In the twelve minutes of the journey trains rise 854 metres (2,802 ft).
The whole track is located in a rocky region sometimes covered by a forest, and this needs many bridges and tunnels.
The funicular was planned by Emil Strub as part of a link to connect Bolzano with the Mendel Pass, by linking to the St. Anton terminus of the Überetsch Railway.
In 1903 Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria opened the line itself after nearly one year of construction.
the line is still working, and often used by tourists to reach the Mendel Pass.