Located in the Grisons canton of Switzerland, you can find the Traversiner Steg wooden suspended bridge on a local hiking route. Accommodating up to 50 people at one time, it’s a fun (and thrilling) highlight for those hiking in the area.
It’s definitely not for those who have a fear of heights, but we do think it’s a great location to enjoy the ravine below. If you can, visit on a sunny day, as the water can be a lovely turquoise blue colour. Read on below to know more about the bridge, where it is exactly and how to visit.
Traversiner Footbridge
It all started in 1996 when the original Traversiner steg bridge was built, with builder Jürg Conzett from the Chur engineering office Branger & Conzett. It was a 47 meter long and 4.2 ton three-belt framework, which was back then flown in by helicopter and placed above the ravine.
This however ended up being destroyed only 3 years later by rock fall. So it didn’t last as long as they had expected.
In 2005, a new bridge was designed and built, also by the same builder, now accessible for hikers called Traversiner Steg II. This new bridge represents a hanging staircase, where you not only cross the ravine as a bridge, but also as a stairway.
The old location was classified as too dangerous for reconstruction, so they had to reposition the new bridge in a slightly different location more towards the Rhine.
The total span of the latest bridge cables are 95 meters, with the walkway length being 62 meters. In total there are 176 steps above the ravine, with a height of 70 meters above the stream bed! It might not look this long or high, as the photos really don’t do it any justice. But we can definitely say you will be impressed if you don’t have a fear of heights!
Fun fact: It costed around CHF 527,000.00!
How To Visit The Traversiner Steg
The bridge is part of the viaSpluga long-distance hiking trail and can be best reached on foot while on the trail. It’s a lovely route, especially in good weather.
However it can also be reached with a small hike from the road area shown on Google maps. Head to Google maps and search for ‘Traversiner Steg’ and you will see it pop up for saving. We were enjoying a scenic drive in the Grisons canton when we spotted the bridge out the window, so we decided to stop for a short walk. The restaurant Restaurant zur Alten Post is also not far from the bridge location.
Open to the public from: May to October (weather permitting).
TIP: It’s great to combine a hike in the area while visiting Viamala. This touristic attraction allows you to head down in the ravine and walk along the water. It lets you enjoy the Viamala Gorge up close, with 359 steps to the centre!
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