Mendel Funicular

The Mendola funicular (Italian Mendola funicular ) is a funicular railway in South Tyrol. It leads from the fraction St. Anton in Kaltern up to the Passo Mendola. Was initially the path of two parts. Because in addition to the present state of the cable car, the communication link from Kaltern station to St. Anton was called Mendelbahn. This part was abandoned in 1963 along with the Überetscher web.

The car climbs today on its approximately 2,370 meters long and 12 minute ride an altitude difference of 854 meters. It begins at an altitude of 510 meters and goes up to 1364 m. The slope range between 57 and 64 percent.

History

On 19 October 1903, the Mendelbahn officially went into operation. Probably the most famous guest of the railway was Emperor Franz Josef, who was in 1905 to the large military maneuvers in the Val di Non valley road. As of 1916, the Mendola funicular was exclusively for military tasks. After the annexation of South Tyrol to Italy, the Austrian guests, especially from the higher circles of society, remained out. This lost the Mendel as a health resort of the "higher circles" increasingly important. It is noteworthy that the train was able to maintain despite the construction of the highway. While the Adhäsionsstrecke 1963 abandoned along with the Überetscher railway, funicular remained in operation. In 1983, a closure of the railway due to serious safety-related defects. Only in 1988 the traffic was resumed with new cable car.

Until 1934 there was the option of switching to the Mendel in the local railway Dermulo -Mendel and drive to Trento.

For the Mendelbahn SAD transport AG is responsible, which in addition to numerous regional bus lines also Vinschgerbahn, the Renon Cable Car and the Rittnerbahn operates.

Modernization

In early 2009 got the Mendelbahn new cars and an intermediate station was opened in August 2009 at half height, so that the walker height Kalterer path can use the railway.

The Mendola funicular in a historic figure on a commemorative stamp worth 65 cents, Release Date: 8 May 2010, paid tribute to the Austrian Post, the original pioneer performance.

Photo Gallery

Mendola funicular, departing from the mountain station

Mendelbahn ( cars before 2009 ), ride down to Kaltern

New cars in January 2009

Big viaduct Mendel cable car in 1900