The Imster Klettersteig is as much a technical challenge as it is a psychological one. Not only does it require confident footwork on exposed terrain, but, given the time constraints tied to the gondola schedule, it also requires solid fitness and endurance to complete it within the 7.5-hour window. If you are looking for a fantastic challenge and a via ferrata route that leads to a summit, the Imster Klettersteig is for you.
Total round-trip distance
8 kilometres / 5miles
Elevation gain
850 meters / 2790 feet
Difficulty
Advanced (D)
Time required
7-8 hours
Overview of the Imster via ferrata
The Imster via ferrata is located in the Lechtal Alps group, above Imst. The route leads to the summit of Maldonkopf (2632 meters / 8635 feet). It was originally established in 1989 and, at the time, was graded as difficulty E. A few years ago, the route was adjusted slightly, and thanks to the upgrades, the difficulty in some sections was reduced to D.
With that said, until today, this is the hardest via ferrata route I have ever done, and to me, it is on par with the Romsdalsstigen Vestvegen via ferrata in Norway. I also found the Imster via ferrata more difficult than the Tajakante Klettesteig in Ehrwald, which is actually graded E.
The map & elevation profile of the Imster Via Ferrata
Important info about the Imster Klettersteig
Thanks to its southern exposition, the Imster via ferrata is usually accessible from June until October. The accessibility corresponds with the Gondola opening times. If you were wondering whether it is possible to skip the gondola, the short answer is yes, but you will have to add considerable distance and elevation gain to an already challenging day. This is only feasible if you stay overnight in the Muttekopf hut.
When to go: Mid-June – First week of October
Via ferrata exposition: South
Trail numbers: 30, 622, 36
Map required: Lechtal Alps Hornbachkette or Imst, Telfs, Kühtai, Mieminger Kette
Highest point: Maldonkopf 2632 meters / 8635 feet
Parking: Hoch Imst
Trailhead: Top of the Alpjoch Gondola
Nearest towns: Imst, Nassereith
Getting there
To get to the trailhead for the Imster Klettersteig, you will first need to take the two-tier gondola. The first section of the gondola to Untermarkter Alm opens much earlier (usually around the end of April or the beginning of May), but the second section to Alpjoch only starts running around mid-June. Check the summer opening times on the official website. You can reach the bottom station by car or public transport.
By bus
The nearest bus stop is called Imst Hochimst. Bus no. 4 stops here, and it takes around 7-10 minutes to reach it from Imst. You can check the bus schedule and buy tickets on the VVT app (Verkehrsverbund Tirol).
By car
There is a huge parking area near the gondola bottom station. It can fill up quickly during the summer and on the weekends, as a lot of tourists come here to ride the Alpine Coaster.
Stages of the Imster via ferrata
Approach:
- Distance: 2.8 km / 1.74 mi
- Elevation gain: 320 m / 1050 ft
- Time required: 1.5 hours
Before you can put your via ferrata set on, you will first have to tackle the 1.5-hour-long approach from the top of the Alpjoch gondola via the Muttekopf hut. The approach first passes the Adler viewing platform and traverses along steep ledges until you reach the hut. From the hut, the path climbs steadily towards the Scharnitzkar basin. There are clear signs pointing hikers toward the Imster Klettersteig.
Via Ferrata:
- Distance: 1.2 km / 0.75 mi
- Elevation gain: 320 m / 1050 ft
- Time required: 2.5 hours
The Imster Klettersteig itself usually takes between 2.5 and 3 hours. The scramble follows steep buttresses and ridges, a sequence of exposed towers and notches, several sustained vertical sections and finally the summit crest of Maldonkopf. There is also a single rope suspension bridge along the route, which is optional and can be skipped by those who are not comfortable crossing it. Whilst my friend decided to skip it, I gave it a go and succeeded. The most challenging section for us was the steep, smooth corner system near the summit ridge, which required considerable arm strength.
Descent:
- Distance: 4 km / 2.5 mi
- Elevation gain: 210 m / 690 ft
- Elevation loss: 640 m / 2100 ft
- Time required: 3 hours
Once at the summit of Maldonkopf, keep your gear on, because the challenge isn’t over yet. The descent on the Imster Klettersteig still involves downclimbing a series of ladders. The terrain remains steep. Once you reach the end of the cables, you will have to face a steep downhill hike on a scree slope. Our legs were covered in a thick layer of dust after we finished this section. Eventually, the path rejoins the ascent route. From the Muttekopf hut, you can once again follow the ledges until the top of the gondola station, or take the longer, but less demanding hiking path to the mid-station. We opted for the first option and made it just in time for the last gondola down.
Overnight stay & dining possibilities
There is just one alpine hut along the entire route – Mutterkopfhütte, which you pass twice. First time around, 30 minutes into the approach, second time, upon return. Given the 7.5-hour window during which the gondola operates, it doesn’t leave much room to sit down and enjoy a meal in the hut, unless you blitz through the route much faster than I did or plan to stay overnight in the hut.
There are some restaurants at the bottom gondola station where you can have a proper meal after you complete the route.
TIP: I highly recommend packing enough food and water to last you for an entire day, so you don’t miss the gondola.
Where to stay nearby
The most obvious choice for a stay if you want to tackle the Imster Klettersteig is Imst, from where the route starts. Another great option is Arzl, at the entrance to the Pitztal Valley. If you stay here, you will also have great access to hiking, via ferrata and bike routes in the Pitztal Valley, Oetztal Valley and Kaunertal Valley. Below are a couple of my recommendations for hotel stays.
Best Value
Pension Weirather (Imst)
Comfortable, apartment-style rooms with balconies, kitchenettes, and a relaxed, home-like atmosphere. With a central yet peaceful setting, free parking, and a hearty breakfast buffet to start the day, it’s a great choice for travellers looking for simple comfort and great value.
Top Rated
Puitalm Apartments and Spa (Arzl)
This hotel offers stylish, alpine-modern apartments set high above the valley at around 1,400 m, combining privacy, space, and panoramic mountain views for a truly elevated summer escape. After a day outside, the 400 m² spa with an infinity pool and panoramic sauna is the perfect place to unwind.
Other activities nearby
Hikes
- Lechtal High Trail (8 days)
- Tschirgant summit
- Müttekopf hut
- Hanauer Hut
Via ferrata
- Leite Klettersteig
- Hanauer Klettersteig
- Tajakante
- Wankspitze
- Geierwand
- Steinsee Klettersteig
