Viamala Gorge
Graubünden
Viamala Gorge, located in the Canton of Graubünden, Switzerland, is a narrow and steep canyon carved by the river Hinterrhein. The gorge is renowned for its impressive rock formations with cliffs reaching up to 300 meters high and ancient glacial and river erosion features such as deep potholes. Historically, it was a critical and challenging passage on the route to the alpine passes of Splügen and San Bernardino, dating back to Roman times when a pathway and wooden bridges were constructed to facilitate transit. Over centuries, the path was improved with stone bridges and tunnels, reflecting its importance as a transit corridor. Today, visitors can explore the gorge via stairways and trails, experiencing both natural grandeur and the remains of historic bridges and pathways. The site also features a visitor center offering guided tours that highlight the gorge’s natural and transit history, making it a compelling destination for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
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Tip: The best time to visit Viamala Gorge is between late March and early November when the gorge is open daily with extended hours in summer. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear due to steep stairways and uneven paths. Tickets can be purchased at the visitor center, with discounts available for groups. Guided tours are offered on Thursdays from mid-July to mid-August and can also be arranged for groups by appointment. Winter visits are not possible as the gorge is closed for safety reasons during November to March. Exploring the surrounding hiking trails between Thusis, Zillis, and Andeer enhances the experience.
Interesting facts
- •The name 'Viamala' means 'bad path' in Romansh, reflecting the gorge's historical difficulty as a transit route.
- •The gorge features rock formations up to 300 meters high, sculpted by glaciers and the Hinterrhein river over millennia.
- •Roman engineers built rock galleries and wooden bridges to traverse the gorge, some of which have been preserved or commemorated by modern structures.
- •The Great Viamala Bridge, a concrete suspension bridge, was designed by renowned Swiss engineer Christian Menn and is a key feature of the modern A13 expressway.
- •The Traversinersteg pedestrian bridge, designed by Jürg Conzett, connects visible remains of the Roman path and was rebuilt after a rockslide in 1999.
- •Famous German film director Werner Herzog filmed scenes in Viamala for his 1976 movie 'Heart of Glass'.
- •The gorge has been a strategic transit point for traders, diplomats, and early tourists traveling to alpine passes for centuries.
History
The Viamala Gorge has been a vital transit route since Roman antiquity, with early paths and wooden bridges facilitating passage.
In 1473, local communities renovated the deteriorating medieval path and constructed the first stone bridge, Punt da Tgiern, enabling heavier loads to cross.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the route was modernized with new bridges and tunnels to accommodate increasing traffic.
The 20th century saw the development of the A13 expressway and the construction of the Great Viamala Bridge, a notable suspension bridge designed by Christian Menn.
These improvements shifted transit away from the gorge itself but preserved its historical significance.
Today, pedestrian bridges like the Traversinersteg connect remnants of ancient paths, allowing visitors to explore the gorge’s rich history and natural beauty.
Place Guide
Visitor Center
Located in the heart of the gorge, the visitor center provides information about the natural and historical significance of Viamala. It hosts exhibitions and offers guided tours that recount the transit history and geological formation of the gorge.
Stairway to the Gorge
A staircase of 359 steps descends into the gorge center, allowing visitors close-up views of ancient potholes and the towering rock walls.
Historic Bridges1936
Several bridges, including the Premoli footbridge and the Great Viamala Bridge, showcase the engineering evolution from medieval stone bridges to modern suspension designs.
Contact
Phone: 081 650 90 30
