Tschintschhof, Jenesien

A South Tyrolean “Marende”, afternoon snack without Speck? Impossible. But how is it actually made, the spicy, red and white delicacy that is documented in South Tyrol as early as the 18th century, and what is important in its production? Franz Innerhofer from the Obertimpfler farm in Vöran knows how to make it.

Until the early 1980s, when the road from Meran to Hafling was finally built, the plateau below the Ifinger could only be reached by cable car, which between 1923 and 1984 carried locals and visitors from Obermais to St. Kathrein. Luis Reiterer, who was mayor of Hafling from 1974 until 1980 takes a look back.

Exactly 100 years ago - in October 1923 - the Meran/Obermais - Hafling/St. Kathrein cable car was put into operation. In its 61 years of operation, it has achieved more than it seems at first glance. Although there is little to remind us of the installation today, the construction of this cable car was a pioneering technical achievement. Three quarters of all cable cars in the world today still use this principle, which was first applied here by engineer Luis Zuegg. For the village of Hafling, the new, fast connection to the valley brought an economic upswing and the initial spark for tourism.