The Mendola funicular

Running through woods and mountain lands, numerous tunnels and railway bridges, the Mendola funicular leads to the hamlet of St. Anton near Caldaro and further ahead to the Mendola Pass. During the 12 minute trip the funicular climbs up an incline of 854 meters and a gradient of between 57 and 64%. The track is 2370 metre long, thus making this funicular one of the longest and steeper cliff railways in Europe.
It was officially opened on 19 October 1903 after a 14-month long period of non-top construction works. It was the first electrical funicular in Tyrol. From 1916 the funicular was used seldom and mainly for military purposes. This is how Mendola lost its importance as an excellence thermal resort at a height. Due to technical problems in 1933 the funicular was shut for a long interval of time, after which it was opened again in 1988. In 2009 the Mendola funicular was renovated with new cars and an intermediate station that was added halfway in the track. Once on top of the cliff, hikers can enjoy an all round breathtaking view.