Landwasser Viaduct
A breathtaking 65m-high, six-arched railway viaduct leading straight into a mountain tunnel. A UNESCO World Heritage marvel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Landwasser Viaduct
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking 65m-high, six-arched railway viaduct leading straight into a mountain tunnel. A UNESCO World Heritage marvel.
"An amazing example of engineering. Built by the only power (and hard work) of people!"
📸 Best Photo Spots
Head to the northern lookout for iconic shots; the southern lookout offers a different perspective.
🚶 Hike to the Viaduct
Disembark at Filisur and hike to a viewpoint for the best train-watching and photo opportunities.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Train Crossing
From Filisur viewpoints
Witness the majestic trains, like the Glacier or Bernina Express, gracefully traverse this architectural masterpiece.
Engineering Marvel
Base of the viaduct
Marvel at this 65m-high, six-arched railway bridge, a testament to human ingenuity and hard work.
Panoramic Alpine Scenery
Surrounding Filisur
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps framing the impressive viaduct.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Experiencing the Viaduct Up Close
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Best Photo Spots
Head to the northern lookout for iconic shots; the southern lookout offers a different perspective.
🚶 Hike to the Viaduct
Disembark at Filisur and hike to a viewpoint for the best train-watching and photo opportunities.
🚆 Train Experience
Riding the Glacier or Bernina Express offers a quick glimpse, but getting off provides a fuller appreciation.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to hike to the viewpoints around Filisur.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Best Photo Spots
Head to the northern lookout for iconic shots; the southern lookout offers a different perspective.
🚶 Hike to the Viaduct
Disembark at Filisur and hike to a viewpoint for the best train-watching and photo opportunities.
🚆 Train Experience
Riding the Glacier or Bernina Express offers a quick glimpse, but getting off provides a fuller appreciation.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to hike to the viewpoints around Filisur.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the Landwasser Viaduct's breathtaking engineering and stunning Alpine setting. While the train journey offers a quick glimpse, many recommend disembarking at Filisur for a more immersive experience with hiking to viewpoints. Some find the train passage too brief to fully appreciate its grandeur.
"Really cool place but I think its better to get down in Filsur and hinking there to have a view of the train passing by than passing by on the train as it is really fast and you don’t get to fully appreciate it."
Agustin Climent
"From the train, it goes by very fast and can get a glimpse for a brief time.
Best to see the trains pass over it from the Road."
Manesh Modi
"It's a must photograph shooting for the attraction"
Eddie Ng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Landwasser Viaduct is accessible via the Albula line of the Rhaetian Railway. You can take trains like the Glacier Express or Bernina Express, which pass over it. For a closer look, disembark at Filisur station and hike to a viewpoint.
Yes, public transport is a great option. Take a train to Filisur. From there, it's about a kilometer's walk to a nearby bus stop, and then a further walk to the viaduct itself.
Many visitors find it best to get off at Filisur and hike to a viewpoint to see trains pass by, rather than just glimpsing it from the train.
While direct parking at the viaduct is limited, parking is available in Filisur. From there, you can walk or take local transport towards the viewpoints.
From Zurich, it's a scenic journey involving train changes, typically taking around 3-4 hours to reach Filisur.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't need a specific ticket to view the viaduct from the outside. However, if you plan to ride the trains that cross it, like the Glacier Express or Bernina Express, you will need a valid train ticket.
The viewpoints around the Landwasser Viaduct are generally accessible without an entrance fee, allowing for free public access to admire the structure.
Trains on the Albula line, including the Glacier and Bernina Express, operate frequently throughout the day. It's best to check the Rhaetian Railway schedule for specific timings.
Yes, you can typically purchase train tickets on the day of travel, but booking in advance is recommended, especially for popular scenic routes like the Glacier and Bernina Express, to secure your seat.
The viaduct itself is a permanent structure. While accessible year-round, winter conditions might affect hiking trails and train schedules.
📸 📸 Photography
Daytime offers the best natural light for capturing the viaduct and passing trains. Early morning or late afternoon can provide dramatic lighting.
The northern lookout is famous for iconic shots, while the southern lookout provides a different, equally stunning perspective.
Yes, you can take photos from the train, but the viaduct passes by quickly. Some trains have open windows or panoramic carriages for better photo opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the viaduct, while a telephoto lens can be useful for photographing trains as they cross.
Drone usage is generally restricted in many scenic areas in Switzerland, especially near railway infrastructure. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Besides admiring the viaduct, you can hike in the surrounding Alps, explore the village of Filisur, or enjoy the scenic train journey.
If you're just passing by on the train, it's a few minutes. If you disembark at Filisur to hike and wait for trains, allocate at least 2-3 hours.
The train journey itself is accessible. However, hiking to the viewpoints from Filisur may involve uneven terrain and inclines, which could be challenging for those with mobility issues.
It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a remarkable feat of engineering, seamlessly integrated into the dramatic Alpine landscape.
No, the Landwasser Viaduct is a functional railway bridge and is not accessible for pedestrian traffic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families who enjoy a bit of exploration, disembarking at Filisur and taking a short, manageable hike to a viewpoint can be a fun activity. Pack snacks and water, and ensure children wear comfortable shoes. The dramatic scale of the viaduct and the sight of the trains are often a big hit with younger travelers.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Timing is crucial for the best light. Consider visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for dramatic shadows and warm hues. Patience is key; waiting for the Glacier Express or Bernina Express to cross can yield spectacular results. Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the viaduct's scale, while telephoto lenses can isolate trains against the stunning Alpine backdrop.
🚆 Scenic Train Travelers
While the train journey provides a quick view, consider breaking your journey at Filisur. This allows you to experience the viaduct from ground level, perhaps enjoying a picnic with a view, and then rejoining your train or catching a later one. This offers a more profound appreciation of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of the Landwasser Viaduct
Constructed primarily by human labor and ingenuity, the viaduct was built using local stone. Its design was revolutionary for its time, allowing trains to transition directly from the bridge to the tunnel without a significant change in gradient. This innovative approach was essential for navigating the challenging Alpine terrain. The sheer scale and precision of its construction, without the aid of modern heavy machinery, are a testament to the skill of its builders.
Today, the Landwasser Viaduct remains an active and vital part of the Swiss railway system. It's a highlight for tourists, particularly those traveling on the scenic Glacier Express and Bernina Express. The viaduct's iconic status is cemented by its frequent appearance in travel media and its recognition as a symbol of Swiss engineering prowess.
Experiencing the Landwasser Viaduct: Train vs. Hike
A more immersive and recommended approach, according to many travelers and online discussions, is to disembark at the nearby village of Filisur. From Filisur, a hike to designated viewpoints provides a much better vantage point. This allows you to witness trains crossing at a more leisurely pace, capture stunning photographs, and truly absorb the grandeur of the structure against the Alpine backdrop.
These viewpoints offer different perspectives, with the northern lookout being particularly famous for iconic shots. The hike itself is often described as rewarding, offering beautiful scenery and a sense of accomplishment.
+1 For those prioritizing photography and a deeper connection with the site, the hiking option is highly favored. 
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