Border crosser path at the Mendel pass

The ascent with the funicular to the Mendel is already an experience. Opened in 1903, it was a technical masterpiece at the time, being the steepest funicular. In 1983 it was closed due to technical defects, renewed, and reopened in 1988. Over a height difference of 854 meters, it covers 2.37 km, the valley station is located in St. Anton (Kaltern). It is now a public transport means. This ascent facility once naturally led to an increase in excursion traffic. The Mendel already had a renowned reputation as a luxury spa resort; even Empress Sissi stayed there. Since 1887, a road led up. The imposing Grandhotel Penegal on the Mendel pass still reminds of these glory days of tourism, which came to a sudden end because of World War I. It also means that on this hike to Penegal, you mostly move along the border with Trentino, and the rest of the way runs entirely in the neighboring province of Trento.