12 Terrifying Bridges Around the World We Never Want to Cross
Dare to cross
Are you someone who gets an adrenaline rush from heights, instability, or just plain old daredevilry? If so, this is the article for you. Bridges can be symbols of human innovation, linking places that once seemed unreachable. But let's be real: some bridges take the thrill factor way up, making the journey as memorable as the destination. Here's a ranking of the world's scariest bridges, now expanded to include some additional nail-biters.
12. Capilano Suspension Bridge, Canada
You thought Canadians only did niceness and maple syrup, eh? Suspended 230 feet over the Capilano River in North Vancouver, this vertigo-inducing bridge is 450 feet of nope. Originally built in 1889, the bridge has since been revamped with cables and concrete. Its foundation may have moved from hemp ropes to cables, but that won't stop your palms from sweating.
Though it's a well-constructed structure that can support the weight of 96 full-grown elephants (just for context), you still might find your palms sweating as you grip the cable handrails. But let's be honest, that's part of the fun.
11. The Trift Bridge, Switzerland
Tucked away in the Swiss Alps, the Trift Bridge offers an adrenaline-packed experience for any thrill-seeker willing to make the journey. Suspended at an altitude of approximately 330 feet and stretching across a span of around 560 feet, this pedestrian-only suspension bridge is one of the longest and highest in the Alps. Built initially in 2004 to provide access to the Trift Hut of the Swiss Alpine Club, the bridge now serves as an adventure destination in its own right.
Walking across the Trift Bridge is not for the faint-hearted. The bridge wobbles with every step, and the gaps between the wooden planks offer a gut-wrenching view of the Trift Glacier's melting waters far below. A harness is not required to cross, but it might be a good idea for the more nervous among us. The thin air and strong winds at this altitude add another layer of difficulty, not to mention excitement, to the crossing.
As far as safety is concerned, the Trift Bridge has undergone upgrades and inspections to ensure it meets safety standards. However, accidents, while rare, are not unheard of. Given its height and the challenging conditions, caution is strongly advised.
10. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland
Holding on to your hat? You better hold on to the ropes as you cross this 66-foot-long bridge dangling 100 feet above the Atlantic. Originally erected by fishermen more than 350 years ago, the bridge today serves as a popular tourist attraction, offering sweeping views of Rathlin Island, Scotland, and the surrounding emerald waters.
Though it's been modernized and reinforced for safety, the walk across still provides a dose of adrenaline. The narrowness of the planks, combined with the sway of the bridge in the Atlantic winds, makes even the most confident traveler grip the ropes a bit tighter.
9. Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado, USA
The Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado, USA, was once the world's highest suspension bridge when it was completed in 1929. Dangling at a height of 955 feet above the Arkansas River, this iconic American structure stretches 1,260 feet across the Royal Gorge canyon. While it has been surpassed in height by other bridges, it still holds its own when it comes to the fear factor. The wooden walkway, consisting of more than 1,000 planks, provides a somewhat unsettling sensation as you walk or drive across. Don't be surprised if you hear the creaking sounds of the wood beneath your feet, heightening the suspense of your crossing. The bridge is also a testament to engineering resilience; it's survived decades of harsh Colorado weather and even a wildfire in 2013, which led to some refurbishments. For those who want an extra thrill, the site also offers a zip line and a sky coaster, both of which offer additional, exhilarating perspectives of the gorge below. All in all, the Royal Gorge Bridge continues to be a marvel of engineering and a bucket-list item for thrill-seekers visiting the United States.
8. Aiguille du Midi Bridge, France
The Aiguille du Midi Bridge in France is not for the faint of heart. Suspended at a vertiginous height of about 12,604 feet above sea level, this pedestrian bridge connects two peaks in the French Alps. The bridge itself is only about 100 feet long, but what it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in sheer adrenaline-pumping altitude. Those brave enough to cross the bridge are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak. However, the thin air and the sweeping views can also induce a strong sense of vertigo. With weather conditions that can change rapidly, crossing this bridge is both an awe-inspiring and a nerve-wracking experience, solidifying its position on the list of the world's scariest bridges.
