Rittner Bahn - Ferrovia del Renon
The Ferrovia del Renon is a narrow-gauge railway in South Tyrol that runs on a 1-meter-wide track between the city of Bolzano and the mountain villages on the Ritten plateau. The line stretches roughly 12 kilometers and stops at several villages including Soprabolzano, Stella, and Collalbo.
The railway opened in 1907 and was one of Italy's early electric railways. The original line was longer and used a rack-and-pinion system for steep sections until 1966, when a cable car system replaced the lower stretch of track.
The name Renon refers to the plateau that the train crosses through the mountains. For residents and visitors, riding the train represents a cherished way to connect the lowland city with the highland villages in a slow and deliberate manner.
You can reach the train by taking the cable car from Bolzano up to Soprabolzano, where the train journey begins. Each stop gives easy access to hiking trails, museums, and traditional alpine farmhouses, making it simple to combine the train ride with other activities.
The train is notable for using a rack-and-pinion system to climb steep mountain slopes while maintaining a steady, gentle pace. This technical feature allows the journey to remain comfortable and safe even on the steepest sections of track.
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