The Coffin Lift in the Dolomites

It has now become well-known far beyond the country's borders through numerous articles and social media posts: the so-called Coffin Lift in the Dolomites. With its quirky design as a gondola for one or two people, it takes you up into the Sassolungo Group.

The valley station is located at the Passo Sella at an altitude of over 2,000 metres. The higher elevations were made accessible from here as early as the 1950s: Back then, it was standing baskets that carried hikers, mountaineers, and other brave souls up to 2,695 metres.

Today, the Toni Demetz Hut there is a popular destination and the surrounding mountain landscape is of great beauty. It is no longer the standing baskets of the past that cover the 400 metres of altitude, but enclosed gondolas. However, since the cabins of the "Forcella Sassolungo" Cable Car still only have room for a maximum of two people, they are reminiscent of upright coffins. A macabre, yet popular and frequently photographed subject. There is a simple reason why the lift harks back to a bygone era: It was actually supposed to be modernised, but this has not yet been approved for environmental reasons. The narrow shape is also intentional.

The cable car has to navigate some narrow passages between the rock faces. You get on while it is in motion, and the staff are on hand to help if needed. The prices, however, are more up to date and are comparable with modern lift systems. The Coffin Lift operates daily from June to September. The Sella Pass can be reached from Selva Gardena in a 15-minute drive.