Name: Águeda Railway Bridge
Rating: 2

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Spain

Castile and León

Salamanca

Vitigudino

La Fregeneda

Águeda Railway Bridge

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Places to see

Spain

Castile and León

Salamanca

Vitigudino

La Fregeneda

Águeda Railway Bridge

Recommended by 1 hikers

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Parque Natural de las Arribes del Duero

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Location: La Fregeneda, Vitigudino, Salamanca, Castile and León, Spain

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Best Hikes to Águeda Railway Bridge

4.5

(2)

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1. Águeda Beach – Vega Terrón River Port loop from Poiares

11.4km

03:11

220m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

5.0

(2)

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2. Vega Terrón River Port – Barca d'Alva loop from Poiares

5.88km

01:35

80m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Tips

Torsten E.

August 31, 2025

The former railway bridge over the Río Águeda near La Fregeneda is one of the most impressive structures on the disused La Fuente de San Esteban – Barca d’Alva railway line (opened in 1887, closed in 1985).

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Torsten E.

August 31, 2025

The bridge was built as an iron truss structure following the French school's model (inspired by Gustave Eiffel) and spans the deeply cut Río Águeda, approximately 250 meters long and about 20 meters high above the river. The supporting structure consists of riveted steel girders resting on massive stone piers.

It was part of the cross-border connection between Spain and Portugal, connecting Salamanca to Porto. Due to its challenging topography—gorges, steep mountain slopes, and narrow valleys—the line was considered one of the most spectacular railway lines in Europe, with a total of 20 tunnels and 13 bridges, of which the Águeda Bridge was the most famous. It served as the gateway to the La Fregeneda–Barca d'Alva border station, where the crossing into Portugal took place.

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Torsten E.

August 31, 2025

When it was closed in 1985, the region lost its direct connection; the bridge fell into disrepair for decades and was inaccessible for a long time.

Only in recent years has the entire route been reopened to hikers and visitors as the "Camino de Hierro" (Iron Way). Crossing the bridge offers spectacular views of the Águeda Gorge and the terraced landscapes of olive, almond, and vineyards. Today, it is an industrial monument and also a tourist highlight in the Arribes del Duero Natural Park.

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Elevation 140 m

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Monday 6 October

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Location: La Fregeneda, Vitigudino, Salamanca, Castile and León, Spain

Águeda Railway Bridge

1. Águeda Beach – Vega Terrón River Port loop from Poiares

2. Vega Terrón River Port – Barca d'Alva loop from Poiares

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