When team spirit matters more than speed: the 24H Hiking Challenge in the Outdoorregion Imst

Last updated on 12.03.2026

As the shadows grow longer and a trail of headlamps winds its way up the mountain, the Outdoorregion Imst reveals just how unique a hiking event can be: the 24H Hiking Challenge is deliberately not a race against the clock, but a long-distance hike centred entirely on community, experiencing nature, and mountain camaraderie – with no rankings and no winners’ podium. What matters here is not pace, but setting off together, encouraging one another, and reaching the finish as a team.

What makes it so special is the chance to experience the Outdoorregion Imst in all its moods throughout the day – from the golden evening light to the quiet, focused night, all the way to the emotional high point when a new day begins in the mountains. Free from the pressure of competition, the challenge unfolds as a guided expedition experience, shaped by the group and framed by the mountain world around Imst. Carefully chosen stops create memorable highlights – such as the magic of sunset in Karrösten – while refreshment points, meals, and rest stops at huts and alpine pastures provide energy and bring people together, before the route gradually leads back to Imst step by step.

Two formats, one shared spirit

The 24-hour option is a circular route covering 48 km with 2,874 metres of ascent (highest point: 2,232 m). Both the start and finish are in the centre of Imst, with the walk beginning at 7:30 pm.

For those who would prefer a more compact version of the experience, the 12H Hiking Challenge is the perfect choice: 21 km, 1,590 metres of ascent, highest point 2,300 m, starting at 8:00 am – with the same strong sense of togetherness, only in daylight and into the evening hours.

More experience, less organising: the official Challenge packages

So that valuable energy is not lost on planning and organisation before the event has even begun, there are suitable packages available: a convenient way to combine entry and accommodation, save time, and often make the overall experience more affordable. That leaves the focus exactly where it belongs – on anticipation, moments in nature, and what truly matters: setting off, experiencing it all, and arriving together.

All information about the Challenge can be found at www.imst.at