Žampach Railway Viaduct

The granite bridge in Posázaví, resembling something from an English novel, can be admired while riding a vintage steam train or walking the nearby educational trail.

Spanning 12.5 meters, the bridge towers over the village of Žampach near Kamenný Přívoz. Built between 1898 and 1899 with seven arches, the highest at 41 meters, it was constructed by skilled workers from across Europe, particularly Italians experienced with Alpine projects. Remarkably, the bridge shows no signs of wear, despite about thirty trains crossing daily. The first exterior renovation came in 2012, more than 110 years after its construction.

The viaduct is a technical masterpiece, being the highest stone bridge on the local railway. Its unique design features an arch with a 180-meter radius. Construction was challenging due to the difficult terrain and lack of mechanization, with granite transported from quarries along the Sázava River and hauled up a double-track incline. Once completed, railway operations began on May 1, 1900.

You can admire the bridge’s grandeur on the educational trail around Kocour Gorge, where you’ll learn about the landscape, the Sázava River, canoeing, and the railway. The route also ties into the Czech tramp culture, which the Posázavský Pacifik line once carried from Prague to nature spots during the First Republic.

What’s next?

Continue your exploration in nearby Jílové u Prahy. At the Regional Museum, delve into the town’s golden past. In the museum’s cellar, an archaeological exhibit highlights the region’s oldest monastery. You can also tour gold mines that date back to pre-Hussite times, offering a real glimpse into the underground world where generations of Jílové miners worked.