Pantenbrücke, Stone bridge in Linthal, Switzerland
The Pantenbrücke consists of two stone bridges stacked vertically, crossing the deep Linth gorge south of Tierfehd. The lower structure is the older bridge, while the upper one was built directly above it later, with both passages remaining visible.
The first recorded stone arch bridge was built in 1457, then rebuilt in 1560 and 1750 following damage from avalanches and rockfalls. The upper structure was added between 1899 and 1902 to address growing traffic needs.
The name comes from Latin roots where 'pontus' means bridge and 'pantum' means cattle passage, reflecting early Roman presence in the Linth valley. This naming shows how important this crossing was for trade and livestock movement from ancient times.
The crossing connects Linthal to Breil/Brigels in Graubünden via Kisten Pass and serves hikers and locals as an Alpine gateway. Visit between May and October when the trails and surrounding paths are most accessible.
From certain vantage points, both bridge levels are visible at the same time, offering a clear view of different construction methods side by side. This rare arrangement allows visitors to see roughly 450 years of bridge-building techniques in one location.
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