Snøhetta Designs a Striking Cable Car for Bolzano, Italy

Nestled in the mountains of Northern Italy, the town of Bolzano has long drawn visitors for the scenic views of the Dolomites and Salto forests from the city’s cable cars. And soon the steep Virgolo/Virgl mountain will be accessible for the first time since the town's historic funicular closed in 1976 via a spectacular cable car system designed by Snøhetta. The firm’s concept, which won an international competition, is anchored by two ringlike stations; travel time between them is just one minute and 11 seconds.

The base station is located on the River Eisack, minutes from the historic town center, and will feature a landscape design meant to bring nature into the city. At the top, visitors can enjoy the views from the station, which includes a restaurant, a café, an infinity pool, and meeting rooms, or explore the surroundings. A flexible outdoor area, known as Mountain Square, will host events such as open-air markets and concerts. The transit system is expected to be completed in 2018, 110 years after the first passenger cable car in the world was launched in Bolzano. Snøhetta’s fitting design will truly bring the city full circle.