April 14, 2026, 2:36 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
The Langkofel Group mountain massif in South Tyrol is a dream destination for nature lovers and especially hikers in the Italian Alps. And for those who shy away from climbing, there has been a particularly quirky means of transport to reach the summit for nearly 70 years. Because passengers can only stand in the cabins of the local cable car, it is humorously referred to as the “coffin lift” due to its shape. Despite the lack of comfort, it remains a rather expensive pleasure.
Among hikers and nature enthusiasts in Italy’s South Tyrol, the Langkofel is considered one of the most beautiful peaks in the Alps of our neighboring country. Standing at 3,181 meters, it towers over the Val Gardena as the crown of the Langkofel Group, also known as “Sassolungo” in Italian. Nearby is the equally spectacular mountain formation of the Three Peaks, making the region a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The cable car, which has been bringing guests to the “Sassolungo” for almost 70 years, is a sight in itself. Its cabins have a rather peculiar shape, humorously referred to as the coffin lift.
The wide, spacious gondolas familiar from other resorts are nowhere to be found here. The “cabin” of the Langkofel cable car, the “Forcella Sassolungo,” accommodates a maximum of two guests. They must stand upright throughout the ride in the coffin lift, as there are no seats in this “space marvel.” “Our facility dates back to 1959,” says Igor Marzola, a spokesperson for the “Sassolungo” resort, in response to a TRAVELBOOK inquiry. Back then, the ride was even more adventurous, as guests ascended the mountain in a kind of standing basket. The gondola was also open, leaving passengers exposed to the whims of nature, wind, and weather. In 1971, it was replaced by yellow, enclosed standing gondolas.
Also interesting: The Lorenbahn: Germany’s most charming means of transport
Plans for an Expansion
The cabins in their current design have been in operation since 1992. The adventurous ride on the coffin lift begins at the Sellajoch valley station, known as Passo Sella in Italian. This station is already at an elevation of 2,150 meters. More than 400 meters in altitude are overcome in the cramped conditions of the unique cable car before reaching the Toni Demetz Hut at 2,685 meters. According to Marzola, the special cable car was deliberately built this way because it also navigates very narrow passages during its journey. “Wider cabins would bump into things here, which is why it has remained the same since its maiden voyage.”
Getting into the coffin lift is also an acquired taste, as it does not stop for passengers. Instead, they must board while it is in motion, with the staff of the “Forcella Sassolungo” assisting if needed. According to the Alpenverein Südtirol, there have been plans since the 1980s to replace the rather uncomfortable coffin lift with a larger, more modern facility. However, mountain enthusiasts vehemently oppose this idea. They already complain about an increasing influx of tourists and the resulting “precarious” water shortage at the Toni Demetz Hut.
“Devastating Effects”
The Alpenverein also fears “devastating effects” on the landscape if such a modern facility is built. Concrete plans for this were last seen in 2023, as the South Tyrolean faction criticized in a press release at the time. At that time, there was a specific plan to expand the coffin lift, which included doubling the passenger capacity, more than doubling the height of the concrete supports, and quadrupling the size of the mountain station. Marzola confirms these ambitions, saying only briefly: “But the Greens were against it, so the project is on hold for now.”
Also interesting: Dresden has the world’s oldest suspension railway
A partial victory for the Alpenverein and various environmental groups that protested against the expansion of the coffin lift, calling it “absolutely unacceptable.” What may also leave a sour taste for many guests of the unique gondola are its rather hefty prices. A one-way ride up the mountain standing costs 25 euros, while a round-trip ticket including the return journey is 35 euros. People aged 8 to 18 still have to pay 17.50 euros or 24.50 euros, respectively. Those wishing to bring a dog will be charged an additional five euros. The “Forcella Sassolungo” operates daily between 8:15 a.m. and 5 p.m.