A unique narrow-gauge railway is situated on the Ritten plateau. It opened in 1907 and, at that time, ran directly from Waltherplatz in Bolzano up to Ritten. For the first time, locals and visitors were able to reach the plateau, situated 1,000 metres higher, with the aid of a rack-and-pinion system. This link between the mountainous region and the city of Bolzano has survived despite two world wars and the associated economic crises. By 1966, the Renon Railway was no longer fit for purpose and the rack-and-pinion line from Bolzano to Oberbozen was replaced by a cable car, but the Renon Railway on the high plateau, with its historic railcars, was preserved. The first cable car was replaced in 2009 by a modern, accessible three-cable gondola lift, which provides a service from the provincial capital of Bolzano to the Renon plateau every 4 minutes. 

South Tyrol’s only narrow-gauge railway, the “Bahndl”, continues to provide a sustainable and efficient link between the villages of Maria Himmelfahrt, Oberbozen, Wolfsgruben, Lichtenstern and Klobenstein. With stunning views of the Dolomites, locals and visitors alike can travel car-free all year round from the various stations on the Ritten to the mountain station of the accessible Ritten Cable Car. 

The Ritten narrow-gauge railway operates all year round and is an important means of public transport for commuters and locals. Travel is permitted with Mobilcards, Museumobilcards and South Tyrolean Guest Cards. Journey time: 18 minutes.

The Oberbozen, Klobenstein and Maria Himmelfahrt stations are equipped with a lift, which allows passengers with walking difficulties to board without barriers.