7. Eshima Ohashi Bridge, Japan
The Eshima Ohashi Bridge in Japan, commonly referred to as the "roller coaster bridge," is notorious for its steep grades that provide drivers with a heart-racing experience. Stretching over approximately 1 mile in length and featuring gradients of up to 6.7%, this rigid-frame bridge is a feat of engineering designed to endure natural calamities like typhoons and earthquakes. While structurally sound, the bridge's dramatic inclines make it an anxiety-inducing drive, securing its place on the list of the world's scariest bridges.
6. Bach Long Suspension Glass Bridge, Vietnam
Vietnam's Bach Long Suspension Glass Bridge offers a walk on the adventurous side that thrills and chills in equal measure. Located in the Bach Long Vi district, this stunning glass-bottomed suspension bridge soars at a height that leaves even the bravest souls second-guessing their choices.
Although not as long as its Chinese counterpart, the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Bach Long's structure provides its own unique blend of terror and beauty. The bridge spans a remarkable distance over a dramatic natural landscape, giving pedestrians the sensation of floating above the Earth. The glass floor allows for an unobstructed view of the world below, further amplifying the daredevil experience.
Technically speaking, the bridge incorporates cutting-edge engineering to ensure stability, even in challenging weather conditions. Yet, it's the psychological mettle one needs to cross this transparent marvel that makes it truly haunting.
5. Suspension Glass Bridge, China
China's Suspension Glass Bridge, often referred to as the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, takes the concept of a pedestrian walkway to a whole new level—literally and figuratively. Situated in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the bridge is suspended about 980 feet above a jaw-dropping canyon. Stretching approximately 1,410 feet in length and 20 feet in width, this glass-bottomed marvel holds the title for the world's longest and tallest glass pedestrian bridge.
Walking across the bridge offers an unparalleled view of the natural landscape below, but it's not for the faint-hearted. Every step on the clear glass panels brings a pulse-quickening awareness of the chasm beneath your feet. Structurally, the bridge is designed to withstand earthquakes and typhoons, and even includes the capacity for small passenger cars.
4. Langkawi Sky Bridge, Malaysia
The Langkawi Sky Bridge in Malaysia is a 410-foot-long curved pedestrian bridge, situated 2,170 feet above sea level. This marvel of engineering offers panoramic views of the Langkawi islands and the Andaman Sea. Suspended from a single pylon, its structure is both awe-inspiring and a bit unnerving, especially when you're walking on sections of its glass-floor paneling. While the bridge itself is structurally sound, the height and the sweeping views can certainly unsettle those with a fear of heights. Even the cable car ride to get to the bridge is an adventure in itself, adding an extra layer of thrill to the experience.
3. The Sidu River Bridge, China
The Sidu River Bridge in China is one of the world's highest bridges, soaring at a height of about 1,627 feet above the Sidu River Gorge. Completed in 2009, it was once the world's highest bridge and is a key part of the G50 Huyu Expressway. While its engineering is top-notch, the sheer height alone can make it a heart-pounding experience for travelers. Guardrails offer minimal separation from a dizzying view into the gorge below, making this a crossing not for the faint-hearted.
2. Mount Titlis Bridge, Switzerland
The Mount Titlis Bridge in Switzerland holds the title of Europe's highest suspension bridge, perched over 9,800 feet above sea level. Spanning 320 feet between two peaks of Mount Titlis in the Swiss Alps, the bridge offers exhilarating views and a walk that's not for the faint of heart. Although only three feet wide, it's engineered to withstand the alpine weather and is a must-visit for thrill-seekers. Despite its sturdy construction, the bridge's altitude and sometimes harsh weather conditions make it a cautious adventure. It's a high-altitude thrill that blends engineering and natural beauty, making for an unforgettable experience
1. Hussaini Hanging Bridge, Pakistan
Taking the cake—or should I say, the plank—is this bridge over Borit Lake in Pakistan. Often referred to as the "most dangerous bridge in the world," the Hussaini Hanging Bridge is made up of various wooden planks and rope. The bridge is highly unstable and has several gaps between its planks. Add to that, it sways dangerously in the wind. Crossing this bridge is like playing a game of Russian roulette with gravity.
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.
