Culture and tradition – the history of the Vigiljoch

When the Etsch valley was not yet passable, the trail led south over the Vigiljoch. Numerous finds and mysterious discoveries such as the cup-marked stones from the Bronze Age indicate this. Stone Age relics suggest that San Vigilio Church, first mentioned in 13th-century documents, is situated above a place of pagan worship. The walls of the nave date back to the early Romanesque period; the choir which is still intact and the bell tower were added later. Well-preserved frescoes from the 14th century, the Twelve Apostles and the Calvary, represent a highlight of the artwork of the time.

The cable car has been ascending smoothly and fast to the Vigiljoch since 1912. Celebrated as a sensation, Lana’s local mountain soon established itself as a tourist destination. This is apparent to this day from the well-preserved, charming holiday villas, which bring excursions closer to the idyllic alpine architecture of yesteryear.

The cable car was renewed in 1952. In 2006, entrepreneur Ulrich Ladurner took it over as the main shareholder and upgraded it. Since 2023, the completely renewed cable car with its new cabin has been carrying up to 40 people to the “Joch” in only six minutes – with accessibility at the valley and mountain station.