There’s something about magnificent railway bridges that we just can’t resist. It’s hard to beat the experience of traveling over deep valleys and rushing rivers while enjoying breathtaking scenery unfold beneath us.
And these structures are no longer just examples of engineering prowess; they have become landmarks that highlight destinations and serve as visual testaments to the progression of civil engineering.
This year, which stands out as particularly significant in Europe, Scotland's iconic Forth Bridge is commemorating ten years since being designated a UNESCO World Heritage site—one of only a handful of railway bridges to earn such recognition. Additionally, this month marks its 135th anniversary.
This famous cantilever railway bridge spanning the Firth of Forth is so integral to Scotland’s pride and cultural legacy that it even appears on certain Scottish banknotes.
In what ways have railway bridges evolved throughout history?
Similar to railways, bridges have also changed significantly from their appearance a hundred years ago.
"Railroad bridges have seen considerable advancements over the last century," explains Professor Luke Prendergast, a specialist in civil engineering with a focus on bridges at the University of Nottingham. "Previously, stone-arch type bridges were prevalent," he notes.
These massive stone constructions were aesthetically pleasing but ultimately made room for steel bridges featuring truss systems.
However, don’t assume that metal bridges cannot also be masterpieces of art.
"Steel enabled the creation of longer spans," notes Professor Prendergast.
The most recent bridges are typically constructed using reinforced concrete and various composite materials; however, each of these designs can still be quite visually appealing. It ultimately boils down to individual preference when it comes to determining which looks better—the traditional stone construction or the modern approach.
Avoid looking down: Where are the planet's tallest railway bridges located?
Although the latest skyscrapers tend to be the tallest, this rule does not hold true for railway bridges. Montenegro’s The Mala Rijeka Viaduct was crowned as the world’s tallest railway bridge upon its inauguration in 1973.
The title has since been claimed by a more recent bridge in Guizhou. China .
However, the statistics of the Mala Rijeka Viaduct remain remarkable – at its tallest point, the 499-meter-long bridge soars 200 meters above the river beneath it. Not surprisingly, such an enormous structure requires substantial reinforcement; thus, the biggest pier stands on a foundation as large as a tennis court.
Southern France’s The Viaur Viaduct may not match the towering presence of the Mala Rijeka Viaduct, yet it remains equally remarkable. This stunning steel construction dates back to 1902.
Renowned for its sophisticated design and majestic arches, this structure boasts a maximum span of 220 meters. Architect Paul Bodin crafted its refined appearance by utilizing an innovative method called balanced arches. This approach required minimal use of metal and instead depended on a counterweight system to ensure stability, eliminating the need for additional material.
At its tallest point, towering 116 meters over the Viaur River Valley, this bridge stands as a testament to dedication, crafted from an impressive 3,800 tons of metal and secured using 160 tons of steel rivets—all requiring manual tightening.
Wonders of Masonry in France and England
No bridges can surpass the beauty of the Chamborigaud Viaduct – this stunning structure consists of 29 arches spanning 384 meters long. It was constructed in the late 1800s under the direction of architect Charles Dombre for the Paris-Lyon-Mediterranean Railway Company.
A brick bridge that was constructed Cévennes region — featuring its extensive valleys and towering hills — making it far more reachable, the viaduct was recognized as a historical monument by the French government in 1984.
Another impressive feat of masonry is the Whalley Viaduct located in northern England, constructed to support the railway. Blackburn The rail link to Clitheroe spanning the River Calder Valley was introduced in 1850. It was constructed using six million bricks and features 48 arches.
This impressive edifice has frequently been likened to a cathedral or monastery, suggesting that such an association may have been deliberate. Located near Whalley Abbey—a site established in the 13th century—the viaduct reflects inspiration from the architectural style of the nearby religious building. Its designer, Terence Woulfe Flanagan, drew upon elements reminiscent of the abbey’s ecclesiastical aesthetics.
