Escape the bustle of the town with the Colle Cable Car, the world’s first aerial tramway
Image gallery: Colle di Bolzano
Colle, once, like Rencio, part of the Dodiciville rural municipality, is now the highest-altitude settlement area of Bolzano. If you want a brief escape from the town's hustle and bustle, you'll find peace and relaxation in this mountain village with its lush meadows. While the Renon Cable Car ascends to the Renon plateau, the Colle Cable Car whisks you up to lofty heights on the other side of the valley basin. Alternatively, as on the Renon plateau, you can also use a mountain road.
The Colle Cable Car is quite special: When it opened in 1908, it was the world's first aerial tramway. After nearly a century of service, it was modernised and now overcomes the almost 1,000-metre difference in altitude in just a few minutes. Once at the top, you'll find yourself in the heart of the Colle landscape conservation area, which is divided into the districts of Colle di Villa and Colle dei Signori. The surrounding forests and meadows are popular for hiking, and here and there, you'll discover old villas and an idyllic little church.
The heat of the valley basin gives way to a pleasant freshness. The wooden observation tower, once characteristic of Colle di Bolzano (Kohlern bei Bozen) and offering extensive views as far as the Sarentino Alps, was demolished. Beyond the village, the slopes rise towards the Monte Pozza, the highest point of the Colle mountain and also the highest point in the municipal area.
At the summit, a viewing platform and the so-called "Weihbrunnenstoan" await you. This hollowed-out rock always holds water despite no apparent source. Other paths, suitable for walking or cycling, lead to the historic Bad St. Isidor Inn or, via Flavon Castle, all the way to La Costa.
