Hanging Viaduct—Bullay—Eight Views.

Among the distinctive features of Germany’s Mosel Valley route is the Hanging Viaduct southwest of Bullay.

To avoid a circuitous loop in the Mosel, this double track electrified line crosses the river on a combined road/rail bridge and punches through a ridge. Upon exiting the tunnel, the line clings to a steep hillside populated with vineyards supported by an unusual curved Hangviadukt, a ‘hanging viaduct.’ (A sort of half-bridge, whereby half the structure is built into the hillside.)

Earlier this month, Denis McCabe, Gerry Conmy, Stephen Hirsch and I made a visit to this famous structure, photographing it from a variety of angles.

The railway cooperated by running a variety of trains. Footpaths through the vineyards and surrounding areas offer many vantage points.

In addition to mainline trains, a branch railcar traversed the viaduct in each direction hourly.

The famous Hanging Viaduct looms above the vineyards like some ancient wall. Lumix LX7 photo.
The famous Hanging Viaduct looms above the vineyards like some ancient wall. Lumix LX7 photo.
A freight bound for France rolls westward over the Hanging Viaduct. FujiFilm X-T1 photo.
A freight bound for France rolls westward over the Hanging Viaduct. FujiFilm X-T1 photo.
DB electrics about enter the tunnel at the east end of the Hanging Viaduct near Bullay. FujiFilm X-T1 photo.
DB electrics about enter the tunnel at the east end of the Hanging Viaduct near Bullay. FujiFilm X-T1 photo.
A branch railcar meets a DB regional local train on the Hanging Viaduct. FujiFilm X-T1 photo.
A branch railcar meets a DB regional local train on the Hanging Viaduct. FujiFilm X-T1 photo.
Signs offer location advice.
Signs offer location advice.
A viewing platform at the westend of the viaduct offers this view. FujiFilm X-T1 photo.
A viewing platform at the westend of the viaduct offers this view. FujiFilm X-T1 photo.
Sun and clouds made for dappled light. FujiFilm X-T1 photo.
Sun and clouds made for dappled light. FujiFilm X-T1 photo.
An express passenger train to Luxembourg catches the sun. FujiFilm X-T1 photo.
An express passenger train from Luxembourg catches the sun. FujiFilm X-T1 photo.

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One comment on “Hanging Viaduct—Bullay—Eight Views.

  1. Brian Jennison on said:

    Neat spot. This way to the Tehachapi loop… grab a couple bottles of Mosel and hang out at the hanging viaduct.

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