In the mid-1880s, pioneering individuals in Bolzano conceived the initial plans to construct a steam cogwheel railway up the Ritten plateau, taking inspiration from the Schafberg Railway in Salzkammergut, Austria. It was not until two decades later, however, that detailed planning commenced to create an electrically operated cog railway that would go from Bolzano to Klobenstein via Oberbozen. Following a mere 14-month construction period for the challenging 11.8-kilometre line, the inaugural Art Nouveau railcar, brimming with dignitaries, embarked upon its maiden journey on 13 August 1907. This pivotal moment signified the beginning of a golden era for Ritten, the residents of Bolzano, and the many visitors from all over the world.

The ground-breaking mountain railway, which employed a combination of adhesion and cogwheel technologies (the Strub system), was met with enthusiastic approval. Beginning its route at the Piazza Walther, it operated as a tram to the Ritten Station (0.9km), where freight wagons were attached, and a cogwheel locomotive pushed the train from an elevation of 265 metres above sea level to Maria Himmelfahrt at 1,176 metres, traversing a 4.9-kilometre-long steep section with an almost continuous 25.5 per cent gradient.

At this juncture, the locomotive was decoupled, and the train continued its journey through Oberbozen (1,220m) and Lichtenstern (1,251m), ultimately ending its route in Klobenstein (1,190m). The first “seven years of prosperity” were followed by difficult times – the devastation of World War I, the division of Tyrol, the rise of fascism and World War II – yet the railway survived the turmoil of the times. Over its 59-year operational lifespan, the narrow-gauge railway, with a 1-metre gauge and a direct voltage of 750V, served as Ritten’s vital transport artery, handling both passenger and freight transport. However, in the late 1950s, engineers began developing plans for a cable car, and the project’s groundbreaking ceremony took place in August 1964. On 13 July 1966, the venerable cogwheel locomotives made their last ascent up Bolzano’s local mountain; the next day, the cable car took over operations – offering connections to trains in Oberbozen.