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Landwasser Viaduct

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Landwasser Viaduct (Switzerland)

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The Landwasser Viaduct is a world-famous railway bridge of the Rhaetian Railway near Filisur in the Canton of Graubünden and is considered a masterpiece of engineering. The viaduct was built between 1901 and 1902 as part of the Albula Railway's construction and is distinguished by its spectacular curved design with a radius of 100 meters. The bridge spans the Landwasser River at a height of 65 meters and leads directly into the adjacent Landwasser Tunnel, with its pillars masonry-built directly from the rock without conventional scaffolding. As part of the Albula and Bernina lines, the viaduct has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008 and is one of the most photographed motifs in the Swiss Alps. Its total length is 136 meters, distributed over six limestone arches with a span of 20 meters each. The structure illustrates the harmonious integration of technical infrastructure into the demanding high-mountain landscape and is a central part of the Glacier Express route network.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-10-9-50510111173-3-8
Rain mm6455739814214814316611011412277

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Landwasser Viaduct is an active railway bridge - you cannot walk on it but can admire it from designated viewpoints. The best view is from the hiking trail near the structure, capturing the arch and tunnel exit perfectly.
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Typical hours
As it is an active railway bridge, there are no visiting hours; trains pass regularly. The surrounding area is accessible at all times, but for photo opportunities, check the Rhaetian Railway schedule.
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Photography
Excellent photo opportunities are from the adjacent hiking trail and viewing platform. Capture the iconic curve as the train emerges from the tunnel onto the viaduct - an unforgettable shot.
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Time needed
Plan about 30-45 minutes to view the viaduct from different angles and take photos. Combine with a hike along the Landwasser River or a ride on the Rhaetian Railway.
Combine with
Combine with a scenic ride on the Rhaetian Railway from Filisur to St. Moritz or a visit to the nearby Albula Tunnel. The village of Filisur itself features traditional Swiss charm.
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Getting there
The viaduct is a short walk from Filisur railway station; follow the signposted path to the viewing point. Parking is available near the station.
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Insider tip
Arrive in the afternoon for the best light on the red trains against the green landscape. Check the Rhaetian Railway timetable in advance to see a train crossing the viaduct.

Geography

Coordinates
46.67660, 9.66750

Facts

  • The viaduct was built in just 18 months between 1901 and 1902.
  • The pillars were masonry-built without scaffolding using two gantry cranes.
  • The bridge has a total height of 65 meters above the riverbed.
  • Since 2008, the structure has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage 'Rhaetian Railway'.
  • The curve radius of the railway bridge is exactly 100 meters.
  • Around 60 trains, including the Glacier Express, cross the viaduct daily.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Landwasser Viaduct (7)

Ruine Greifenstein🏰 castle

The ruins of a medieval rock castle overlooking Filisur in the Swiss canton of Graubünden.

Small Railway Museum Filisur🏛 museum

A small museum in Filisur dedicated to the history and operations of the Rhaetian Railway.

Bot digl Uors📍 landmark

A mountain peak near the Landwasser Viaduct, contributing to the region's alpine scenery.

Landwasserviadukt - Aussichtsplattform Nord (Hennings)🌿 nature

A northern observation platform offering a classic view of the famous Landwasser Viaduct.

Landwasserviadukt - Aussichtsplattform Süd (Acatos)🌿 nature

A southern viewpoint providing an alternative perspective of the impressive Landwasser Viaduct.

Gartenbahn📍 landmark

A miniature garden railway attraction located in the vicinity of the Landwasser Viaduct.

Aussichtspunkt Wiesner Viadukt Süd🌿 nature

A viewpoint south of the Wiesner Viaduct offering vistas of the railway line and the valley.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to the Landwasser Viaduct viewpoint?
On foot in about 20 minutes from Filisur station via a marked path.
When does a train cross the viaduct?
Regional trains and the famous Glacier Express cross hourly.
Is the viaduct a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Yes, as part of the Albula line of the Rhaetian Railway.
How high is the bridge?
The viaduct is 65 meters high and leads directly into a tunnel.
Is there parking nearby?
There is parking at the edge of the forest near Filisur or at the station.
Landwasser Viaduct: where is it located?
Landwasser Viaduct is located in Switzerland.
Landwasser Viaduct: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ruine Greifenstein, Small Railway Museum Filisur, Bot digl Uors.
Landwasser Viaduct: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Landwasser Viaduct: why is it worth visiting?
The Landwasser Viaduct is a world-famous railway bridge of the Rhaetian Railway near Filisur in the Canton of Graubünden and is considered a masterpiece of engineering.
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