The Hochzirl Funicular At Hochzirl This small funicular started life in 1917 carrying materials for the construction of a military nursing home above Hochzirl on the Mittenwald line. It ran at an angle up the mountainside from a point near the western end of Hochzirl station, where it was accessed by a short siding off the main running loop. The funicular was 260 metres long, rising a vertical distance of 100 metres, and was built as a three rail track with a passing loop at the halfway point. There were two small goods wagons hauled by cable, with the winding gear in a wooden building at the top. After the end of the First World War the authorities built a hospital on the site of the uncompleted nursing home, with access via the funicular which was converted for passenger use. A station and reception building was erected at the lower end and signalling and telephone lines were installed. The left hand wagon was converted to a passenger car while the other wagon continued to be used for goods only. The hospital was opened in 1924 and the funicular served it continuously from 1925 until the 1960s, when the road to the hospital was built. Then the funicular was replaced with a bus service and the lower station building was demolished. Traces of the line have persisted although over time most of the installations have been removed.

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Text originated by Mike Christenson & Allan Richardson
updated 3rd December 2006
Design and © Ron Ferguson