The landmark of Graubünden

Discover the Landwasser Viaduct from a new perspective.

The Landwasser Viaduct is 65 metres high and 142 metres long. It spans the Landwasser Valley in a sweeping curve and leads straight into the rock face. Five limestone pillars support six semicircular arches, each with a span of 20 metres. As part of the Albula Line, the viaduct is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the most photographed motif on the Rhaetian Railway network.

Impressive engineering:

The Landwasser Viaduct was built between 1901 and 1902 in just 17 months. Engineer Alexander Acatos, after whom one of the viewing platforms is now named, was responsible for the construction. Around 9,200 cubic metres of masonry were used, mainly limestone dolomite from the Landwasser Valley. The construction method used at the time is particularly noteworthy: the three main pillars were built without external scaffolding. Instead, iron frameworks were walled into the pillars and raised along with them during construction.

By train across the landmark:

Enjoy a special perspective of the Landwasser Viaduct straight from the train. The viaduct guides the railway line through a wide bend and straight into the Landwasser Tunnel in the rock face. From the train, you can see how closely the railway line, bridge, rock face and landscape are coordinated with each other.

Two further views of the viaduct:

Anyone wishing to see the structure in its entirety will find various viewpoints around the viaduct. The Acatos viewing platform is around 25 minutes’ walk from Filisur station. On the opposite side is the Hennings viewing platform, a five-minute walk from the Schmitten GR Landwasser Viaduct stop. From both locations, you can photograph the viaduct and the passing trains from different angles.

Straight to the foot of the viaduct:

The Landwasser Express takes you straight from Filisur station to the vantage point. There, you will experience the sheer scale of the Landwasser Viaduct at close quarters. Watch and photograph the trains as they pass by from the mighty pillars. An information kiosk, seating and a barbecue spot invite you to linger.

To the landmark in an open carriage:

A seat in the open carriage makes the trip on the viaduct shuttle a very special experience. The train runs regularly between Filisur and Alvaneu, and stops at the Schmitten GR Landwasser Viaduct stop. From there, it’s just a five-minute walk to the Hennings viewing platform. The trip can also be combined with a walk or hike around the viaduct. This is how you can discover the landmark of the Swiss canton of Graubünden by train and on foot.