In this article, we talk about the best spots to view the Landwasser Viaduct and how to reach them.
The Landwasser Viaduct is a well-known landmark in Graubünden and one of the most photogenic spots. This impressive viaduct spans 136 meters in length and 65 meters in height. With a consistent distance of 20 meters between its curved arches, it is an architectural marvel. The Landwasser Viaduct is the biggest and most amazing bridge on the RhB, and it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
Overview: Landwasser Viaduct
With a railway network that spans thousands of kilometers and majestic mountains, it should come as no surprise that a combination of these two will be a top tourist and local attraction in Switzerland. There are a number of breathtaking train journeys to enjoy in Graubünden, particularly in the charming village of Filisur. It’s here that the Albula and Bernina Railway line runs, and with it, one of the highlights of the trip – the Landwasser Viaduct.
The Landwasser Viaduct is a spectacular railway bridge located in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. Spanning 65 meters in height and 136 meters in length, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in the region.
The most impressive element of the viaduct is its curved section that seamlessly blends with the natural landscape, which allows the train to cross the Valley and Landwasser River at an angle of 45 degrees. The viaduct has six arches, each with a span of 20 meters. It’s this intricate stonework and engineering prowess that makes it a fascinating sight for both train enthusiasts and admirers of architectural beauty.
Landwasser Viaduct Construction
Designed by Alexander Acatos, a Swiss-Greek Engineer, the Landwasser Viaduct is renowned for its stunning architecture and engineering.
The viaduct was built between March 1901 and October 1902. Built with limestone blocks and concrete, Landwasser Viaduct also features six arches that support the railway tracks.
Three Best Landwasser Viaduct Viewpoints
There are three main viewpoints from where you can view the Landwasser Viaduct, and these are in my opinion, the best photo spots as well. Photographers and tourists alike enjoy capturing the beauty of the landscape at the viaduct.
The three best viewpoints for Landwasser Viaduct are:
- Landwasser Viaduct South Viewpoint (Filisur)
- Landwasser Viaduct Viewpoint Below (Filisur)
- Landwasser Viaduct North Viewpoint (Schmitten)
You can reach all three Landwasser Viaduct Viewpoints from the village of Filisur, a charming village where the Landwasser River from Davos and Albula River from the Albula Pass meet.
1. How to Get to Landwasser Viaduct South Viewpoint (Filisur)
The southern viewpoint is the closest and most convenient to reach if you come from Filisur train station. You will follow a road, then a wide natural path into a small forest. Just follow the hiking trail path without doing any detours and you will find yourself on the south viewing platform.
Here’s how to get from Filisur Train Station to the Landwasser Viaduct South Viewpoint (Filisur):
- Go to Filisur Train Station.
- From the Filisur Train Station, turn right. There will be hiking trail signs showing Landwasser Viadukt.
- Walk along the trail until you see the sign which says Aussichtsplattform Landwasserviadukt Filisur.
From Filisur Train Station, you can get to the Landwasser Viaduct South Viewpoint (Filisur) in 25 to 30 minutes.
2. How to Get to Landwasser Viaduct Viewpoint Below (Filisur)
The lower viewpoint is the second closest to reach if you come from the train station. You will follow a road, then a wide natural path into a small forest. Once you see the hiking trail signs pointing to the lower viewpoint, you can take the staircase going down and follow the path leading there.
The Landwasser Express Train from Filisur can also take you to this viewpoint. Additionally, if you are driving, it is only 15 minutes from the parking lot.
Here’s how to get from Filisur Train Station to the Landwasser Viaduct Viewpoint Below:
- Go to Filisur Train Station.
- From the Filisur Train Station, turn right. There will be hiking trail signs showing Landwasser Viadukt.
- Walk along the trail until you see the sign which says Viaduktplatz Landwasserviadukt.
From Filisur Train Station, you can get to the Landwasser Viaduct Viewpoint Below in 45 to 50 minutes.
3. How to Get to Landwasser Viaduct North Viewpoint (Schmitten)
The northern viewpoint is the furthest to reach from the train station. You will follow a road, then a wide natural path into a small forest. You will have to follow the signs to the viewpoint in Schmitten.
Although this is the furthest and most difficult platform to reach, it will give you a fantastic view of the train as it comes out of the tunnel. If you come by car, this viewing platform is only 25 minutes on foot.
Here’s how to get from Filisur Train Station to the Landwasser Viaduct North Viewpoint (Schmitten):
- Go to Filisur Train Station.
- From the Filisur Train Station, turn right. There will be hiking trail signs showing Landwasser Viadukt.
- Walk along the trail until you see the sign which says Aussichtsplattform Landwasserviadukt Schmitten.
From Filisur Train Station, you can get to the Landwasser Viaduct North Viewpoint (Filisur) in 50 to 60 minutes.
Final Thoughts: Best Landwasser Viaduct Viewpoints
The Landwasser Viaduct is a fascinating architectural marvel located in Switzerland. This impressive structure is renowned for its breathtaking design and picturesque surroundings. Standing tall at a height of 65 meters, the viaduct spans across the Landwasser River and attracts visitors from around the world.
To truly appreciate the Landwasser Viaduct, there are three viewpoints that offer exceptional vantage points. Two viewpoints are located on raised platforms overlooking the viaduct; one on the north and one on the south. Seeing the Landwasser Viaduct from below allows you to understand how high it is and how high it is.
My Recommendation: Best Landwasser Viaduct Viewpoint
In order to gain the full experience, I recommend seeing Landwasser Viaduct from the top (either the north or south platform) as well as below.
The top view can be enjoyed by embarking on a hike to one of the two Landwasser Viaduct Observation Decks, where the viaduct appears majestic and the surrounding landscape stretches as far as the eye can see. On the other hand, observing the viaduct from the bottom allows visitors to witness the immense scale of the structure and feel the rumble as the trains pass overhead. Both perspectives provide a unique understanding of the viaduct’s engineering marvel and its integration within the natural landscape.
In conclusion, the Landwasser Viaduct is a fascinating sight that captivates visitors with its remarkable design and scenic beauty. With its three best viewpoints and the option to combine a view from the top and bottom, visitors can truly witness this architectural gem and take wonderful photos of the trains passing along the way.
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Darla Uhl is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country.
Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.