To the Cologne Hut with "invisible" mountain station

In June 2021, construction work on the new 10-seater König Laurin gondola lift from the Frommer Alm to the Kölner Hütte was completed. The 1,807-metre-long lift, with an intermediate station, covers 560 metres of elevation in just 6.5 minutes, taking passengers comfortably and protected from the weather directly to the foot of the Rosengarten at an altitude of 2,337 metres and to the Kölner Hütte.

It is the first cable car project by renowned South Tyrolean architect Werner Tscholl, who was responsible for the design of the mountain station. “Due to its sensitive and exposed location, the site chosen for the new mountain station is not suitable for placing a conventional, purely technical cable car structure in the landscape. The mountain station is located directly within the visual setting of the Rosengarten. For this reason, the highest priority was given to integrating the station into its surroundings as unobtrusively as possible,” explains Werner Tscholl, named Italy’s Architect of the Year in 2016.

As a result, the mountain station is not visible as a stand-alone architectural structure.

The only visible elements are the entrance and exit portals through which the gondolas enter and leave the underground station, as well as the access tunnel for hikers and skiers, all integrated into the mountainside. From here, skiers can access the ski slope directly, while hikers can join the existing hiking trails.

An escalator leads directly from the arrival level to the existing Laurins Lounge. Werner Tscholl explains: “The impression of cave entrances is intended to create a connection with the legend of King Laurin: skiers and hikers arrive in King Laurin’s underground palace beneath the Rosengarten.” According to the legend, “Today, the entrances to King Laurin’s enchanted realm are forgotten, its gates have sunk away, their keys are lost, […] but one day everything will be rediscovered and opened up again by children and singers.”

In front of the Laurins Lounge, a terrace following the contours of the building was created, widening into a panoramic viewpoint that incorporates the former chairlift platform.

Expanding mobility connections beneath the Rosengarten

At the same time as the new gondola lift was built, the Tschein chairlift was extended to the Moseralm. “This extension created a new and modern mobility option for the summer season,” explains Florian Eisath, CEO of Carezza Dolomites.

“Our vision is to make the plateau beneath the Rosengarten accessible without a car. Since June 2021, visitors have been able to start in Welschnofen/Nova Levante by gondola and reach Lake Carezza on foot, by bike or using the mountain lifts, before returning to Welschnofen/Nova Levante,” continues Florian Eisath.

From Bolzano to the Rosengarten by public transport and mountain lifts

From the provincial capital Bolzano, the Rosengarten area can be reached using public transport and mountain lifts. Thanks to the investment in the modern lift system, people with reduced mobility can also access the area and enjoy the spectacular panorama of the Rosengarten.

The responsible use of resources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions have been important topics for Carezza Dolomites for many years. Emissions associated with mountain lift operations are regularly calculated, and targeted measures are implemented based on the results. These include the use of electricity sourced 100% from renewable energy sources and HVO fuel for piste grooming.

“Our aim is to continuously develop mobility options in the Rosengarten area and offer guests attractive ways to experience the plateau without using their own car,” emphasises Florian Eisath.

Contact and additional information:
Carezza Dolomites - Karerseestraße 25 - 39056 Welschnofen
carezza.it -  marketing@carezza.it - Tel. +39 0471 614139
@carezzadolomites #mycarezza