Via Albula/Bernina
Overview
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Distance 12 km
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Duration 3 h 20 min
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Ascent 420 m
Intro
The second section leads to one of the highlights of the Via Albula/Bernina, the impressive Landwasser viaduct. Prior to this it runs alongside the foaming Albula river and then on the «Wasserweg ansaina» to a scenic spot for a souvenir photo of the world-famous RhB Rhaetian Railway viaduct.
Description
This second leg sets off from Tiefencastel at the confluence of the the rivers Albula and Julia. The village is a key transport hub, located at the intersection between the north-south traffic line from Chur to the Julier and Septimer passes and the west-east traffic line from the Schynschlucht gorge to the Albula Pass and through Davos to the Flüela Pass. But you will soon get away from the traffic. After crossing the Albula, you will follow the river’s burbling course uphill. To your left, you will have excellent views of the slope of the Brienz rockslide, where 1.2 million cubic metres of stone broke off in June 2023. Fortunately, the village came away unscathed. However, the mountain is continuing to shift and another rockslide cannot be ruled out.
After another hour, you will reach the little pond at Gravas. With idyllic scenery and a long bench, this is the perfect place to take a rest. A bit further on, you will spot the village of Surava on the opposite side. The route continues along the Albula, shaded for the most part and up a gentle incline. The ants seem to like it here too, with several hills along the way. A short distance uphill from the mouth of the Schaftobelbach stream is the Crap Furò. The rocky pinnacle marks the geographical centre of the Grisons. It’s not far to the beautifully situated golf course, which stretches most of the way to the Landwasser Viaduct at Schmitten. After crossing back over the river, the hiking route leads past the Alvaneu railway station. You will be drawing nearer to the highlight of this leg, towering over the golf course: the Landwasser Viaduct, with its three main pillars already clearly visible. It was built in 1901/1902 and is considered an architectural masterpiece: more specifically, the 136-metre bridge was built without scaffolding and arcs through the wild Landwassertal valley, leading directly through the steep rock face into the 200-metre tunnel. In fifteen minutes’ time, you will be standing beneath the huge viaduct. But wait, what if this isn’t actually the Landwasser Viaduct? The Schmittentobel Viaduct is, in fact, one metre longer than its famous cousin and makes just as imposing an impression. By taking a detour of just under 15 minutes, you can keep walking to the Landwasser Viaduct. After crossing the river Landwasser, you will cover the final 100 metres of elevation until you reach your destination for this leg at the railway station in Filisur.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Tiefencastel
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Filisur
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| Direction |
One way
|
| Altitude (meter above sea level) |
900 m
|
| Ascent |
420 m
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| Descent |
260 m
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| Distance |
12 km
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| Duration |
3 h 20 min
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| Duration back |
3 h 10 min
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| Technical requirements |
Medium
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| Physical requirements |
Medium
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| Season |
May - October
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| Theme |
Along Water
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Quick Facts
Route number
