Created 9-Aug-17
Modified 8-Mar-24
This line was opened in 1900. Like the line to Hall it was originally a steam railway and was administered by the Lokalbahn Innsbruck-Hall in Tyrol (LBIHiT) but required by the City Council to be operated by a separate company known as the Innsbrucker Mittelgebirgsbahn (IMB). The line started at Berg Isel and ran to Igls, weaving its way up through the woods to Ambras, Aldrans and Lans.
Service was suspended for a short period towards the end of World War I due to fuel rationing and again in 1928 due to plummeting receipts due to road competition. The LBIHiT had finally taken over operation in 1927. Improved conditions allowed it to re-open in 1930 and then plans were set in place to electrify the line, which took place in 1936. To work the line three of the LBIHiT trams were modified with more powerful motors and these continued to work this hill line until 1981.
From 1987 to 1997 trams on the 6 were extended from Bergisel over the 1 route to Hungerburgbahn. This required carefully-planned workings as only certain cars had the necessary electrical modifications to work the hilly Igls service. In 1997 the 6 service was again under threat but more publicity led to an increase in passengers and the service survives today.
© David Beilby
