Dammweg and Letten Viaduct High Line
Why is it significant?
Ascend to the elevated crest of the old railway embankment at Dammweg and enjoy the broad vista sweeping across the rooftops of Zurich West.
Key Facts
| Place | Dammweg and Letten Viaduct High Line |
|---|---|
| Address | Dammweg 25, 8005 Zurich, Switzerland |
| Geo Coordinates | 47.38780, 8.52700 |
| Part of Walk | Limmat Waterfront and Industrial Heritage: From Hauptbahnhof to Zurich West |
| Generated | Generated |
Ascend to the elevated crest of the old railway embankment at Dammweg and enjoy the broad vista sweeping across the rooftops of Zurich West. Where heavy steam locomotives and freight trains once rumbled along the Letten Viaduct, a leafy, car-free high line now winds through the city for pedestrians and cyclists. It stands as an internationally praised model of urban industrial transformation.
The stone railway viaduct was erected in 1894 as part of the Lake Zurich right-bank railway, linking the industrial western factories to the main rail terminal. For nearly a century, this colossal wall of Jura limestone physically divided the working-class quarter. Following the decommissioning of the line in 1989, wild flora and birch saplings colonized the gravel bed.
Rather than demolishing the historic arches, Zurich citizens voted to preserve the five-hundred-meter viaduct as a continuous linear park. Today, wild sage, rock speedwell, and flowering grasses flourish along the old timber rail ties under the feet of strollers. The architectural details of the masonry and the historic aura of the site continuously captivate visitors and residents alike. An attentive walk through these storied corners demonstrates how harmoniously Zurich's deep history merges with its contemporary urban rhythm.
From this elevated trail, you peer directly into the artisan courtyards and workshops of the Aussersihl quarter, while contemporary glass high-rises rise in the distance. The viaduct path bridges different chapters of Zurich's urban history with every step, offering an oasis of calm above city traffic. Generations of proud local residents have shaped this remarkable landmark, passing its timeless stories down to present-day travelers. Throughout the surrounding neighborhoods, visitors can clearly sense the harmonious blend of historic tradition and cosmopolitan energy. The harmonious balance of historic preservation and contemporary urban vitality makes this one of the most compelling destinations in Zurich.
Turn left onto Limmatstrasse and approach the distinctive red-brick complex of the former Löwenbräu brewery.