Another splendid example of masonry is the Ouse Valley Viaduct. Sussex In England, when this structure was built during the 1840s, it stood out as an advanced design for its era. This particular railway viaduct, featuring 37 arches, employs a construction technique called jack arches to minimize the use of bricks.
The bridge's sleek design is regarded as one of England’s most graceful railway structures and is renowned for its changing colors, thanks to its rust-red brickwork (exactly 11 million bricks) and cream-colored limestone, which was quarried locally. Normandy .
Construct it and visitors will flock: Renowned spans transform into travel destinations
Several of Europe's most stunning bridges have become attractions in their own regard. A prime example is one such bridge. Scotland’s Glenfinnan Viaduct, which played a prominent part in the Harry Potter movies .
Professor Vasilis Sarhosis, who specializes in masonry bridges within the civil engineering department at the University of Leeds, greatly admires this structure and emphasizes that its appeal goes beyond its stylish appearance.
“ Glenfinnan Viaduct Constructed over a century ago, this bridge remains one of the biggest in Scotland," explains Professor Sarhosis.
It was built with mass concrete — this indicates that it contains no steel reinforcement, contrasting with many contemporary railway bridges.
Among the most impressive examples of Victorian-era engineering is this 21-arch bridge, prominently featured on some Scottish currency notes. Stretching over 380 meters, the finest vistas can be enjoyed from the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre. This location serves as the beginning of several walking trails adorned with viewing stations designed for visitors eager to appreciate this remarkable feat of architecture.
Scotland’s aforementioned UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge Another remarkable site, situated on the periphery of Edinburgh, has made appearances in classic British films like "The 39 Steps" and "Carry OnRegardless," as well as in a recent episode of "The Simpsons."
Introduced in 1890, this cantilever-truss bridge was constructed using 54,000 tons of steel and is renowned for its distinctive rust-red color. Nowadays, its shade is due to a custom-made red paint designed to mimic the initial reddish-brown patina it had upon opening.
Another attraction for enthusiasts of railway bridges is Switzerland’s Landwasser Viaduct, a renowned landmark along the UNESCO-listed Albula Mountain Railway. Constructed in the early 1900s, this impressive structure was built without using scaffolds during its creation. The engineers appreciated the straightforward material sourcing since the viaduct was constructed using locally quarried limestone. Dolomite Mountains through which the railway passes.
Compared to the other railway bridges featured here, this one is quite compact—it has six arches and spans only 142 meters. What sets it apart is its sharp curvature and how one end seemingly vanishes into a mountainside, making navigation extremely challenging before the bridge was built.
Similarly impressive is the Sittertal Valley’s Sitter Viaduct, constructed in 1910 and standing as the tallest standard-gauge bridge. railway bridge In Switzerland, this structure gained recognition for its distinctive "fish-belly" central truss design (a suspended middle portion supported solely by curved girders underneath). This pioneering approach showcased advanced building methods and earned international acclaim as a remarkable feat of engineering.
Further proof that bridges can be attractions on its own merits stands the LuÃs I Bridge in Porto In Portugal, one of the world's most intricately decorated railway bridges stands out, featuring stone decorations embellished with Portugal's coat of arms. After dark, the upper level is illuminated by lanterns casting a warm, golden glow over the structure.
The mastermind behind the iconic Eiffel Tower, Gustave Eiffel, nearly became its architect. However, his proposals were ultimately turned down, and the responsibility for the project fell into the hands of German engineer Théophile Seyrig instead.
A groundbreaking link to a pedestrian-only ski destination
Lastly, let's take a peek into the future with a closer look at one of the globe's most pioneering railway bridge projects.
You’ll find the Swiss Alps’ The Stoos funicular railway bridge links Schwyz to the car-free ski village of Stoos. This transportation system boasts the distinction of being the world’s steepest funicular.
Travelers aboard this mountain train ride—which features locomotives designed like elegant glass spheres—travel through three tunnels and cross over two bridges. Among these, the standout structure is the bridge that spans the Muota River. Although it might not appeal to those who prefer more conventional designs, it remains an essential part of our celebration of the planet’s most stunning railway bridges.