Chemin de la Grandfey Suspension Bridge
Freiburg
The Grandfey Viaduct is one of Switzerland's largest and most historically significant railway bridges, located near Freiburg. Originally constructed between 1857 and 1862, the bridge spans 343 meters and rises 82 meters above the Saane valley. It was designed as a two-track iron lattice bridge resting on massive stone piers, notable for incorporating a pedestrian and light traffic passage within its structure. This engineering marvel was the first to apply the innovative cantilever method by engineer Ferdinand Mathieu, facilitating the construction of its iron pillars. Due to increasing train weights, the bridge was modified in 1892 to a single track and later reinforced from 1925 to 1927 with concrete arches designed under the consultation of renowned engineer Robert Maillart. This reinforcement preserved the original iron framework by embedding it in concrete, creating a striking double-arched classical form. The viaduct also marks the linguistic boundary between French and German-speaking Switzerland, symbolizing a cultural and engineering landmark. Today, the pedestrian walkway beneath the tracks offers visitors a unique vantage point to experience the bridge's height and the vibrations of passing trains, making it a popular attraction for hikers and cyclists alike.
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Tip: Visit the Grandfey Viaduct during daylight hours for the best views and safer pedestrian crossing. The pedestrian path beneath the railway is accessible and offers a unique experience of the bridge's structure and the surrounding Saane valley. Consider combining your visit with nearby hiking or cycling trails. No need to purchase tickets as the pedestrian passage is freely accessible. The site is especially impressive during train crossings when the vibrations and sounds highlight the engineering feat.
Interesting facts
- •The Grandfey Viaduct was the first bridge to use Ferdinand Mathieu's cantilever construction method, which allowed the iron girders to be pushed out over the valley during construction.
- •It spans the linguistic boundary (Röstigraben) between the French-speaking and German-speaking parts of Switzerland.
- •The original iron framework of the 19th-century bridge was reused and embedded in concrete during the 1925-1927 reinforcement, a remarkable engineering feat.
- •The pedestrian walkway inside the bridge's structure was designed to allow light land traffic to cross the otherwise impassable Saane valley.
- •The bridge influenced the design of the Viaduc de Busseau in Switzerland and the Malleco Viaduct in Chile.
History
The Grandfey Viaduct was initially constructed from 1857 to 1862 by the Lausanne–Fribourg–Bern railway company, designed by a commission of engineers including Leopold Blotnitzki and Ferdinand Mathieu.
It was one of the first large iron lattice bridges in Switzerland, pioneering construction techniques such as Mathieu's cantilever method.
In 1892, the bridge was converted to single-track operation due to heavier trains and speed restrictions.
From 1925 to 1927, the Swiss Federal Railways reinforced the bridge with concrete arches under engineer Robert Maillart's advice to accommodate electrification and heavier locomotives, embedding the original iron framework in concrete and enhancing its classical architectural form.
The construction was notable for maintaining train traffic throughout the upgrade.
Later, the building of the Schiffenen dam in 1964 caused the lower part of the viaduct to be submerged in the resulting reservoir.
Place Guide
Original Iron Lattice Structure1857-1862
The 19th-century iron framework consists of six massive stone piers supporting iron lattice pillars and girders, showcasing pioneering 19th-century engineering and construction techniques.
Concrete Reinforcement and Arches1925-1927
Between 1925 and 1927, the original iron structure was embedded in concrete arches designed in the Melan system, advised by engineer Robert Maillart, to strengthen the viaduct for electrified and heavier trains.
Pedestrian Passageway
A walkway under the railway tracks allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross the Saane valley safely, offering impressive views and the unique experience of feeling the vibrations of passing trains.
