "Powerfan".
It gets really wet when rafting or kayaking on Ötztal Ache River or Inn River or on Canyoning tours in the wild-romantic gorges of the Ötztal Mountains, which are also a paradise for mountain bikers and mountaineers.
AREA 47 features traditional Tyrolean lodges and authentic wooden tipis. Even spending the night there is an experience. Sleeping facilities with a difference are offered for up to 260 action lovers.
More mountain for your bike
Incredible. Before you know it, you're out of the water riding tall in the saddle. Until just recently an insider's tip, the Imst region is definitely becoming the number 1 destination for a whole host of mountain bike enthusiasts. Among the initiated, the network of trails around Imst, is increasingly being compared favourably with the trails embracing the northern part of Lake Garda. The 117 kilometres of trails are well signposted and feature information about the route, level of difficulty and topographical features. Cyclists will be overwhelmed by a countless number of impressions within a radius of just 15 kilometres. Here, virtually every aspect of the cycling universe begs to be enjoyed and discovered: from mountainous forest paths to flat trails through woods, from the romantic riverside route to the classic Tschirgant circular. With their bicycle pumps and isotonic thirst-quenchers stowed away in their saddle-bags, the really dedicated can manage the 16 signposted routes in just a few days – as well as 7,207 metres of slopes. So it comes as little surprise that Imst was chosen as a stage stop for the adidas Transalp Bike Challenge, a genuinely tough mountain bike race crossing the Alps from north to south.
New: Rent an E-Bike in Imst!
The art of the vertical
Our range of climbing activities completes the compendium of spectacular open-air activities. Imst in particular enjoys a rock-solid reputation as a superlative venue for members of the climbing fraternity. For the model athletes, giddiness is not an option as they meet up at international competitions held regularly in the climbing hall – its 22 metres make it the highest in all Austria. The longest route leads climbers some 30 metres through the pyramid-like structure. During the summer months, it's hard to resist the enticement of open-air tours for every level of competence and proficiency. In keeping with the motto "All you need is magnesium dust", you can progress to grade IX+ on near-vertical rock faces in the real outdoors. A number of different climbing gardens give foot-sure mountaineers a rough but safe idea (thanks to the hooks and ladders!) of the lofty art of vertical elevation. Outdoor climbing wall with 1.312 m² (longest route 28 m)!
The longest alpine roller coaster in the world
The motto of the Alpine Coaster in Imst is: think big and fast! 3.5 kilometers long, packed with power and fun, make it the longest alpine roller coaster in the world. It is spectacular right from the start: at 1,500 meters above sea level coaster "pilots" get ready to take off. A final look over to the Untermarkter Alm, the brake lever pressed down slightly, and it's downhill all the way, namely 500 meters in elevation! However, your pulse rate and spirits are on the rise. It's no wonder on a route like this: bushes and meadows whoosh by on the left and right and you are surrounded by lush green countryside. The tracks of the roller coaster, up to six meters high, wind their way down the mountain.
Why not ask us to send you a copy of the "Outdoor" folder published by the Imst tourist board? It details all of the most important information about organisers and providers of rafting, climbing, canyoning and mountain bike tours!
