The Landwasser Viaduct is a single-track, curved six-arch limestone railway bridge on the Rhaetian Railway's (RhB) Albula line between Filisur and Schmitten in canton Graubünden — 65 m high and 136 m long, sweeping across the Landwasser gorge so that its southern end runs straight into a tunnel. Built in 1901–1902 (engineer Alexander Acatos; the Albula line opened in 1903), its graceful curve and dramatic tunnel exit made it the icon of the UNESCO World Heritage 'Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes,' inscribed in 2008, with around 60 trains — including the Glacier Express — crossing daily. In June 2025 the 'Landwasserwelt' experience area opened at Filisur and a hop-on/hop-off Viaduct Shuttle began running, so in 2026 you can both ride across the bridge and admire it on foot from several viewpoints.
The curved six-arch span crossing the gorge, with the south end plunging directly into the tunnel portal — the structure's signature silhouette
The North viewpoint's bird's-eye angle, the classic spot to photograph a train mid-crossing
Standing directly beneath the three tall piers to feel the 65 m scale from below
The 'Acatus' south viewing platform (named after designer Alexander Acatos) and the Landwasserviadukt-Weg walking trail
Crossing the bridge in the open-air cabrio car of the Viaduct Shuttle, plus the Landwasserwelt experience area opened in 2025
Good to know
SeasonThe Viaduct Shuttle and Landwasserwelt facilities run seasonally — in 2026 the shuttle operates roughly mid-May to late October (daily in high summer, mostly Wed–Sun in spring/autumn). Confirm the latest operating dates and times on rhb.ch before you go; in winter access is on foot only and paths can be snowy or icy.
SafetyThe Landwasserviadukt-Weg viewpoint trail includes narrow, steep, unpaved sections above the gorge, so wear grippy hiking shoes. Keep children behind railings and barriers, and never step onto the tracks or into the tunnel — around 60 trains pass every day.
RulesTo ride across the viaduct you need a valid RhB ticket; the Swiss Travel Pass and regional passes usually cover regular trains, but the Glacier Express requires a separate seat reservation. Shuttle fares (quoted at CHF 3.80 single / CHF 7.00 return) and reservation rules should be checked for the latest details.
MannersThis is a working World Heritage railway, not a photo set — don't stand on or cross the tracks for pictures, and don't fly drones without permission. Filisur and Schmitten are quiet mountain villages, so keep noise down early and late in the day.
SeasonAt over 1,000 m altitude the weather changes fast even in summer. Bring a waterproof jacket, an extra layer and sun protection; light is softest for photos in the morning or late afternoon.
CautionOutright scams are rare in Switzerland, but beware unofficial resellers charging well above face value for 'private tours' or viewpoint tickets. Buy train and shuttle tickets only through official RhB/SBB apps, counters or machines, and carry some cash as ATMs are scarce in this rural area.
Practical info
Filisur station on the Albula line is the hub: from there the Landwasserviadukt-Weg trail (about a 1-hour loop) reaches the south, pier and north viewpoints, or in season you can take the Viaduct Shuttle to the 'Schmitten GR Landwasserviadukt' stop, about a 10-minute walk from a viewpoint. There is no admission to view the bridge from outside; check rhb.ch for the latest train and shuttle fares and Landwasserwelt information.
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