From the annual "sheep drive" to Starkenberg Castle, the mining museum and the traditional carnival celebrations, Tarrenz in the Gurgltal Valley is a traditional municipality full of highlights throughout the year.
Tarrenz is a municipality north of Imst where centuries-old customs and traditions are still proudly celebrated. As with many other communities in the Gurgltal Valley, Tarrenz’s 2,700 residents come together several times a year for colourful processions and parades through the heart of this old Rhaetian village. Highlights include the annual “Gassenfest” village festival, the “Hexentreiben” held every four years as part of the carnival celebrations, and the “Schafschied”, the largest ceremonial sheep drive in the Gurgltal Valley, which sees sheep which have been grazing on the high pastures during the summer months brought back down into the valley ready for winter. In the 12th century, the Starkenberger knights built a fortress whose ruins today stand on a rocky outcrop near the mighty Salvesenschlucht gorge. Indeed, the name Starkenberger is still well known throughout the region, albeit for a different reason: it is the name of a popular beer brewed in Starkenberg Castle. Guided tours of the brewery and its beer swimming pool (!) are available. Other attractions include the “Knappenwelt”, a mining museum showcasing the work and everyday life of miners working underground in the 16th century. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the many hiking routes and rock climbing pitches in the surrounding mountains, while in winter it is just a short drive to the Hoch-Imst ski resort.
Tarrenz is a municipality north of Imst where centuries-old customs and traditions are still proudly celebrated. As with many other communities in the…
