The Schemenlaufen carnival is one of the most colourful carnival traditions in the Alps. Central to the spectacle are the so-called Roller (jumpers) and Scheller (ringers). While a Roller is keen to demonstrate his elegance and jumping ability, the Scheller has to get his instruments (hand-made cow bells attached to his hips which weigh up to 35 kg) to produce a perfect sound. The parade orderlies (known as the Sackner, Spritzer and Kübelemajen) smooth a path for the main two protagonists through the crowd – you’d be wise to keep
Imster Schemenlaufen
Intangible Cultural Heritage
An Ancient Tradition
The next Imster Schemenlaufen will take place on 04.02.2024!
out of their way! The grand finale to the morning parade and the actual procession after the 12 o’clock chimes culminates in the impressive spectacle of late afternoon. All of the masked participants assemble on the town square to form the ‘concluding circle’. Bang on 6 pm – just in time for vespers – they take off their masks for the very last time. It’s an emotional moment for Imst’s residents because they know it will be a few years before they can enjoy such a colourful carnival display again.
Schemenlaufen in Imst
The Imst carnival has been declared Austria's first 'intangible cultural heritage' by UNESCO.
Since when has Fasnacht existed in Imst? No one can give a reliable answer to this question. The oldest known documents, referring to Fasnacht, date back to 1597 and 1610. It can be assumed however, that the tradition reaches back much further. Was it a Germanic rite? Was it pagan? One does not know. See for yourself and get an idea of this unique custom.
Programme Imster Schemenlaufen
Programme:
09:30 Start of the parade at Stadtplatz
12:00 Start of the procession at the Parish Church
14:30 Break at Johannesplatz
17:00 Start of the final circle at StadtplatzFree travel with the VVT event ticket from all over Tyrol!
Book your ticket...Travel by public transport:
Imst train station - Imst centre: between 8:43 and 19:30 ÖBB REX- and Railjet-trains are connected. Departure in direction of the train station 15 minutes before train departure. Find all connections and schedules on the VVT app and on the website www.vvt.at.Free bus ride to Imst and back:
Line 4204 (Imst – Arzl – Wenns)
Line 4206 (Nassereith – Imst – Mils – Schönwies)
Line 4194/8352 (Imst – Karres – Roppen – Oetz)Visit the Imster Fasnachtshaus.
At our Imst information office, you can purchase advance tickets for € 9.00!
![Site plan Imster Schemenlaufen 2024 [PDF]](http://www.imst.at/fileadmin/user_upload/Lageplan_2024.jpg){kind=link}
More culture in the Imst Outdoor Region